Device for Measuring the Metal Level in a Reduction Basin

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for producing aluminium, comprising a cathodic vessel, anode means, an electricity source for generating a direct current between the cathodic vessel and the anode means in order to obtain molten aluminium from a bath, and a subassembly for breaking a crust formed in the area of the anode means during the production. Said subassembly encompasses a chisel which is operated by means of a pneumatic cylinder comprising a sensor for sensing the lift of a piston rod of the cylinder and is electrically connected to a terminal of an electronic unit. Another terminal of the electronic unit is connected to the cathodic vessel in order to generate an alternating current between the chisel and the cathodic vessel and measure the potential and/or the alternating current there-between. The chisel has means for forming an electrode in the bottom zone as well as electronic connecting means for connecting the electrode to one terminal of the electronic unit.

1 . Device for production of aluminium including a cathodic pot, anode means, an electric source for creating an DC-current between the cathodic pot and the anode means for extraction of molten aluminium out of a bath, and an assembly for breaking open a crust, which is formed during the production in the area of the anode means, with a chisel driven by a pneumatic cylinder having a sensor for detecting the stroke of a piston rod of the cylinder and is electrical connected to one terminal of an electronic unit, while another terminal of the electronic unit is connected to the cathodic pot for creating an AC-current between chisel and the cathodic pot and measuring the potential and/or AC-current between both, wherein; the chisel comprises means for forming an electrode in the bottom part and electrical connection means for connecting the electrode to the one terminal of the electronic unit. 
     
     
         2 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein; the electrical connection means are arranged inside a hollow along the middle axis of the chisel and that the top cover of the chisel is electrically insulated thereto. 
     
     
         3 . Device according to  claim 2 , wherein; the electrical connection means are formed by an electrical cable. 
     
     
         4 . Device according to  claim 2 , wherein; the electrical connection means are formed by a chisel rod, which is arranged in the hollow of the chisel and serves as a mechanical fasten element for the chisel tube and the top cover of the chisel. 
     
     
         5 . Device according to one of the  claim 2 , wherein; the chisel consists of electronic insulating material. 
     
     
         6 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein; the sidewalls of the chisel are electronically insulated. 
     
     
         7 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein; chisel is connected to the piston rod via a mechanical coupling part, which consists of an electrically leading material. 
     
     
         8 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein; the insulation material is of an ceramic material. 
     
     
         9 . Device according to  claim 1 ,  wherein; the sensor is a resistive sensor.