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Online Anode Current Signal in Aluminum Reduction Cells: Measurements and Prospects

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Abstract

There have been ongoing efforts into the study of the process signals of aluminum reduction cell control and operation. Anode currents provide one of the most valuable signals and the most likely to be measured. In this article, the commonly used methods of online anode current measurements are briefly introduced. Then, a new approach is proposed to improve measurements of anode currents based on the principle of measuring “isometric voltage drop” at the anode beam. Industrial tests in 400 kA cells demonstrate that the system runs steadily in the harsh environment, and the online anode current signal adequately characterizes the reduction process behavior. Study of the anode current is of great importance for improving the pot control and operation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51274241, 51104187 and 61321003), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University (2014zzts027). Assistance from HANGZHOU JINZHANG GROUP is particularly acknowledged for the opportunity to do measurements on JINLIAN smelters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, No. 932, Lushan South Road, Changsha, 410083, People’s Republic of China

    Shuai Yang, Zhong Zou, Jie Li & Hongliang Zhang

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  1. Shuai Yang
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  2. Zhong Zou
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  3. Jie Li
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  4. Hongliang Zhang
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Correspondence to Jie Li.

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Yang, S., Zou, Z., Li, J. et al. Online Anode Current Signal in Aluminum Reduction Cells: Measurements and Prospects. JOM 68, 623–634 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1738-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1738-4

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