About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Electrode Technology Symposium
|
| Presentation Title |
Enhancing Existing Anode Cooling Systems Through Thermo-Mechanical Study-Based Modifications |
| Author(s) |
Dag Herman Andersen, Juraj Chmelar |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Dag Herman Andersen |
| Abstract Scope |
Seasonal winter cracking has been a recurring challenge at Årdal Carbon for several decades, with increased reject rates observed during short/long periods of low ambient temperature. Although the cooling system has been progressively expanded since the major paste plant modernization in 1999, seasonal variations in crack formation remain. Additionally, anode size/weight has gradually increased with planned electrolysis creep projects over the time.
To improve the understanding of this phenomenon, a transient thermomechanical model of the green anode cooling process was developed. The model covers the complete cooling route, including water-spray cooling, overhead conveyor transport, and subsequent storage. Temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical material properties were incorporated to capture the evolving conditions within the anode during cooling.
The simulations were used to evaluate temperature distributions, internal temperature gradients, and thermally induced stresses under varying ambient conditions. The results indicate that winter operating conditions increase thermal gradients and stress levels within the anode, thereby increasing the risk of crack formation. The study provides improved understanding of seasonal cracking mechanisms and supports the evaluation of mitigation measures. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Modeling and Simulation, Process Technology |