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Energy Reduction in Hall-Héroult Cells with Conventional and Special Electrodes

  • Extractive & Process Metallurgy
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Summary

Over the years, energy usage in Hall-Héroult cells has been reduced from 19–20 kWh/lb of aluminum at the turn of the century to less than 6 kWh/lb in certain operations today. This paper reviews the technology of energy usage in the process and discusses possible areas for improvement. Although improvements in technology to reduce energy usage still further are possible, results are not expected to be dramatic, except for the possible application of refractory hard metals to cathode design.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation, Oakland, California, USA

    James B. Todd Jr.

Authors
  1. James B. Todd Jr.
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James B. Todd, Jr. is manager of Reduction Cell Development for Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation. Oakland. California. He received his BS, MS. and PhD in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University. He has worked in various capaCities in research and development for Kaiser since 1953.

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Todd, J.B. Energy Reduction in Hall-Héroult Cells with Conventional and Special Electrodes. JOM 33, 42–45 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339495

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339495

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