About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Comparison of Performance and Application Characteristics Between Aluminum Electrolysis Full-Graphite and Graphitized Cathode Under Operating Conditions |
| Author(s) |
Yang Zhang, Yue Li, Bin Fang, Hongkun Niu, Junqing Wang, Changlin Li, Shengzhong Bao, Yongfeng Cao, Qing Han |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yang Zhang |
| Abstract Scope |
To distinguish the adaptability of full-graphite and graphitized cathode in large aluminum reduction cell, industrial data from a Chinese plant’s 200 kA and 500 kA cells were used to compare electrothermal, magnetohydrodynamic and operational performances, plus energy-saving mechanisms and flaws. Graphitized cathode deliver 200 mV average voltage drop, high conductivity and uniform current (0.31% standard deviation), yet high heat conductivity triggers bottom overcooling, demanding enhanced insulation or higher voltage. Full-graphite cathode feature stronger erosion resistance and structural stability to avoid short cell service life from graphitized cathode abrasion, with a 127.6 mV interpolar voltage drop optimization potential in 200 kA cells. Graphitized cathodes bring balanced magnetic fields and stable electrolyte flow; full-graphite ones fit low-voltage energy saving via favorable thermal fields. Overall, full-graphite cathodes have lower costs, longer life and deeper energy savings, while graphitized ones fit stable production. This work offers field data for cathode selection and energy-saving optimization. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Sustainability, Other |