On Continuous PFC Emission Unrelated to Anode Effects

Abstract

An investigation was made into operating parameters that could result in continuous PFC emission unrelated to anode effects in two smelters. Anode current distribution was measured in QY smelter. No obvious correlation was observed between the non-homogenous anode current and continuous PFC emission. Bath temperature and alumina concentration were synchronously measured during continuous PFC monitoring in LX smelter. No continuous PFC emissions were observed when reduction cells are operated at stable bath temperature and alumina concentration. No clear relationship emerged among these factors and further surveys need to be made in other smelters. The effect of feeding mechanism was also investigated. Metal tapping and anode exchange can disturb cells’ balance, which result in cell voltage rising, and then may cause continuous PFC emission. It is found that the continuous PFC emission only occur in some particular cells and is different from cell to cell even with the same line current. The continuous PFC emission is only a small portion in total PFC emission.