Anode film formation and control

Patent · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:867360

Koski, Oscar ^[1]; Marschman, Steven C ^[1]

---

1. Richland, WA

A protective film is created about the anode within a cryolite-based electrolyte during electrolytic production of aluminum from alumina. The film function to minimize corrosion of the anode by the cryolitic electrolyte and thereby extend the life of the anode. Various operating parameters of the electrolytic process are controlled to maintain the protective film about the anode in a protective state throughout the electrolytic reduction of alumina. Such parameters include electrolyte temperature, electrolyte ratio, current density, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration. An apparatus is also disclosed to enable identification of the onset of anode corrosion due to disruption of the film to provide real time information regarding the state of the film.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4921584
• OSTI ID: 867360
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/205/
alumina
aluminum
anode
apparatus
concentration
control
controlled
corrosion
created
cryolite-based
cryolitic
current
current density
density
disclosed
disruption
due
electrolyte
electrolytic
electrolytic process
electrolytic production
electrolytic reduction
enable
extend
film
film formation
formation
function
identification
information
information regarding
life
maintain
minimize
minimize corrosion
onset
operating
operating parameter
operating parameters
parameters
process
production
protective
provide
ratio
reduction
regarding
temperature
throughout
time
various