Sonic resonator control and method for determining component concentration in multiple component molten liquids
- Woodridge, IL
This invention teaches a control to be used in smelting aluminum by the electrolysis breakdown of alumina (A1.sub.2 O.sub.3) in a molten electrolyte heated to approximately 950.degree.-1000.degree. 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.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4447301
- OSTI ID:
- 864990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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/205/73/204/436/702/
950
a1
accurate
accurately
accurately detect
alumina
aluminum
anode
approximately
base
begin
breakdown
checked
component
concentration
concentrations
control
controlled
correlating
cycle
data
data base
degree
detect
detected
detector
determining
effect
electrolysis
electrolyte
experienced
frequencies
frequency
generator
heated
inputs
instantaneous
liquids
melting aluminum
method
molten
molten electrolyte
molten liquid
multiple
multiple component
normally
oscilloscope
output
peak
phase
predetermined
preferably
provides
quarter
quarter wave
range
rate data
recharged
resonant
resonant frequencies
resonant frequency
resonator
signal
smelting
sonic
specific
teaches
throughout
tubular
wall
wave
wave generator
wave resonator
wavelength