Operational results of pilot cell test with cermet ``inert`` anodes

Conference · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:10141199

Alcorn, T R; Tabereaux, A T; Richards, N E ^[1]; Windisch, Jr, C F; Strachan, D M ^[2]; Gregg, J S; Frederick, M S ^[3]

---

1. Reynolds Metals Co., Muscle Shoals, AL (United States). Mfg. Technology Lab.
2. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
3. ELTECH Research Corp., Fairport Harbor, OH (United States)

The operational performance of a ``six-pack`` of cermet anodes and corrosion rates was evaluated in a six kA pilot reduction cell at Reynolds` Manufacturing Technology Laboratory. Two separate test periodswere conducted with the cermet anodes; the first period was in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Laboratory and the second with ELTECH Research Corporation. Both tests used identical NiO-NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-Cu anodes manufactured by Ceramic Magnetics, Inc.. The ELTECH testing involved the in situ coating of the anodes with cerium oxide. Primary evaluations for both test periods were conducted at target conditions of alumina saturation and 0.5 amp/cm{sup 2} anode current density. Individual anodes remained in operation for 25 days during the two and one-half month testing period. Operational difficulties developed throughout the test due to breakage of the anode conductor stems, cracking and breaking of the cermet anodes, unequal anode current distribution, and alumina muck build-up in the cell. These operational problems are discussed as well as an estimate of anode corrosion rates based on metal impurity levels in the aluminum metal pad.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 10141199
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA--21117; CONF-930202--4; ON: DE93009338
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101
360205
ALUMINIUM
ANODES
CERIUM OXIDES
CERMETS
COPPER ALLOYS
CORROSION
CORROSION AND EROSION
ELECTROMETALLURGY
IRON OXIDES
NICKEL OXIDES
PERFORMANCE
PREPARATION AND FABRICATION
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
TESTING