Improvements in, and Apparatus for, the Electrolytic Manufacture of Alloys of Light Metals with Heavier Metals and the Continuous Treatment of such Alloys for Obtaining Final Products.

摘要

1001. Ashcroft, E. A. Jan. 12. Electrolytic furnaces. -In the manufacture of a light metal, say of the alkali or alkaline-earth group, or of an amide, cyanamide, cyanide, hydrate, peroxide, or other compound of such a metal, by means of a circulating alloy of the metal with lead or the like, this alloy is kept at constant levels in the two cells employed, the variation in volume of the alloy only affecting an intermediate reservoir. The reservoir 8 and the lower parts of the cells may be formed by a single casting 3, preferably of s t e e l , shown in section in Fig. 1 and in plan in Fig. 4. The alloy flows out from the cells over weirs 9, 10, circulation being kept up by means of a pump or screw 11 which draws the alloy through passages 5 from the reservoir 8 and raises it into the second cell 2. A mixture of salts, for instance of 40 per cent. of sodium chloride and 60 per cent. of potassium chloride is used in the firs', cell, and in order to promote the replacement of potassium or other undesired metal in the alloy by the sodium or other metal required, the alloy is agitated with the electrolyte in the first cell and with the electrolyte or reagent in the second cell. This agitation may be effected electro-magnetically by means of coils 18 wound round the cells and carrying heavy currents. The salt supplied to the first cell may contain less than 2¢ per cent. of potassium chloride or the like to compensate for potassium contained in the alloy. Alternatively, the alloy may be agitated with fused sodium chloride or the like in a separate receptacle from which the salt, containing potassium or the like removed from the alloy, passes to the first cell. The anode of the first cell is a hollow cylinder 12 of graphite, made up of segments connected to a metal cap by copper or bronze bolts which dip into molten lead in the segments. The anode is protected by sleeves 14, 15, respectively of a refractory substance and of enamelled iron or other material. Pure chlorine or other gas is removed through the anode, and gas mixed with air is also drawn off outside the electrode through openings 17 in the cell. The first cell 1 is provided with a basic heat-insulating lining. The whole apparatus may be heated by a resistance in the supporting-masonry. Specifications 1002/12, [Class 41, Electrolysis], and 1003/12, and 1004/12, [Class 41, Electrolysis], are referred to.