ELECTROLYZER FOR REFINING VANADIUM AND OTHER REFRACTORY METALS Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: rare metal metallurgy, namely apparatuses for refining vanadium at electrolysis of melt salts. SUBSTANCE: electrolyzer for refining vanadium and other refractory metals includes sealed housing mounted with possibility for applying voltage to it; converter mounted in housing on insulators; cover; system for feeding inert gas and evacuating air; compact anode made of refined metal; hoop for suspending anodes having two circle halves with metallic wedges, two slits and current conductive rods welded to hoop in radial direction. Hoop is mounted on housing for providing electric contact with it. Anodes are suspended by means of anode holders on current conductive rods of hoop. Ele trolyzer provides high recovery degree no less than 80%. EFFECT: improved design of electrolyzer providing its enhanced efficiency during electrolytic refining, for example of vanadium with constant rate of anode metal solution during the whole operation cycle, simplified maintenance of electrolyzer, elimination of parasitic electric currents causing damage of construction, prevention of contamination with material of anode holder. 2 dwg