| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Cell Startup and Early Operational Improvements in ALBRAS |
| Author(s) |
Ana Renata Nunes, Michel Pena, Marcio Souza, George Cardoso, Pierre Reny, Ana Carolina Guedes |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ana Renata Nunes |
| Abstract Scope |
In August of 2021, Albras needed to cut out a cell during preheating. This was the beginning of an analysis of the whole process from the start of preheating until early operation. Another motivation was the drop in pot life; more cells were shut down before 1000 days. As indicated by literature, there are three main causes for premature failures: relining, startup, and early operation. Our new understanding came through observing the behavior of cells and the discussions with the Hydro Support team. After the shut down in 2022, this process was accelerated by the dedicated team that was responsible for implementation. This paper describes how an operational procedure was developed that allows Albras to reduce the average preheating time from 80 to 60 hours, set the voltage and time of startup, and thus avoiding stresses in beginning of cell life. The standardization has increased the performance of new and restarted cells. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Process Technology, |