| Abstract Scope |
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), initially Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), started operation in 1979 in its Jebel Ali smelter, consisting of Kaiser P69 cells. In 1990/1991 a fourth potline was started with improved lining, called D18 Technology, increasing potlife to approximately 2600 days. Subsequent DUBAL expansions with CD20/D20 Technology started in 1996-2006, using 30% graphitic blocks, whose best average life was 2150 days. These were replaced by graphitized blocks in the second generation, with best life of 1880 days. Newer EGA technologies; DX, DX+ and DX+ Ultra, use graphitized and impregnated graphitized blocks, the former having first generation average life of 1780 days and the latter 1950. In 2015-2018, the D18 potlines were modernized to D18+ Technology having 100 % graphitic blocks. In this paper, the evolution of cathode blocks, their performance and potlife, across all pot technologies at EGA will be presented, including collector bar design and transitioning to copper inserts. |