Patent ID: 6231430
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: B08B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of cleaning a spent carbon anode, said spent carbon anode comprising a carbon butt, a frame including a yoke and stubs for supporting said carbon butt, and an encrustation affixed to said spent carbon anode, said method comprising the steps of:a) urging a plow blade into and through the encrustation such that said plow blade passes between the frame and the carbon butt to disengage a significant portion of the encrustation from the spent carbon anode;b) rotationally engaging the frame and carbon butt with first flailing elements rotating in a first plane with respect to the spent carbon anode to abrade additional encrustation from the spent carbon anode; andc) rotationally engaging the frame and carbon butt with second flailing elements rotating in a second plane with respect to the spent carbon anode to further abrade additional encrustation from the spent carbon anode, said second plane being substantially orthogonal to said first plane.