INSULATION ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTROLYSIS CELL

Abstract

An insulation assembly is provided, including: a body of an insulating material with a lower surface configured to contact a sidewall an electrolysis cell; an upper surface generally opposed to the lower surface; and a perimetrical sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface to surround the remainder of the body, the perimetrical sidewall including: an inner portion configured to face an anode surface of the electrolysis cell and provide a gap between the body and the anode surface of the electrolysis cell; wherein the body is configured to extend from the sidewall towards the anode surface.

Claims

1. An insulation assembly, comprising: a body of an insulating material, the body having: a lower surface configured to contact a sidewall of an electrolysis cell; an upper surface generally opposed to the lower surface; and a perimetrical sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface to surround the remainder of the body, wherein the perimetrical sidewall includes an inner portion, wherein the inner portion is configured to face an anode surface of the electrolysis cell, wherein the inner surface is constructed of a non-metallic material; wherein the body is configured to extend from the sidewall towards the anode surface; wherein the inner surface is configured to provide a gap between the body and the anode surface of the electrolysis cell.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the gap is at least 2 mm to not greater than 10 mm.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein via the configuration of the gap, the gap is self-seals with solidified bath.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the body is at least 1 thick to not greater than 10 thick.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the insulation assembly comprises a side aisle refractory block.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: refractory; alumina based refractory, castable, silica, aluminosilicates, calcium aluminates, and combinations thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the lower surface constructed of a non-metallic material.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the body of insulating material is configured to maintain non-contact with the anode surface of the electrolysis cell.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the upper surface configured with a lift point.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lift point includes an attachment site configured to allow attachment to the body, wherein the attachment site is configured to support the weight of the body.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a port extending through the body from the upper surface to the lower surface

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the port is configured to support and permit at least one of the following to extend therethrough: an alumina feed device; a sensor, a probe, a tapping rod/device, a thermocouple, a sampling container, and combinations thereof.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the assembly further comprises a cap, wherein the cap is configured to fit into and be retained in the port of the body.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cap comprises a refractory material selected from: alumino-silicate material, low-cement alumina, and combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the cap is retained in the port via gravity.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the gap is retained in the port via a press-fit.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a low density insulating material and a high density insulating material, wherein the lower surface and perimetrical sidewall comprise the high density insulating material.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a depression in the upper surface, wherein a low density insulating material is retained within the depression.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the low density insulating material is at least one of: a thermal blanket; an alumina blanket; a silica based blanket; and combinations thereof.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the total percentage of cross sectional volume of the insulation assembly that is low density insulation material is: at least 10% as compared to the cross-sectional volume of the high density insulation material.

21. The method of claim 18, the total percentage of cross sectional volume of the insulation assembly that is low density insulation material is: not greater than 70%, as compared to the cross-sectional volume of the high density insulation material.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the depression is configured proximal to the inner surface of the sidewall.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the assembly comprises a cover, wherein the cover is configured to fit over the depression and retain the low density insulating material inside of the depression in the upper surface.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the cover comprises: metal, stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, refractory castable, refractory board, and combinations thereof.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the body is a monolithic piece with a depression cast into the upper surface.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein based on the configuration of the body, the center of gravity is configured closer to an outer surface rather than the center of the assembly, such that the assembly rests on the sidewall without mechanical attachment.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a mechanical attachment to the deckplate.

28. An insulation assembly, comprising: a monolithic body of an insulating material, the monolithic body having: a lower surface constructed of a non-conducting material, wherein the lower surface is configured to contact an upper portion of a sidewall of an electrolysis cell; an upper surface generally opposed from the lower surface, the upper surface configured with a lift device, the lift device having an attachment site configured to allow attachment to the monolithic body and support the weight of the monolithic body when lifted from contact with the deck plate of the electrolysis cell; and a perimetrical sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the perimetrical sidewall having an inner portion configured to face the open upper region of the electrolysis cell, wherein the inner surface is constructed of an insulating material; wherein the monolithic body of insulating material is configured to maintain non-contact with an anode assembly of the electrolysis cell.

29. An apparatus, comprising: an electrolysis cell comprising: a cell bottom, at least one anode, at least one cathode, and at least one sidewall perimetrically surrounding the cell bottom, wherein the sidewall comprises: an inner face configured to retain a molten electrolyte and a top edge wherein the sidewall has an upper portion; at least one insulation assembly configured to fit on the top edge of the sidewall and not contact an anode surface, wherein the insulation assembly comprises: a body comprising a non-metallic material, wherein the body comprises a lower surface contacting the top edge of the sidewall and an upper surface configured with a lift device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the gap is at least 2 mm to not greater than 10 mm.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the gap is configured to self-seal with a solidified bath material from the cell.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the body is at least 1 inch thick to not greater than 10 inches thick.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein the body comprises a port extending through the body from the upper surface to the lower surface.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the port is configured to support and permit at least one of the following to extend therethrough: an alumina feed device; a sensor, a probe, a tapping rod/device, a thermocouple, a sampling container, and combinations thereof.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the assembly further comprises a cap, wherein the cap is configured to fit into and be retained in the port of the body.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein based on the configuration of the body, the center of gravity is configured closer to an outer surface rather than the center of the assembly, such that the assembly rests on the sidewall without mechanical attachment.

37. The method of claim 29, wherein the body further comprises cantilevered configuration, wherein the inner edge of the body is unsupported.

38. A method, comprising: directing electrical current from at least one anode through an electrolytic bath having a feed material therein to a cathode, the bath having a temperature of less than 1000 C., wherein the bath is retained by a sidewall, the sidewall configured with a plurality of insulation assemblies positioned perimetrically around the upper edge of the sidewall; electrolytically reducing the feed material to produce a non-ferrous metal; adjusting the at least one anode in a vertical direction, such that, during the adjusting step, the insulation assemblies are maintained in position on the sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] FIG. 1 depicts a cut-away side view of an embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, positioned on an electrolysis cell.

[0078] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, the insulation assembly including a work port.

[0079] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, the insulation assembly including a work port with a cap configured in place to cover the work port.

[0080] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, the insulation assembly including a work port with a cap configured in place to cover the work port, the cap configured with an access point.

[0081] FIGS. 5A-5G depict a combination of perspective, plan, and cut-away side views of yet another embodiment of the instant disclosure, including lift devices and a work port.

[0082] FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 5B depicts a top plan view of FIG. 5A.

[0084] FIG. 5C depicts a side plan view of FIG. 5A.

[0085] FIG. 5D depicts a cut-away side view taken along Section A-A of FIG. 5B.

[0086] FIG. 5E depicts an end plan view of FIG. 5A.

[0087] FIG. 5F depicts a cut-away side view taken along Section B-B of FIG. 5C.

[0088] FIG. 5G depicts a cut-away side view taken along Section C-C of FIG. 5C.

[0089] FIG. 6 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, where the insulation assembly is configured with an attachment area (e.g. mechanical attachment device configured in the form of a bolt or screw).

[0090] FIG. 7 depicts the insulation assembly of FIG. 6 positioned on an electrolysis cell, depicting a gap between the insulation assembly and the anode surface (e.g. anode assembly, anode body, refractory body, or combination thereof).

[0091] FIG. 8 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, where the insulation assembly is configured with an attachment area (e.g. mechanical attachment device configured in the form of a bracket and latch).

[0092] FIG. 9 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, where the insulation assembly is configured with an attachment area (e.g. mechanical attachment device configured in the form of a bracket combined with a screw or bolt).

[0093] FIG. 10 depicts a close-up cut-away side view of the insulation assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

[0094] FIG. 11 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 12 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, similar to that of FIG. 11, but with a larger volume of low density insulation as compared to that of FIG. 11.

[0096] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of an electrolysis cell configured with a plurality of insulation assemblies, where four different configurations of insulation assemblies are depicted. Referring to FIG. 13, the insulation assemblies are configured along the outer perimeter of the cell (e.g. sidewalls and corners) such that the plurality of insulation assemblies configured to cooperate with the anode surfaces (e.g. anode assemblies and/or anode bodies) to form a perimetrical cover which is configured to reduce, prevent, or eliminate heat loss from the cell. Also, it is noted that the insulation assemblies cooperate with the anode surfaces to provide a gap between the inner portion of each insulation assembly and the anode surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Reference will now be made in detail to the accompanying drawings, which at least assist in illustrating various pertinent embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] In some embodiments, the insulation assembly includes a high-density material (e.g. refractory) on a majority of the contact portion of the wall and at least a portion of low-density material (e.g. insulation, thermal blanket) on the overhang portion of the insulation assembly. With such a configuration, the insulation assembly has a center of gravity that is configured further back on the insulation assembly (i.e. towards the sidewall and away from the overhand portion), such that the insulation assembly is configured to sit upon the cell (e.g. refractory lining or edge of the electrolytic cell) and protrude over to the open, upper end of the cell such that the overhand portion is configured to cover (e.g. fully cover, but for the gap) the open upper portion of the cell such that the insulation assembly is configured to provide a barrier to in that the insulation assembly is configured to reduce, prevent, and/or eliminate the escape of exhaust fumes and/or heat from the electrolytic bath.

[0099] In some embodiments, the insulation assembly includes a high-density material (e.g. refractory) on a majority of the contact portion of the wall and (in some embodiments) at least a portion of low-density material (e.g. insulation, thermal blanket) on the overhang portion of the insulation assembly, where the insulation assembly is configured with an attachment area, the attachment area configured to promote mechanical attachment of the insulation assembly to the cell wall (e.g. deck plate, insulation, sidewall, or a combination thereof).

[0100] In some embodiments, the insulation assembly is configured with: a center of gravity positioned/aligned with the contact portion of the lower surface of the insulation assembly and an attachment area, configured to provide an area to mechanically attach the insulation assembly to the electrolysis cell sidewall.

[0101] Referring generally to the Figures, the insulation assembly 10 is configured with a body 12, the body 12 having a lower surface 14 and an upper surface 16 and a perimetrical sidewall 18 which extends between the upper surface 16 and the lower surface 14.

[0102] The lower portion 16 is generally split into two portions: an overhang portion 50 and a contact portion 52. The overhang portion 50 is configured to extend in an outward direction from the sidewall and contact the vapor interface above the bath 118, which is retained in the electrolysis cell 100. The contact portion 52 is configured to contact the sidewall 120 of the cell 100 (e.g. deck plate 122, insulation, shell, or combinations thereof).

[0103] The sidewall 18 is configured with at least two portions: an outer portion 22 and an inner portion 20, where the inner portion 20 and outer portion 22 are configured such that the inner portion 20 is adjacent to (e.g. spaced from, via the gap 54) the anode surface 112 and the outer portion 22 is adjacent to (e.g. positioned above and/or on) the sidewall 120 of the cell 100).

[0104] In some embodiments of the instant disclosure, the insulation assembly 10 is configured such that, when in place on the cell 100, there is a gap 54 between an inner portion 20 of the sidewall 18 of the assembly 10 and the anode surface 112. Without being bound by a particular mechanism or theory, the insulation assembly is configured such that the size of the gap is specifically configured to, during cell operation (e.g. heat up and/or operation) retain a portion of solidified bath 118 in the gap 54 (e.g. which vaporizes from the molten electrolyte 118), thus, creating a seal between the inner portion 20 of the insulation assembly 10 and the anode surface 112.

[0105] Similarly, without being bound by a particular mechanism or theory, the insulation assemblies 10 are configured to be positioned about the sidewall 120 such that there are specifically configured gaps between the insulation assemblies 10. These gaps between insulation assemblies 10 are configured to be sealed with solidified bath (e.g. during cell heat up and/or operation). It is noted that the solidified bath that is retained in the gap 54 and/or the gap between insulation assemblies (e.g. depicted in FIG. 13) has a thickness and strength sufficient to provide a barrier to the exhaust gases and/or heat which is radiating from the cell 100 and/or bath 118, but via the configuration of the insulation assembly 10 and cooperating gap 54 spacing, is configured to break upon adjustment of the anode surface 112 (e.g. in a vertical direction, upwards or downwards), such that the insulation assembly 10 remains seated on the sidewall 120 of the cell 100 and the anode surface 112 is able to be configured without restriction from the frozen bath portion in the gap 54.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 1 (and FIG. 10), the insulation assembly 10 is configured with a port 36 which is configured to extend through the body 12 of the assembly 10, extending from the upper surface 16 to the lower surface 14 (e.g. overhang portion 50 of the lower surface). Also depicted in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 10), the port 36 includes a cap 38, which is configured to retain at least partially inside the port. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 10, the cap 38 is further configured with a perimetrical extension which extends around an upper portion of the cap such that a collar is provided (e.g. configured to secure the cap 38 in place and/or prevent cap 38 from sliding through the port 36 into the bath 118/cell 100. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 10, the cap 38 is provided with an access point 44, to allow access to the vapor space and/or bath 118 without removing either the cap 38 or the insulation assembly 10 from position. It is noted that the cap 38 is removably attachable from the port 36. The insulation assembly of FIGS. 1 and 10 is also configured with an attachment area 24 for a lift device 26, including a lift device 26 (e.g. a bolted in tow line). In FIG. 1, the insulation assembly 10 is configured with a center of gravity above the contact portion 50 of the lower surface 14, such that the insulation assembly 10 is retained on the sidewall/in place overhanging the cell 100 via gravity. In FIG. 1, a gap 54 is depicted between the inner portion 20 of the sidewall 18 of the insulation assembly 10 and the anode surface 112.

[0107] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, basically, the insulation assembly 10 of FIG. 10 without a cap 38, such that the port 36 is depicted. FIG. 2 also depicts the covers 34, which are positioned on either side of the port 36, and configured to cover the low density insulation 32 (not shown) retained below the covers 34 (within the body 12 of the insulation assembly 10).

[0108] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly of the instant disclosure, basically, the insulation assembly 10 of FIG. 1 with a cap 38, where the cap does not have an access point 44 (e.g. the upper portion of the cap, is configured to completely cover the port 36).

[0109] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 1, the insulation assembly 10 including a port 36 with a cap 38 configured in place to cover the work port, the cap configured with an access point 44.

[0110] FIGS. 5A-5G depict a combination of perspective, plan, and cut-away side views of an insulation assembly 10, which is configured to include a plurality of lift devices 26 and a port 36, with a cover 34 that extends around the port 36 and over the majority of the upper surface 16 which is configured generally opposite to (e.g. juxtaposed to) the overhang portion 52 of the lower surface 14. FIGS. 5A-5C and 5E-G depict the lift device 26, an eye hook which is configured with a screw (opposite the eye hook) which is configured to mechanically attach to and secure the lift device 26 to the upper surface 16 of the insulation assembly 10. Also depicted in the cut-away side views of FIGS. 5D, 5F, and 5G are the low density insulation components 30 provided within the body 12, positioned within the depression 28 of the body 12. The low density insulation component 30 is configured to be retained within the body 12 via cover 34 (depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5G).

[0111] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict cut-away side views of another embodiment of an insulation assembly 10, in which the insulation assembly 10 is configured to an attachment area 40 (e.g. a portion of the cell 100, or cell component/superstructure). As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mechanical attachment device 42 (configured in the form of a bolt or screw 44) attaches the insulation assembly 10 (e.g. outer portion 22) to the attachment area 40 of the cell 100. Also depicted in this embodiment, cover 34 is configured to retain low density insulation material 30 within the recessed portion of body 12 (composed of high density insulation material 32). Thus, FIGS. 6 and 7 depict an insulation assembly 10 configured with two forms of retaining the insulation assembly in place: (a) a specifically configured center of gravity above the contact portion 52 of the lower surface 14 and (b) mechanical attachment device/fastener 42 configured to mechanically attach the insulation assembly 10 to the cell 100 at the attachment area 40 of the sidewall 120. FIG. 7 depicts the insulation assembly 10 in position on the sidewall 120 of the cell, depicting the gap 54 between the inner portion 20 of the sidewall and the anode surface 112.

[0112] FIG. 8 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly 10, where the insulation assembly 10 is configured with a mechanical attachment device 42 which is configured to attach to the attachment area 40 of the sidewall 120 (e.g. specifically, a latch on the deck plate 122). As shown in FIG. 8, the outer portion 22 of the insulation assembly is configured with a mechanical fastener 42 (e.g. a bolt 44 which attaches to a bracket 46). As depicted in FIG. 8, the mechanical fastener 42 (e.g. bracket 46) is configured to cooperate with the latch 46 on the deck plate 122 and retain the insulation assembly 10 in place on the sidewall 120. FIG. 8 also depicts a port 36 configured with a cap 38 with access point 44 and a lift device 26 (i.e. tow hook which is configured with a mechanical fastener in the form of a bolt or screw) configured to attach to the attachment area for the lift device 24.

[0113] FIG. 9 depicts a cut-away side view of another embodiment of an insulation assembly 10, where the insulation assembly 10 is configured with a mechanical attachment device 42 which is configured to attach to the attachment area 40 of the sidewall 120 (e.g. specifically, a mechanical fastener (i.e. bolt or screw) on the deck plate 122). As shown in FIG. 9, the outer portion 22 of the insulation assembly is configured with a mechanical fastener 42 (e.g. a bolt 44 which attaches to a bracket 46). As depicted in FIG. 9, the mechanical fastener 42 (e.g. bracket 46) is attached to the deck plate 122 via bolt or screw 44, thus retaining the insulation assembly 10 in place on the sidewall 120. FIG. 9 also depicts a port 36 configured with a cap 38 with access point 44 and a lift device 26 (i.e. tow hook which is configured with a mechanical fastener in the form of a bolt or screw) configured to attach to the attachment area for the lift device 24.

[0114] FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar in that each depicts an insulation assembly 10 having a low density insulation portion 30 retained within a depression/recessed portion 28 of the body 12, which is covered/retained by cover 34. FIG. 11 depicts a smaller volume of low density insulation material 30 (e.g. primarily positioned above the overhang portion 52 of the insulation assembly, adjacent to the inner portion 20) as compared to FIG. 12, which provides a larger cross sectional volume of low density insulation material 30s (e.g. filling the majority of the cross-sectional volume of the insulation assembly 10).

[0115] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of an electrolysis cell 100 configured with a plurality of insulation assemblies 10, where four different configurations of insulation assemblies 10 are depicted. Referring to FIG. 13, the insulation assemblies 10 are configured along the outer perimeter of the cell (e.g. sidewalls and corners) such that the plurality of insulation assemblies 10 configured to cooperate with the anode surfaces 112 (e.g. anode assemblies and/or anode bodies) to form a perimetrical cover which is configured to reduce, prevent, or eliminate heat loss from the cell. Also, it is noted that the insulation assemblies 10 cooperate with the anode surfaces to provide a gap between the inner portion 20 of each insulation assembly 10 and the anode surface 112, in addition to a gap between the sidewall 18 of each insulation assembly 10 (as two are placed adjacent to/in proximity to each other).

[0116] Referring to insulation assembly 10, the assembly 10 is configured with two ports 36 and a cover 34 which extends around the rear of the ports 36 to the lift device 26. It is noted that the inner portion 20 of the insulation assembly 10 is configured with two angled corners 58 of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the angled corners 58 are configured to enable instruments and/or feed devices to be positioned or samples/measurements to be taken at varying positions along the top of the cell (i.e. between insulation assemblies 10 and anode surfaces 112).

[0117] Referring to insulation assembly 10, the assembly 10 is configured similarly to insulation assembly 10, but with only one angled corner 58 (e.g. as in this configuration, the insulation assembly 10 is adjacent to a corner of the cell).

[0118] Referring to insulation assembly 10, the assembly 10 is configured similarly to insulation assembly 10 and 10, but with no angled corner 58 along the inner portion 20 of the insulation assembly 10.

[0119] Referring to insulation assembly 10, the assembly 10 is configured similarly to insulation assembly 10 and 10, but with no angled corners 58, only one port 36, and two covers 34 as opposed to one cover 34 (such that a smaller cross sectional volume of low density insulation material is present as compared to insulation assembly 10, 10 and 10, and wherein 10 has two recessed portions 28 each equipped with low density insulation material 30) as opposed to the one cover 34).

EXAMPLE

Manufacture of Insulation Assembly

[0120] The body is a pre-fired, pre-cast piece of refractory material. The body is machined or pre-cast to form the depression in the upper surface. The low density insulation material (e.g. thermal blanket) is positioned inside the depression and the cover is attached to retain the thermal blanket inside of the body. The lifting lug is attached to the upper surface of the assembly.

[0121] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0122] Insulation assembly 10 [0123] Body 12 [0124] Lower surface 14 [0125] Overhang portion of lower surface 50 [0126] Contact portion of lower surface 52 [0127] Upper surface 16 [0128] Perimetrical Sidewall 18 [0129] Inner portion 20 [0130] Angled corner of inner portion 58 [0131] Outer portion 22 [0132] Attachment area for lift device 24 [0133] Lift device 26 [0134] Depression 28 [0135] Low density insulation 30 [0136] High density insulation 32 [0137] Cover 34 [0138] Port 36 [0139] Cap 38 [0140] Cap access point 44 [0141] Attachment area (to attach assembly to cell wall) 40 [0142] Mechanical fastener 42 [0143] Bracket 46 [0144] Bolt or screw 44 [0145] Gap 54 [0146] Cell 100 [0147] Anode surface 112 (e.g. either anode body 114 or anode assembly (refractory) 116) [0148] Bath 118 [0149] Sidewall 120 [0150] Deck plate 122