| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2021 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Electrode Technology for Aluminum Production
|
| Presentation Title |
Anode to Cathode Electrical Current Modelling for Cell Retrofit Application of Conductive Nails Technology |
| Author(s) |
William Berends |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
William Berends |
| Abstract Scope |
The electrical current density and distribution pattern between the anode and cathode is of fundamental influence on pot noise and current efficiency, also on cathode wear and pot-life, and potentially for low voltage anode effect. The reduction of harmful peak current densities can be achieved by controlling the ‘Electrical Contact Resistance’ (ECR) of the iron to carbon connections in the anode and cathode assemblies through selective use of conductive nails and altering the iron connection contact area. ANSYS and Maxwell optimization software are used to alter the ECR’s to improve the uniformity of current density on the anode and cathode active surfaces, and to reduce horizontal current vectors and magnetic force magnitude in the metal layer. Voltage drops are modelled to predict potential energy savings. Scenarios of increased amperage with reduced ‘Anode to Cathode Distance’ (ACD) are modelled to predict increased aluminium production while maintaining thermal balance and acceptable magnetic force distribution. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |