Summary
The recent upheaval of energy prices has required Mitsubishi Light Metal Industries Ltd. to reduce power consumption not only for future potlines but also for existing aluminum potlines. Success was achieved in reducing DC power consumption to 13.2 kWh/kg Al, in potlines containing 80-months-old pots without any change of facilities. The technology used consisted of a stable low-temperature operation using a lithium bath, computerized input power control, thermal insulation by alumina covering, etc.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
O. Fujishima, M. Takasawa, K. Wakaizumi, Y. Arita, and H. Ikeuchi, “Advanced Energy Saving of Aluminum Reduction Cell,” Light Metals 1982, edited by J.E. Anderson, The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 1981, pp. 559–569.
Th. Tschopp, A. Fanke, and E. Bernhauser, “Improvement in Operational Results by Using Lithium Carbonate in the Reduction Plant at Essen,” Light Metals 1979, edited by Warren S. Peterson, The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 1979, pp. 457–465.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Editor’s note: This article appears in Light Metals 1983, edited by E.M. Adkins, The Metallurgical Society of AIME, Warrendale, Pennsylvania. Copyright 1982.
Mr. Tanji received his BSc in applied chemistry from Yamagata University. Since 1974 he has worked in the smelting division and prebaked anode production division at the Sakaide. Plant, specializing in prebaked anode potline operation and prebaked anode production.
Mr. Fujishima received his BSc in metallurgy from Hokkaido University. In 1969 he joined the Sakaide Plant of MLI as smelting engineer, Since 1977 he has been involved in the development of smelting technology at the Sakaide Plant, specializing in pot operation and pot design.
Mr. Mori received his BSc and MSc in metallurgy from Kyoto University. In 1968 he joined Naoetsu Plant of MLI where he specialized in Soederberg anode pot operation. In 1973 he was transferred to Central Research Laboratory of MLI where he specialized in pot design. Since 1977 he has worked at the Sakaide Plant as manager of smelting section.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tanji, S., Fujishima, O. & Mori, K. Substantial Energy Savings in Existing Aluminum Potlines. JOM 36, 63–65 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339939
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339939