Alcoa starprobe™ - Update in further development for measuring cryolite properties

Abstract

Efficient aluminum smelting operation requires routine but necessary measurement and control of individual cell key parameters. Two of the critical measurement and control parameters are cell temperature and bath chemistry. Bath chemistry of interest for the cryolitic bath is cryolite molar ratio and other components such as CaFj and A1203, and sometimes other additives such as LiF and MgF2. Determination of these properties requires various analytical equipment and rigorous procedures from tedious sampling to analytical preparation. STARprobe™, an Alcoa proprietary instrument specifically developed and designed for use in aluminum smelters, combines tedious time-consuming sampling procedures and all expensive analytical equipment into one simple portable instrument for potroom operators on potroom floor. Now, the STARprobe™, together with Alcoa proprietary Integrated Pot Control system, becomes an integral technology component in Alcoa smelters for an efficient operation. This paper will update our further development in more accurately measuring alumina concentration, and also addition of property measurement including %CaF2 and %LiF when needed.