DX+ Ultra—EGA High Productivity, Low Energy Cell Technology

Abstract

After successful development and industrial implementation of DX and DX+ Cell Technologies, EGA Technology Development launched several initiatives to lower CAPEX and cell energy consumption. The result is DX+ Ultra Technology, which is installed in five demonstration cells in the Eagle Section of Potline 5 Eagle at DUBAL (EGA Jebel Ali Operations), which were started up in March to May 2014 at 450 kA. The main new features of DX+ Ultra Technology are: reduced cell-to-cell distance as well as proprietary novel-design split anode risers, collector bar copper inserts and cathode flexes. More than one year of excellent performance at 455 kA with 95% current efficiency and net specific energy consumption of 12.8 kWh/kg Al has confirmed that the technology is ready for industrial implementation. DX+ Ultra Technology has been selected for Alba’s Potline 6 expansion. Further optimization of the cells is underway to deliver best-in-class technology to the client. This includes larger busbar cross-sections for even lower energy consumption.