Robert L Coffman

US Patent:

41219830, Oct 24, 1978

Filed:

Dec 21, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/862829

Inventors:

Donald L. Kinosz - Arnold PA
Subodh K. Das - Apollo PA
Robert L. Coffman - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C25C 306
C25C 304
C25B 1112

US Classification:

204 67

Abstract:

A process is provided for producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing aluminum chloride dissolved in a molten solvent of higher decomposition potential. The cell has a terminal anode, a terminal cathode and a bipolar electrode arranged to operate with the anode and the cathode, providing interelectrode spaces therebetween. On electrolyzing the cell chlorine is produced on each anode surface thereof and aluminum on each cathode surface, the aluminum being swept from the cathode surface by bath material. In the process, carbonaceous material is provided for use as the electrode. The direction of grain flow constituting the carbonaceous material is determined and the electrode is arranged in the cell such that the direction of electrolysis current flow through the cell is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of grain flow in the electrode.

US Patent:

42591619, Mar 31, 1981

Filed:

Nov 26, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/097437

Inventors:

Subodh K. Das - Apollo PA
Robert L. Coffman - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C25C 306
C25C 702

US Classification:

204 67

Abstract:

A carbonaceous electrode for use in a bipolar electrolytic cell is treated on one side with a source of aluminum to form an adherent layer of aluminum carbide thereon. The electrode is arranged in the cell such that on the passage of electrolyzing current the treated surface functions as a cathode. On electrolyzing the cell, chlorine is produced on each anode surface and aluminum is produced on each cathode surface.