Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited

Alcan International Limited

Olivier Martin

Steeve Renaudier

Benoit Bardet

Christian Duval

Yves Rochet

Serge Despinasse

Denis Laroche

Laurent Fiot

Delphine Bonnafous

Martin Desilets

Pierre Fournier

Pascal Thibeault

Serge Bouchard

Stéphane Wan Tang Kuan

Yvon Gauthier

Jean Camiré

Bardet Benoit

Bertrand Allano

This cell () comprises a pot shell () having two longitudinal sides () which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal median plane (P) of the electrolytic cell (), an anode assembly which can only move in vertical translation with respect to the pot shell (), the anode assembly comprising an anode block () and a transverse anode support () extending at right angles to the longitudinal sides () of the pot shell (), from which support the anode block () is suspended. The anode support () comprises two connecting portions () from which electrolysis current is supplied to the anode support (), and the cell () comprises electrical connection conductors () electrically connected to the two connecting portions () of the anode support (), the two connecting portions () being located on either side of the plane (P).

Electrolytic cell intended for the production of aluminium and electrolytic smelter comprising this cell

A cell includes a pot shell defining an opening through which an anode block is designed to be moved, said anode block being suspended from an anode support forming with said anode block an anode assembly mobile in relation to the pot shell, and a confinement chamber defining a closed volume above said opening for the containment of the gases generated during the production of aluminum, the anode support being connected to an electrical conductor to supply an electrolysis current to the anode block, the anode assembly is fully contained in the confinement chamber, and in that the electrical connection between the mobile electrical conductor and the anode support is made within the confinement chamber.

Electrolysis tank comprising an anode assembly contained in a containment enclosure

This aluminum smelter comprises a row of cells () arranged transversely in relation to the length of the row, the cells () individually comprising an anode (), rising and connecting electrical conductors () running upwards along the two opposite longitudinal edges of the cell () to route the electrolysis current towards the anode (), and a cathode () through which pass cathode conductors () connected to cathode outputs connected to linking conductors to route the electrolysis current to the rising and connecting electrical conductors of the next cell (). Furthermore the aluminum smelter comprises a compensating electrical circuit separate from the electrical circuit through which the electrolysis current flows, running beneath the cells (), through which a compensating current may flow beneath the cells () in a direction opposite to the overall direction of flow of the electrolysis current.

Aluminium smelter comprising a compensating electric circuit

Aluminum smelter comprising electrical conductors made from a superconducting material

The invention relates to a device () and a method for short-circuiting a specified electrolysis in a row of electrolysis cells intended for the production of aluminum. This device includes a bridging member () including at least two opposite contact arms and at least one bridging conductor electrically that electrically connects the contact arms. The contact arms are shaped like a wedge. The device further includes a clasping member () including a frame and a least two opposite thrust members. The clasping member () is fit to embrace the bridging member () so that each thrust member bears on each contact arm and so that, upon moving the contact arms with respect to the clasping member, each thrust member urges the corresponding contact arm towards the conductors () inserted between the contact arms, so as to create and secure a short-circuit. The invention makes it possible to short-circuit electrolysis cells with increased amperages.

Device and method for short-circuiting one or more cells in an arrangement of electrolysis cells intended for the production of aluminium

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Hermillon, France

Olivier Martin