Rio tinto AP44 cell technology development at alma smelter

Abstract

The AP30 platform reached an important milestone at the Alma Smelter. This latter is the first to operate above 400 kA. Following this success, Rio Tinto Aluminium group launched the AP44 cell development to offer a technology capable of operating above 440 kA. This represents fifty percent more than the original AP30 cell. The technology is expected to deliver world- Class performance such as metal production of 3274 kg/day/cell and an energy consumption of approximately 13.23 kWh/kg. Advanced modeling tools and process control system were developed and used to cope with the challenge in designing and operating high amperage cells. Consequently, the AP44 cells integrate the most recent AP technology developments. The industrial piloting is underway at the Alma Smelter on eight dedicated cells to demonstrate the technology at both 405 kA and 440 kA to validate the transition parameters. At the end of September 2016, the new AP44 technology would be available for implementation in existing or new aluminium smelters.