Low Resistance Electrode Assemblies for Production of Metals Recent Technology Development

Abstract

Over an estimated twenty percent of the power consumed in Aluminum electrolysis goes to waste heat from electrical resistances in the materials and connections in the anode assemblies located above the molten bath or in the cathode assemblies below the metal pad. Although part of the overall heat balance of the cell, most of this heat neither materially contributes to the chemical conversion of alumina, nor to maintaining the electrolyte in a molten state. Two of the major connections with electrical resistance creating waste heat are the cast iron connections within both the anode and cathode assemblies.

Hatch is investigating methods to reduce the electrical resistance across these iron connections. This paper reviews the recent and ongoing development of this technology and its potential benefits.