Abstract
The current distribution at the electrodes in an industrial aluminium cell with prebaked anodes was calculated. The difference between the primary and secondary current distribution was determined for three different gaps between anodes or between anode and sidewall (2.5, 10 and 30 cm). The calculated current densities at the vertical sides of the anode were higher for the secondary current distribution than for the primary (almost double at the uppermost part of the anode), while the differences were much smaller at the cathode (6–20%). If the conducting carbon sidelining is exposed to the electrolyte it will draw an average current density of 0.045 A cm−2 for a 30 cm distance to the cathode. If all this current leads to the formation of aluminium carbide with subsequent dissolution into the electrolyte, the sidelining will corrode at a rate of 0.08 cm d−1 of exposure. The influence of the shape and position of the ledge on the anode current distribution was studied. When the distance between the ledge and anode was greater than 15 cm the shape of the sideledge does not affect the anode current densities significantly, while the current density at the upper part of the anode increases with increasing distance.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
K. J. Fraser, D. Billinghurst, K. L. Chen and J. T. Keniry, `Light Metals 1989' (edited byP. G. Campbell), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1989), 219-26.
W. W. Hyland, `Light Metals 1984'(edited by J. P. Mc. Geer), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1984), pp. 711-20.
P. A. Solli, T. Haarberg, T. Eggen, E. Skybakmoen and A. Sterten, `Light Metals 1994' (edited by U. Mannweiler), TMS, Warrendale PA (1994), pp. 195-203.
J. Zoric, I. Rousar, J. Thonstad and Z. Kuang, J. Appl. Electrochem. 26 (1996) 795-802.
M. Matlosz, C. Creton, C. Clerc and D. Landolt, J. Electrochem. Soc. 134 (1987) 3015.
M. Sorlie and H. Oye, `Cathodes in Aluminium Electrolysis', Aluminium-Verlag, Dusseldorf (1989).
J. Thonstad and Z. Kuang, J. Appl. Electrochem. 26 (1996)481-86.
D. P. Ziegler, `Light Metals 1991' (edited by E. Rooy), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1991),pp. 363-74.
J. Zoric, I. Rousar and J. Thonstad, J. Appl. Electrochem., submitted.
A. Johnsen, S. T. Kvamme, O. Lindheim and A. Slattavik, Proceedings of the VIII Al Symposium, Slovak-Norwegian Conference on Aluminium Smelting Technology (1995), pp. 143-48.
M. V. Swain and E.R. Seguit, J. Aust. Ceram. Soc. 20 (1984) 9-12.
A. T. Taberaux and A. Fickel, `LightMetals 1994' (edited by U. Mannweiler), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1994), pp. 483-91.
B. J. Welchand A. E. May, 8th Internationale Leichtmetalltagung, Leoben-Wien (1987), pp. 120-25.
W.E. Haupin, J. Met. 23(7) (1971) 41-4.
J. J. J. Chen, C. C. Wei, S. Thomson, B. J. Welchand M. P. Taylor, `Light Metals 1994' (edited by U. Mannweiler), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1994), pp. 285-93.
B. Sulmont and G. Hudault, `Light Metals 1978' (edited by J. Miller), TMS, Warrendale,PA (1978), 73-86.
Y. Arita, N. Urata, H and Ikeuchi, ibid.,, pp. 59-71.
J.N. Bruggeman and D. J Danka, `Light Metals 1990' (edited by M. Bickert), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1990), pp. 203-9.
H. Pfundt, D. Vogelsang and U. Gerling, `Light Metals 1989', TMS, Warrendale, PA(1989), pp. 371-77.
H. A. Ahmed, S. M. El-Raghy, F. A. Elrefaie, S. Read and Z. Bassuny, `LightMetals 1994' (edited by U. Mannweiler, TMS, Warrendale, PA (1994), pp. 333-38.
A. Valles, V. Lenis and M. Rao, `Light Metals 1995' (edited by H.O. Bohner), RMS, Warrendale, PA (1995), pp. 309-13.
K. J. Frazer, M. P. Taylor and A. M. Jenkin, `Light Metals 1990'. (edited by M. Bickert),TMS, Warrendale, PA (1990), pp. 221-26.
W. Schmidt-Hatting, J. M. Blanc, J. C. Bessard and R.V. Kaenel, `Light Metals, 1985', (edited by H.O. Bohner), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1985), pp. 609-24.
J. Zoric, PhD thesis, University of Chemical Technology, Prague (1996).
I. Rousar, K. Micka and A. Kimla `Electrochemical Engineering', Elsevier, Amsterdam Academia, Praha (1986).
JANAFThermochemical Tables, US Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC (1971, 1975).
R. Odegard and A. Sterten, J. Thonstad, `Light Metals 1987' (edited by R. D. Zabreznik),TMS, Warrendale, PA (1987), pp. 295-302.
M. P. Taylor, B. J. Welch and J. T. Keniry, `LightMetals 1983' (edited by E. M. Adkins), TMS, Warrendale, PA (1983), pp. 437-41.
H. Gudbransen, A. Sterten and R. Odegard, `Light Metals 1992' (edited by E.R. Cutshall),TMS, Warrendale, PA (1992), pp. 521-28.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zoric, J., Roušar, I., Thonstad, J. et al. Mathematical modelling of aluminium cells with prebaked anodes: Part II: Current distribution and influence of sideledge. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 27, 928–938 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018401602274
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018401602274