Abstract
During aluminum electrolysis there must be an optimum cell voltage for a given cell design at constant amperage. This optimum-voltage target depends on the goal, which may change with economic conditions. Although cell voltages have been reduced steadily during the last 50 years, they now seem to have reached a constant level at 4.1 V to 4.2 V, at least for cells larger than 200 kA. Efforts to reduce cell voltage will continue to show incremental improvements; however, it will be difficult to achieve major voltage reductions without a drained cathode combined with inert sidewalls to permit increased thermal insulation.
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Warren Haupin is retired from Alcoa.
For more information, contact H. Kvande, Hydro Aluminium Metal Products, N-0246, Oslo, Norway; telephone 47-22-73-91-55; fax 47-22-73-77-78; e-mail Halvor.Kvande@hydro.com.
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Kvande, H., Haupin, W. Cell voltage in aluminum electrolysis: A practical approach. JOM 52, 31–37 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-000-0044-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-000-0044-x