Molten salt bath circulation design for an electrolytic cell

Patent · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:872452

Dawless, Robert K ^[1]; LaCamera, Alfred F ^[2]; Troup, R Lee ^[3]; Ray, Siba P ^[3]; Hosler, Robert B ^[4]

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1. Monroeville, PA
2. Trafford, PA
3. Murrysville, PA
4. Sarver, PA

An electrolytic cell for reduction of a metal oxide to a metal and oxygen has an inert anode and an upwardly angled roof covering the inert mode. The angled roof diverts oxygen bubbles into an upcomer channel, thereby agitating a molten salt bath in the upcomer channel and improving dissolution of a metal oxide in the molten salt bath. The molten salt bath has a lower velocity adjacent the inert anode in order to minimize corrosion by substances in the bath. A particularly preferred cell produces aluminum by electrolysis of alumina in a molten salt bath containing aluminum fluoride and sodium fluoride.

• Research Organization: Aluminum Co of America
• DOE Contract Number: FC07-89ID12848
• Assignee: Aluminum Company of America (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5938914
• OSTI ID: 872452
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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/205/204/
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agitating
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bath containing
bubbles
cell
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channel
circulation
containing
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corrosion
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upwardly
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