Introduction

Aluminium can be produced by using anodes in the aluminium smelter. The main components of anodes are petroleum coke, a product from the distillation of oil, and coal tar pitch, a distillation product extracted from the tar that is obtained in coking plants. A part of the anode material, the so-called anode butts, is returned by the aluminium smelters to be reused as raw material. Petroleum coke and anode butts are crushed, dried if necessary, graded, ground, heated and mixed with an exact amount of pitch and finally kneaded. An optimal composition is yet another prerequisite for good anode quality. Depending on the anode format the compound will be moulded to a 'green anode' either in a press or in a vibrating machine. After forming, the anodes are baked at approx. 1150°C to carbonize the pitch binder and eliminate the volatile parts of the pitch. After cleaning, inspecting and packaging, the anodes are ready for delivery. Anodes can be produced in all shapes and sizes. Click here for a picture of the Anode production process steps. Click here for a short overview of the aluminum production process.

Aluminium electrolysis

Aluminium electrolysis cell

Electrolysis cell – General data

Cathode Block 10 - 20 blocks/pot = 8 - 26 t/pot

Sidewall Blocks 2 - 7 t/pot

Ramming Paste 2 - 10 t/pot

Steel Shell 8 - 15 m long; 3 - 4 m wide

Pot Amperage 100 – 330+ kA

Pot Voltage 4 - 5 V

Potline 100 - 300 cells connected in series

Potlife 1500 - 3000 days