Wireless and non-contacting measurement of individual anode currents in hall-héroult pots; experience and benefits

Abstract

Continuous measurement of individual anode currents in Hall-Héroult cells is now becoming practical. It has the advantage of early warning of anode effects and possibly improvements in current efficiency and operation (e.g. warning of anode burn-off). The paper describes the approach of Wireless Industrial Technologies which entails a “master-slave” arrangement with a slave measuring the magnetic field produced by the current in each anode rod each second and the masters wirelessly communicating the data to a computer. With this system there is no direct contact with the anode rods and thereby no interference with normal pot operations such as when changing anodes. Such a system has been under test at a smelter in the USA since December, 2010. A second smelter will be conducting tests of the system by the time of the Orlando conference. Experience with this system is described and projections made concerning potential economic benefit.