Review of factors affecting carbon anode consumption in the electrolytic production of aluminum

Abstract

The correlation between the laboratory and plant consumption data is demonstrated. Laboratory studies led to better understanding of many factors affecting anode consumption. The mechanism is reviewed. Results are presented for anode materials, anode processing variables, and cell operating practices. Of considerable interest are the consumption rates obtained with special cokes such as needle, fluid, and high- temperature cokes, and with coal- tar and petroleum pitches containing very low amounts of quinoline- insolubles. The effect of electrolyte temperature and consumption and some of the reduction cell variables on anode consumption are briefly discussed.