Sodium in Aluminium as a Cell Performance Indicator: A Quantitative Framework

Abstract

The relationship between the content of sodium in the metal in aluminium production cells and the current efficiency (CE) was analysed, using available theory and experimental data. The sodium concentration as well as the CE varies with the bath composition (the bath ratio) and the cathodic overvoltage. The mentioned parameters are all functions of the same type of ratio between the activities of sodium fluoride and aluminium fluoride, thus enabling an internally consistent and quantitative description. The “ideal” relationships between the sodium concentration in the metal, the CE, and the cathodic overvoltage are illustrated. It is suggested that the sodium content in the metal can indeed be used as an indicator of the cell performance. However, it is necessary to use adequate sampling and analysis techniques. The exact cell conditions during sampling should be taken into account as well, such as the bath composition and the overfeeding/underfeeding cycle.