Effect of Ledge Shape on Temperature and Current Distribution of Hall-Heroult Cell: Modeling and Simulation

The major factor that determines the instability of molten aluminium pad is the current distribution in the Hall-Heroult cell. The magnitude of current and its distribution inside the Hall-cell depends on (i) total input current, (ii) anode - cathode distance, (iii) ledge shape and (iv) metal pool depth. The paper determined the effect ledge shape and anode-cathode distance (ACD) on current and temperature distribution of the Hall-cell mathematically. The software package (PHOENICS) is used to predict the temperature and current distribution of the cell at different operating parameters. The present work is part of an effort for developing a mathematical model, for the design and development of Hall-Cell. It is found that the bath temperature changes from 1302K to 1397K when the ACD changes from 4.5 to 5 cm and 1302K to 1209K when ACD changes from 4.5 to 4 cm. The simulation results revealed that the current direction changes from vertical to nearly horizontal on the surface of the bottom ledge. Therefore, for better control of the cell operation, continuous monitoring of the temperature and current is required. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.