Mathematical Models for the Novel Cathode Convexes in a Reduction Cell

Abstract

A less magnitude of liquid aluminum deformation is required to shorten the anode-cathode distance so as to lower the electric energy consumption of the aluminum reduction cell. A mathematical model aimed to describe the electrolyte/aluminum two-phase flow in reduction cells, based on the computational fluid dynamics method, was developed to study the impacts of the cathode convexes on the electrolyte/aluminum interface deformation. The results showed that the magnitude of the two-phase interface deformation was reduced for about 17.2% with the novel cathode convexes; while at the same time, the washout of the melt on the ledge was also enhanced.