Start-Up of a New "Smart and Green" Anode Plant

In the early 2000s, the first industrial-scale Rhodax (R) process green anode plant (GAP) was started. More than 15 years later, the latest version of this technology was successfully commissioned to produce anodes at a higher production rate and for a higher amperage pot. The experience accumulated during this time contributed to an evolution of the technologies, allowing us to meet today's challenges: more stringent environmental requirements that limit emissions, reduced operator noise exposure, higher GAP operation availability, and stable anode quality. It was also an opportunity to implement the use of digital technologies to enhance the Rhodax (R) and the pre-heating screw performance, monitor and maintain operation performance with advanced process control solutions. This paper summarizes the key lessons learnt from the latest project and the performance achieved. It also presents the innovations implemented that open the door to new remote services for equipment performance and process stability enhancements.