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

Wiedmeyer, Stanley G; Barnes, Laurel A; Williamson, Mark A; Willit, James L

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

Patent · Tue Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2015

OSTI ID:1170386

Wiedmeyer, Stanley G; Barnes, Laurel A; Williamson, Mark A; Willit, James L

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.

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Research Organization:: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

DOE Contract Number:: ACO2-06CH11357

Assignee:: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC (Wilmington, NC)

Patent Number(s):: 8,956,524

Application Number:: 12/977,916

OSTI ID:: 1170386

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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