A Rectiformer is a rectifier

Rectifier

A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current , which periodically reverses direction, to direct current , which flows in only one direction. The process is known as rectification...

 and transformer

Transformer

A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic field...

 designed and built as a single entity for converting alternating current

Alternating current

In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....

 into direct current

Direct current

Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...

. It is piece of power systems equipment rather than an electronics component. Rectiformers are used for supplying power to different field of ESP (electrostatic precipitator). Rectiformers are also used to create dc supply for Hall process cells in the aluminium smelting industry.

Rectiformers are commonly found in Electrowinning 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 electrical current through a purified copper sulfate solution produces cathode copper. The equation is as follows:

Cu²⁺_aq+ 2e^- = Cu^o

Physical Characteristics

Rectiformers may be designed to output dc voltages from 30V dc to over 2000V dc. They can weigh over 400 tons.

External links

• Document describing Thyristor-Controlled Rectiformer