About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Improvements on Metal Tapping Planning |
| Author(s) |
Ana Elaje Azevedo Simoes da Mota, Vanderlei Oliveira Fernandes, João Paulo de Souza Ferreira, Knut Solbu |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ana Elaje Azevedo Simoes da Mota |
| Abstract Scope |
Ensuring metal purity in pots is a key challenge to guarantee the required final product quality of the ingots. At ALBRAS, among 960 pots, some may not consistently meet quality standards, leading to an increasing stock of offgrade ingots. To address and reduce these deviations impact, ALBRAS aimed to improve metal tapping planning by automating the decision-making process. The goal was to increase reliability, reduce time through time and motion studies, and align planning with operators' practical routines. The metal tapping logic was redesigned using a system programmed to simulate and select the best scenarios based on strategic production targets and minimizing operator travel distances. This solution improved adherence to the planned tapping sequence, reduced the generation of offgrade ingots by more than 800 tons in three months, and enhanced operational efficiency. Additionally, feedback from operators confirmed improved working conditions and well-being, reinforcing the success of the implemented change. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Modeling and Simulation, Process Technology |