NOUFERROUS METALLURGICAL EQUIPMENT

In this paper, by means of multi-physical field simulation, the busbar, cathode structure, lining and superstructure of a discontinued 240kA potline were targeted for upgrading design. These upgrade significantly improved the magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) stability, thermal balance stability and gas collection efficiency of the pots and reduced the cathode voltage drop, which created conditions for long-term stable operation of the pots under low voltage, low energy consumption and higher current density. After the transformation was completed and put back into operation, the operation current of the pot was successfully increased to 260kA, the annual raw aluminum production capacity of this potline was increased by nearly 14000 tons, and the average DC power consumption of liquid aluminum was reduced from 13343kW·h/t-Al before the transformation to 12463kW·h/t-Al.