Aluminium electrolysis cell comprising sidewall temperature control system

Abstract

The invention provides method and system for cooling over a large area, suitable for use for control of layer formation over an extended area in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of heat. The objective is achieved by an assembly of a plurality of evaporation tubes connected together using a collecting manifold at the upper end and a distribution manifold at the lower end wherein the manifolds are also connected by a plurality of return lines, wherein a first return line is provided connecting a first end of the collecting manifold with the distribution manifold, and a second return line is provided connecting a second end of the collecting manifold at an opposite side of the first end of the collecting manifold with the distribution manifold.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A heat tube assembly ( 100 ), for control of layer formation in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of heat, said electrolysis cell comprising a side lining ( 11 ) and a shell ( 8 ); wherein the assembly comprises
 a plurality of evaporation tubes ( 130 ) for absorbing heat by evaporation of a working fluid ( 102 ) from a liquid phase to a gas phase;   a collector ( 120 ) in fluid communication with the upper end ( 132 ) of the evaporation tubes,   a distribution manifold ( 140 ) in fluid communication with the lower end ( 134 ) of the evaporation tubes,   wherein the collector and distribution manifold are also connected by a plurality of return lines ( 160 ,  162 ,  164 ), wherein
 a first return line ( 162 ) is provided connecting a first end of the collector with the distribution manifold, and 
 a second return line ( 164 ) is provided connecting a second end of the collector at an opposite side of the first end of the collector with the distribution manifold. 
   
     
     
         14 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the collector is a collecting manifold having at least one external condensation unit for collector ( 122 ). 
     
     
         15 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the collector is a manifold having an internal condensation unit for collector ( 124 ). 
     
     
         16 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the return lines are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the return lines are two phase flow lines ( 169 ). 
     
     
         18 . The assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein the collecting manifold is provided with a phase separator ( 150 ). 
     
     
         19 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the return lines are crossed. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the first and the second return lines are connected to a third return line ( 168 ) which in turn is connected to the distribution manifold. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the return lines are attached to the lowest part of the external condensation unit for collector ( 122 ). 
     
     
         22 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , further comprising a collector for uncondensable gases. 
     
     
         23 . A method for control of layer formation in an aluminium electrolysis cell of a heat tube assembly ( 100 ), for control of layer formation in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of heat, said electrolysis cell comprising a side lining ( 11 ) and a shell ( 8 ); wherein the assembly comprises
 a plurality of evaporation tubes ( 130 ) for absorbing heat by evaporation of a working fluid ( 102 ) from a liquid phase to a gas phase;   a collector ( 120 ) in fluid communication with the upper end ( 132 ) of the evaporation tubes,   a distribution manifold ( 140 ) in fluid communication with the lower end ( 134 ) of the evaporation tubes,   wherein the collector and distribution manifold are also connected by a plurality of return lines ( 160 ,  162 ,  164 ), wherein
 a first return line ( 162 ) is provided connecting a first end of the collector with the distribution manifold, and 
 a second return line ( 164 ) is provided connecting a second end of the collector at an opposite side of the first end of the collector with the distribution manifold, 
   wherein heat is conducted away by said heat tube assembly.   
     
     
         24 . An electrolysis cell comprising a heat tube assembly ( 100 ), for control of layer formation in an aluminium electrolysis cell and exploitation of heat, said electrolysis cell comprising a side lining ( 11 ) and a shell ( 8 ); wherein the assembly comprises
 a plurality of evaporation tubes ( 130 ) for absorbing heat by evaporation of a working fluid ( 102 ) from a liquid phase to a gas phase;   a collector ( 120 ) in fluid communication with the upper end ( 132 ) of the evaporation tubes,   a distribution manifold ( 140 ) in fluid communication with the lower end ( 134 ) of the evaporation tubes,   wherein the collector and distribution manifold are also connected by a plurality of return lines ( 160 ,  162 ,  164 ), wherein
 a first return line ( 162 ) is provided connecting a first end of the collector with the distribution manifold, and 
 a second return line ( 164 ) is provided connecting a second end of the collector at an opposite side of the first end of the collector with the distribution manifold.