Aluminum Company of America

Alcoa Inc.

Thomas R Hornack

C Edward Eckert

Men Glenn Chu

Robert L Kozarek

Lawrence W Cisko

James R Fields

Noel Jarrett

Gerald D Scott

M K Premkumar

Mohammad A Zaidi

Richard A Manzini

Melvin H Brown

Diran Apelian

Alfred F LaCamera

Leroy E D'Astolfo

Jan H Van Linden

Marshall A Klingensmith

John M Urbanic

William G Truckner

Ronald E Miller

Richard W Peterson

Thomas J Kasun

Thomas J Rodjom

Robert C Wallace

Donald L Stewart

Thomas V Pierce

Raymond Miller

Robert J Chilko

Rajakkannu Mutharasan

James O Parkhill

George C Full

Donald C Morian

Jerri F McMichael

Clarence J Cox

George E Lyness

John A Kaems

Janel M Miller

Leroy E D'ASTOLFO

Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Insulation assemblies for metal production cells

The die casting machine includes a trough containing a supply of molten metal and a feed tube extending into the supply of molten metal in the trough. A flow of molten metal is maintained in the trough past the feed tube independent of the transfer of molten metal through the feed tube. The die casting machine further includes a filtering system.

Die-casting process and equipment

A filter system for removing solid impurities from molten metal is described comprising a housing containing vertically disposed rigid coarse filter facing the incoming flow of molten metal and capable of removing solids having a particle size of at least 10 microns and a rigid fine filter mounted vertically behind the coarse filter and capable of removing solids having a particle size as small as 1 micron. The apparatus further includes a heater for maintaining the temperature of the molten metal and a sparger mounted adjacent the front face of one filter to provide an intermittent gas flow over the face of the filter to dislodge solids on the filter as filter cake. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid filters are nested cylinders, and the molten metal is directed to the center of the smaller coarse filter cylinder from which it then flows through the coarse filter outward to and through the fine filter cylinder and then from the fine filter out of the filter housing.

Multistage rigid media filter for molten metal and method of filtering

This invention provides improved casting processes, equipment, and products. The invention is especially advantageous for die casting.

Salt-based melting process

An apparatus and method for measuring bulk density of solid particles. The apparatus is capable of simultaneously rotating and axially advancing a container containing a sample of solid particles past a source emitting a beam of gamma rays. The gamma rays are absorbed by a detector in proportion to the material density of the solid particles. The absorbed radiation is then compared to a preselected reference value to yield a bulk density for the material. This bulk density can then be used to ascertain the quantity of a binder which needs to be added to a homogeneous mass of coke to form a carbon anode useful in an electrolysis of alumina. The method includes the steps of placing a sample quantity of the solid particles in a container, optionally vibrating the container to settle the particles if desired, and then placing the container on the apparatus so as to be measured. The bulk density measurement is compared to a preselected reference value and this value is then visually displayed.

Apparatus and method for measuring bulk density of solid particles

The present invention provides heat exchanger apparatus and method including a tubular heat transfer surface, a heat transfer fluid which is made to pass along the surface, and a wire brush heat exchanger insert positioned to impinge the fluid flowing within the heat transfer surface. The brush heat exchange insert is composed of a ceramic material having a high absorptance and emittance.

Wire brush heat exchange insert and method

An electrically conductive connection for an electrode assembly of an electrolyte cell in which aluminum is produced by electrolysis in a molten salt is described. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode flask and a conductor rod. The flask has a collar above an area of minimum flask diameter. The electrically conductive connection comprises the electrode flask, the conductor rod and a structure bearing against the collar and the conductor rod for pulling the conductor rod into compressive and electrical contact with the flask.

Electrically conductive connection for an electrode

An electrolytic cell is disclosed including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing the electrolyte; the means for holding including float means adapted for supporting the first electrode essentially free from support by internal surfaces of the cell; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte. An electrolytic method is disclosed including floating a first electrode essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of an electrolytic cell; arranging a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to form an inter-electrode zone for containing electrolyte; and connecting one electrode electrically with a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

Apparatus and method for electrolysis and float

Disclosed is an electrolytic cell including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing electrolyte, wherein the first electrode is held essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of the cell, said means for holding including means for supporting the first electrode from the second electrode; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method of electrolysis including establishing a first electrode in relative position to a second electrode in an electrolytic cell to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing an electrolyte; supporting the first electrode from the second electrode, wherein the first electrode is supported essentially free from support by internal cell surfaces; and connecting one electrode electrically with a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

Support member and electrolytic method

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Lower Burrell, PA, United States of America

Thomas R Hornack