We are pleased to invite you to attend our technical presentation «Design and Demonstration of an Improved Automated Pot Tapping Method and Equipment» at TMS 2016 in Nashville, TN.

Where: Music City Center, Room 202C

When: Wednesday February 17, 3:20 PM

Abstract:

In the aluminium electrolysis process, metal is retrieved from the cells using a tapping tube connected to a crucible in which vacuum is made to initiate and maintain molted metal flow. Care must be taken not to contaminate the aluminium with electrolyte during the tapping operation. Continuous improvement of cell performance, including reduction of the metal layer depth, increases the challenges related to the tapping operation. Reduction of the metal flow helps reducing the electrolyte quantity that is tapped, however this increases the duration of the operation and poses scheduling problems. A novel patent pending tapping control method and equipment have been designed and tested in the Alouette smelter, in order to minimize contamination while maintaining or reducing the tapping operation duration. Metal flow control is improved thanks to optimized software. Analysis of the process indicators show that a significant reduction in tapped electrolyte is obtained.