Production Management of Aluminum Electrolysis at Super Low Voltage

Abstract

A new integrated energy-saving technology characteristic with protruding cathode blocks and high conductivity cathode collector bars was tested in 300 kA electrolysis cells. In order to maintain the normal operation at super low voltage, the technical parameters and operation management were optimized. Gauging was improved in anode changing and appropriate energy compensation was carried out, the heat loss and contact voltage drop were reduced as much as possible, and all the equipment was maintained in time. Under the determined process conditions, the cells ran efficiently and stably, the electrolyte superheat was kept in moderate range, the cell side ledge was kept at appropriate thickness, no sludge agglomerated on the bottom surface, and no carbon dust accumulated on the electrolyte surface. The following economic technological indexes of the test cells were achieved, the average voltage was 3.714–3.783 V, the current efficiency was 91.09–92.05%, and the DC power consumption was 12080–12246 kWh/tAl.