About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Dynamic Response Behavior and Online Monitoring Potential of Cathode Currents in a 600 kA Aluminium Reduction Cell |
| Author(s) |
Chun Li, Feiran Jiang, Rentao Zhao, Zhifang Zhang, Hao Xiao, Dongwei Liu, Changting Tang, Jun Tie |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Chun Li |
| Abstract Scope |
The dynamic response of cathode currents was investigated in a 600 kA aluminium reduction cell using synchronized measurements of 112 cathode collector bars and 28 anode pairs by fiber-optic current sensing, together with measured-anode-current-driven 3D COMSOL simulations. The molten aluminium pad exhibits a low-pass filtering effect on current signals. Under steady or slowly varying conditions, the near-equipotential pad distributes current at ratios set by intrinsic cathode structural resistances, yielding stable distribution. During transients (anode changes or anode effects), finite electromagnetic signal propagation speed prevents instant equipotential re-establishment, producing transient responses in corresponding cathodes. Anode change induces a current step of ~±0.03 kA. During localized anode effects, ~94% of corresponding cathodes drop synchronously in simulations versus ~72% in measurements (sampling period: 112 s), indicating faster sampling would enhance cathode-based anode effect precursor detection. Given lower cathode-side temperatures favoring sensor longevity, cathode monitoring can supplement or replace conventional anode monitoring. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Electrometallurgy, Other |