Patent ID: 7811509
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: C22B,C25C

Abstract:
1. A method for submerging metal salts in an electrolytic cell, the method comprising: providing a first chamber containing an upper molten metal layer and a lower molten salt electrolyte bath; providing a second chamber, said second chamber penetrating the upper molten metal layer and in fluid communication with the molten salt electrolyte bath; providing a molten metal pump including a housing containing an impeller, said impeller being rotated by a shaft extending outside said electrolytic cell; said pump residing outside said second chamber and forcing molten salt electrolyte from the molten salt electrolyte bath into a lower portion of the second chamber, wherein the molten salt electrolyte provided by said pump creates a vortex in the chamber; introducing a solid metal salt into an upper portion of the second chamber to create a mixture; and flushing the mixture in the second chamber into the molten salt electrolyte bath through an exit in a base of said second chamber.