Alcoa USA Corp.

Alcoa Inc.

Lance M Sworts

Benjamin D Mosser

Robert A DiMilia

James C McMillen

Brian J Tielsch

Charles Robert Shanta, Iii

Frankie E Phelps

Douglas A Weirauch, Jr

Douglas A Weirauch

Robert A Dimilia

In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.

Apparatuses and systems for vertical electrolysis cells

Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.

Systems and methods for making ceramic powders

Systems and methods for making ceramic powders are provided. The method for forming a ceramic powder includes: preparing a precursor mixture, wherein the preparing comprises adding at least one additive to a plurality of reagents, wherein the at least one additive includes at least one of: an oxide, a salt, a pure metal, or an alloy of elements ranging from atomic numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 51, and 57 through 77 and combinations thereof; and carbothermically reacting the precursor mixture to form a ceramic powder, wherein, due to the preparing step, the precursor mixture comprises a sufficient amount of the at least one additive to form the ceramic powder, wherein the ceramic powder comprises: (a) a morphology selected from the group consisting of irregular, equiaxed, plate-like, and combinations thereof; and (b) a particle size distribution selected from the group consisting of fine, intermediate, coarse, and combinations thereof.

Systems and methods for making ceramic powders and ceramic products

Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.

Composition for making wettable cathode in aluminum smelting

A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.

Growing community of inventors

New Kensington, PA, United States of America

Lance M Sworts