Summary
A low-cost proprietary TiB2 cathode material Prior to scale-up and application in full-size aluminum reduction cells, the original composition development work was conducted by Nagle and Buchta.8 has been developed which circumvents the problems previously experienced in using TiB2 in aluminum smelting cells, i.e., chemical instability, poor thermal shock and impact resistance, attachment problems, and high cost. During the period 1981–1983, the proprietary material was tested as a cathode lining in six vertical stud Søderberg (VSS) aluminum reduction cells at the Martin Marietta Aluminum plant, The Dalles, Oregon. The plant test has demonstrated that the material achieves excellent durability and longevity in commercial aluminum reduction cells, and can be utilized with no modification to conventional cell operating procedures. Current efficiency improvements and energy savings have been realized, and the rate of TiB2 loss indicates a potential 3–5 year life for the cathode material. Analysis of core samples taken from the experimental cathodes at The Dalles during a temporary shutdown confirmed that the cathode lining was functioning as predicted.
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Additional information
Editor’s Note: This article was adapted from an article by the same name appearing in Light Metals 83, edited by J. P. McGeer, The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, Pennsylvania. Copyright 1983.
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Boxall, L.G., Cooke, A.V. & Hayden, H.W. TiB2 Cathode Material: Application in Conventional VSS Cells. JOM 36, 35–39 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03338608
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03338608