GB1464693A - Device for detecting short-circuit between electrodes in electrolytic cell - Google Patents

Abstract

1464693 Detecting short circuit current in electrolytic cells MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO Ltd 21 May 1975 21836/75 Heading G1U Excessive, i.e. short-circuit, current in the anode or cathode 7, Fig. 2, of an electrolytic cell is detected by bringing a reed switch 16 into close proximity of the electrode 7. The reed switch 16 is housed in an appropriate box which also supports a lamp 14 and a biasing magnet 17. According to the invention, a plurality of these detectors 10, Fig. 1 are mounted on a beam 11 forming part of a travelling gantry. In use the gantry is first positioned with the beam 11 over a row of electrodes in an electrolytic cell. The beam is then lowered so that the detectors come into contact, as shown in Fig. 2, with respective electrodes, and a supply potential is connected across each series-connected switch 16 and lamp 14. Those lamps that light indicate which electrodes carry excessive current. Relay controlled circuits, Figs. 3 and 4 (not shown) are described for causing the automatic sequential testing of successive rows of electrodes. When an excessive current is detected, automatic sequencing is interrupted until an operator actuates an appropriate key.