| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Electrode Technology for Aluminum Production
|
| Presentation Title |
NOW ON-DEMAND ONLY – Anode Rod Tracking: A New Marking Method for Optimized Implementation |
| Author(s) |
Pascal Cote, Jean-Pierre Gagné, Rémi St-Pierre |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Pascal Cote |
| Abstract Scope |
Process optimization by applying the industry 4.0 principles is now on the roadmap of most of the aluminium producers. Especially, the anode assembly loop has shown interest. Gradually, the operational technologies required to allow for the introduction of process intelligence are being developed and deployed. Automated stub and butt inspection, anode and anode rod tracking are gaining adoption. In the past decade, STAS has implemented anode rod tracking systems using a dual marking approach, that is datamatrix codes for automated reading and alphanumeric marking for human-reading. Although the original code implementing technique proved to be effective and robust, it involved to divert the rods from their regular route. To address this issue, STAS has now developed and deployed a new technique based on laser engraving that has the advantage of being easily installed along the aerial conveyor. This opens the door to a wider adoption of the technology. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |