Sonic resonator control and method for determining component concentration in multiple-component liquid

Patent · Fri Oct 29 00:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:5704292

Shen, S. Y.

This invention teaches a control to be used in smelting aluminum by the electrolysis breakdown of alumina (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/) in a molten electrolyte heated to approximately 950 to 1000/sup 0/C. The invention provides a sonic resonator and control that can accurately detect the resonant frequency of the resonator in the molten electrolyte. The resonator preferably is made with tubular side wall 1/4 of the sonic wavelength, or is a quarter wave resonator. A wave generator inputs a signal having a range of frequencies that includes the resonant frequency, so that a peak resonant output at the resonant frequency can be detected on an oscilloscope or like detector. This instantaneous resonant frequency is then checked against an accurate data base correlating the resonant frequencies of the resonator in the electrolyte at specific alumina concentrations normally experienced throughout the electrolysis cycle. The electrolysis cycle can thus be controlled and recharged at any predetermined low alumina concentration greater than where the anode effect phase of the cycle normally might begin.

• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-38
• Assignee: ERA-08-054772; EDB-83-179031
• Application Number: ON: DE83018004
• OSTI ID: 5704292
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM
SMELTING
ACOUSTIC TESTING
PROCESS CONTROL
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
ELECTROLYSIS
MIXTURES
RESONATORS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CONTROL
DISPERSIONS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
LYSIS
MATERIALS TESTING
METALS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
TESTING
440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)
360101 - Metals & Alloys- Preparation & Fabrication