Patent · US Active

Modular cathode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction

US8900439B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
45References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 2010
Grant dateDec 2, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 5, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG21C19/48
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Modular cathode assemblies are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include a basket through which fluid electrolyte may pass and exchange charge with a material to be reduced in the basket. The basket can be divided into upper and lower sections to provide entry for the material. Example embodiment cathode assemblies may have any shape to permit modular placement at any position in reduction systems. Modular cathode assemblies include a cathode plate in the basket, to which unique and opposite electrical power may be supplied. Example embodiment modular cathode assemblies may have standardized electrical connectors. Modular cathode assemblies may be supported by a top plate of an electrolytic reduction system. Electrolytic oxide reduction systems are operated by positioning modular cathode and anode assemblies at desired positions, placing a material in the basket, and charging the modular assemblies to reduce the metal oxide.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.