Reynolds Metals Company

John T Willett

Alton T Tabereaux

Nolan E Richards

Thomas J Johnston

Curtis J McMinn

Howard I Kaplan

Jerry H Bryce

Douglas V Stewart

Jan M Pottinger

An improved alumina reduction cell is described in which the carbonaceous cathode includes refractory hard metal shapes projecting upwardly from the cell surface thereof, forming the true cathode surface, and permanently mounted and replaceable protective sleeves formed of inert refractory material surrounding the refractory hard metal shapes and protecting these shapes from accidental contact by the anode.

Alumina reduction cell

An improved alumina reduction cell is described in which the carbonaceous cathode includes refractory hard metal tiles projecting upwardly from the cell surface thereof, forming the true cathode surface, and inert refractory anode stops protecting the tiles from accidental contact by the anode. These anode stops protect the refractory hard metal shapes from breakage, increasing the useful life of the cell.

This invention concerns cathodes for alumina reduction cells, particularly drained cathodes, which present a refractory surface for contacting molten aluminum on the cell floor. This invention also concerns materials for constructing such cathodes. The cathodes described comprise a carbonaceous bed, preferably a graphite bed, and a composite tile. This tile is characterized by a layer of a refractory hard metal (RHM) material bonded to a base layer of a graphitic material, where the RHM layer comprises a hot pressed mixture of titanium diboride and aluminum nitride powders. The tile is further characterized by the bond between the RHM layer and the graphitic base layer, such bond having been produced simultaneously as the RHM layer is formed by hot pressing the mixture of titanium diboride and aluminum nitride powders directly against the graphitic base layer. The graphitic base layer is in turn bonded to the carbonaceous bed by means of a carbonaceous cement, and the RHM layer thereby provides a refractory surface for contacting molten aluminum.

Cathodes for alumina reduction cells

Refractory surfaces for alumina reduction cell cathodes and methods for

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Florence, AL, United States of America

John T Willett