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Title: Potlining Additives

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/875420· OSTI ID:875420

In this project, a concept to improve the performance of aluminum production cells by introducing potlining additives was examined and tested. Boron oxide was added to cathode blocks, and titanium was dissolved in the metal pool; this resulted in the formation of titanium diboride and caused the molten aluminum to wet the carbonaceous cathode surface. Such wetting reportedly leads to operational improvements and extended cell life. In addition, boron oxide suppresses cyanide formation. This final report presents and discusses the results of this project. Substantial economic benefits for the practical implementation of the technology are projected, especially for modern cells with graphitized blocks. For example, with an energy savings of about 5% and an increase in pot life from 1500 to 2500 days, a cost savings of $ 0.023 per pound of aluminum produced is projected for a 200 kA pot.

Research Organization:
EMEC Consultants
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) - (EE-20)
DOE Contract Number:
FC36-98ID13664
OSTI ID:
875420
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English