| Abstract Scope |
This paper investigates the production technology and operational performance of electrolysis cell with fully graphitized cathodes in 400 kA aluminum series. Comparative analyses with cells using graphitic cathodes were conducted based on industrial data, covering key parameters such as cell voltage, metal and electrolyte levels, bath temperature, bath ratio, and cathode voltage drop. The results demonstrate that cells with fully graphitized cathodes reduce the cathode voltage drop by 80–107 mV, lower the average cell voltage by 30 mV, increase current efficiency by 0.49% on average, and decrease DC power consumption per ton of aluminum by approximately 84 kWh, showing remarkable energy-saving benefits. The superior thermal conductivity of graphitized cathode makes the thermal balance of cell more sensitive to external disturbances like current fluctuations, requiring enhanced process control. This work provides practical guidance for the application of fully graphitized cathodes in large-scale aluminum reduction cells. |