| Abstract Scope |
Power interruptions as well as planned reduction can be difficult to manage due to challenges in thermal balance of the pot. At reduced internal heat, isotherms will shift inwards causing operational difficulties. Additionally, smelter also has pots with different design (standard collector bar & copper insert) and age groups, which react differently to amperage reduction. The study has been performed for a 360 kA potline to run at lower amperages, as low as 280 kA. Hence, computational & analytical models were used by smelter and R&D teams to identify the best cell operating window. The study was used to optimize pot control parameters like voltage adjustment, AlF3 feeding, forced cooling pressure, gas suction, metal/bath height, anode cover composition & height, covering/recovering practices etc. The actions taken at shop floor and control room helped to survive/recover pots during interruptions smoothly. |