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Title: Modular anode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction

Abstract

Modular anode assemblies are used in electrolytic oxide reduction systems for scalable reduced metal production via electrolysis. Assemblies include a channel frame connected to several anode rods extending into an electrolyte. An electrical system powers the rods while being insulated from the channel frame. A cooling system removes heat from anode rods and the electrical system. An anode guard attaches to the channel frame to prevent accidental electrocution or damage during handling or repositioning. Each anode rod may be divided into upper and lower sections to permit easy repair and swapping out of lower sections. The modular assemblies may have standardized components to permit placement at multiple points within a reducing system. Example methods may operate an electrolytic oxide reduction system by positioning the modular anode assemblies in the reduction system and applying electrical power to the plurality of anode assemblies.

Inventors:
; ; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1170386
Patent Number(s):
8956524
Application Number:
12/977,916
Assignee:
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC (Wilmington, NC)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
C - CHEMISTRY C25 - ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES C25C - PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21C - NUCLEAR REACTORS
DOE Contract Number:  
ACO2-06CH11357
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Citation Formats

Wiedmeyer, Stanley G, Barnes, Laurel A, Williamson, Mark A, and Willit, James L. Modular anode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction. United States: N. p., 2015. Web.
Wiedmeyer, Stanley G, Barnes, Laurel A, Williamson, Mark A, & Willit, James L. Modular anode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction. United States.
Wiedmeyer, Stanley G, Barnes, Laurel A, Williamson, Mark A, and Willit, James L. Tue . "Modular anode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1170386.
@article{osti_1170386,
title = {Modular anode assemblies and methods of using the same for electrochemical reduction},
author = {Wiedmeyer, Stanley G and Barnes, Laurel A and Williamson, Mark A and Willit, James L},
abstractNote = {Modular anode assemblies are used in electrolytic oxide reduction systems for scalable reduced metal production via electrolysis. Assemblies include a channel frame connected to several anode rods extending into an electrolyte. An electrical system powers the rods while being insulated from the channel frame. A cooling system removes heat from anode rods and the electrical system. An anode guard attaches to the channel frame to prevent accidental electrocution or damage during handling or repositioning. Each anode rod may be divided into upper and lower sections to permit easy repair and swapping out of lower sections. The modular assemblies may have standardized components to permit placement at multiple points within a reducing system. Example methods may operate an electrolytic oxide reduction system by positioning the modular anode assemblies in the reduction system and applying electrical power to the plurality of anode assemblies.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2015},
month = {Tue Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2015}
}

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