A rectiformer is a
rectifier
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction.
The process is known as ''rectification'', since it "straightens" t ...
and
transformer
In electrical engineering, a transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another circuit, or multiple Electrical network, circuits. A varying current in any coil of the transformer produces ...
designed and built as a single entity for converting
alternating current
Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction. Alternating current is the form in w ...
into
direct current
Direct current (DC) is one-directional electric current, flow of electric charge. An electrochemical cell is a prime example of DC power. Direct current may flow through a conductor (material), conductor such as a wire, but can also flow throug ...
. It is a piece of power systems equipment rather than an electronic component. Rectiformers are used for supplying power to different field of ESP (
electrostatic precipitator
An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is a filterless device that removes fine particles, such as dust and smoke, from a flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge minimally impeding the flow of gases through the unit.
In c ...
). Rectiformers are also used to create DC supply for
Hall process cells in the
aluminium smelting
Aluminium smelting is the process of extracting aluminium from its oxide, alumina, generally by the Hall-Héroult process. Alumina is extracted from the ore bauxite by means of the Bayer process at an alumina refinery.
This is an electroly ...
industry.
Rectiformers are commonly found in
electrowinning
Electrowinning, also called electroextraction, is the electrodeposition of metals from their ores that have been put in solution via a process commonly referred to as leaching. Electrorefining uses a similar process to remove impurities from a ...
operations, where a direct current is required to convert base metal ions such as copper to a metal at the cathode. The passage of an electric current through a purified
copper sulfate Copper sulfate may refer to:
* Copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4, a common, greenish blue compound used as a fungicide and herbicide
* Copper(I) sulfate, Cu2SO4, an unstable white solid which is uncommonly used
{{chemistry index
Copper compounds ...
solution produces cathode copper. The equation is as follows:
Cu
2+(aq) + 2e
− => Cu
(s)
Physical characteristics
Rectiformers may be designed to output voltages from 30V to over 120kV DC and can weigh over 400 tons.
Rectiformer details
Aluminium smelting rectiformer project.
See also
* Power inverter
A power inverter, inverter, or invertor is a power electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The resulting AC frequency obtained depends on the particular device employed. Inverters do the op ...
References
External links
Document describing rectiformer substation installation
Electrical components
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