Advancing the industrial aluminum process: 20th century breakthrough inventions and developments

Tarcy, Gary P.; Kvande, Halvor; Tabereaux, Alton T.

doi:10.1007/s11837-011-0120-4

Cited by 45 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Modern prebaked technology reduction cells have common design and operational features, including multiple prebaked anodes and several point-feeders for replenishing the alumina distributed along the center channel. 19 The number of anodes and feeders can vary ranging from 18 to 48 individual blocks and from 3 to 6 feeders per cell, respectively, depending on the cell size. 20 Reduction cells are interfaced in series enabling a higher DC line voltage so the cells tend to operate at constant line amperage, I cell .…”

Section: Relevant Background Of Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Cheung

Menictas

Bao

et al. 2013

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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Differing from cell voltage and line current, anode current signals can provide an insight into the localized anodic dynamic behavior in an operating Hall–Héroult reduction cell, and can be used as an alternative in-depth method to study the process in the hostile industrial potline environment. This work involves further investigations on changes in the frequency response of anode current signals (such as peaks and magnitudes) with anode age and anodic reactions. Furthermore, two process abnormalities, anode effect and anode slippage, are studied. This study demonstrates that anode current signals provide an earlier indication of an approaching anode effect than the conventional cell voltage measurements. Frequency domain analysis has been found to be an additional identifier, in separating anode effects from other abnormalities, that can also cause anode current redistribution.

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Section: Relevant Background Of Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Cheung

Menictas

Bao

et al. 2013

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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“…Currently, the Hall–Heroult process remains the most economically efficient process, even if it suffers from major drawbacks, such as relatively low bath conductivity, digestion of the carbon lining, and consumption of the carbon anode, leading to carbon dioxide emission and high energy loss . Consequently, much research has tried to minimize these problems . Some have been dedicated to the development of inert electrode materials such as Cu–Ni–Fe alloys, which has attracted attention in recent years .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…5 Consequently, much research has tried to minimize these problems. 6 Some have been dedicated to the development of inert electrode materials 7 such as Cu−Ni−Fe alloys, which has attracted attention in recent years. 8 Other research has focused on optimization of the bath composition, by attempting to increase the cell conductivity and reduce the working temperature.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct Determination of the NaF/AlF₃ Molar Ratio by Raman Spectroscopy in NaF–AlF₃–CaF₂ Melts at 1000 °C

Malherbe

Gilbert

2013

Anal. Chem.

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For the last 40 years, Raman spectroscopy has been very useful in investigating the structure of corrosive molten salts, such as the cryolite-based melts widely used as electrolyte in the Hall-Heroult process. Even if this process remains the most economically efficient for metallic aluminum electro-production, it suffers from a high energy loss, which is dependent on the melt composition. Therefore, controlling the chemical composition of the electrolyte is essential. The present paper proposes to apply Raman spectroscopy for the direct determination of the NaF-AlF3 molar ratio in NaF-AlF3-CaF2-based melts. Despite the experimental difficulties, a calibration curve based on equilibria taking place in the melt has been developed and the procedure has been successfully compared to industrial samples of known compositions. The possible exportation of the laboratory scale procedure to an industrial environment application for the control of the Hall-Heroult process is finally discussed.

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“…Molten salts have been used in the metallurgical industry for the more electropositive elements for over one hundred years and the changes in the energy consumption in the aluminium industry have been profound, with the current density increasing and the cell voltage falling with the overall effect of reducing the energy consumption from 30 kW h kg À1 to about 13 kW h kg À1 . 23 However, the original design of the cell has not changed signicantly, it has just been made much more efficient with the cathode still being a molten pool on the bottom of the cell and with the consumable carbon anodes positioned above the cathode in a molten bath of cryolite (Na 3 AlF 6 ) containing dissolved alumina. 7 The molten aluminium cathode sits on a graphite/carbon bed which does not wet carbon.…”

Section: Aluminiummentioning

confidence: 99%

Molten salts and energy related materials

Fray

2016

Faraday Discuss.

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Molten salts have been known for centuries and have been used for the extraction of aluminium for over one hundred years and as high temperature fluxes in metal processing. This and other molten salt routes have gradually become more energy efficient and less polluting, but there have been few major breakthroughs. This paper will explore some recent innovations that could lead to substantial reductions in the energy consumed in metal production and in carbon dioxide production. Another way that molten salts can contribute to an energy efficient world is by creating better high temperature fuel cells and novel high temperature batteries, or by acting as the medium that can create novel materials that can find applications in high energy batteries and other energy saving devices, such as capacitors. Carbonate melts can be used to absorb carbon dioxide, which can be converted into C, CO and carbon nanoparticles. Molten salts can also be used to create black silicon that can absorb more sunlight over a wider range of wavelengths. Overall, there are many opportunities to explore for molten salts to play in an efficient, low carbon world.

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Advancing the industrial aluminum process: 20th century breakthrough inventions and developments

Cited by 45 publications

References 2 publications

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Direct Determination of the NaF/AlF₃ Molar Ratio by Raman Spectroscopy in NaF–AlF₃–CaF₂ Melts at 1000 °C

Molten salts and energy related materials

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Advancing the industrial aluminum process: 20th century breakthrough inventions and developments

Cited by 45 publications

References 2 publications

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Characterization of Individual Anode Current Signals in Aluminum Reduction Cells

Direct Determination of the NaF/AlF3 Molar Ratio by Raman Spectroscopy in NaF–AlF3–CaF2 Melts at 1000 °C

Molten salts and energy related materials

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Product

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Direct Determination of the NaF/AlF₃ Molar Ratio by Raman Spectroscopy in NaF–AlF₃–CaF₂ Melts at 1000 °C