Numerical simulation of current distribution in metal pad of aluminum reduction cells
(School of Materials and Metallurgy, Northeastern University,
Shenyang 110004, China)
Shenyang 110004, China)
Abstract: Based on the numerical calculation of 3-D potential distribution in aluminum reduction cells, current distribution in the metal pad is calculated under the following conditions: 1) pot ledge ideally formed; 2) ledge extension to below anode; 3) different metal heights; 4) AC and 5) Spike. It is found that Jy in metal pad increases first to a highest point and then decreases along anode length. At normal status, the largest Jy is about 0.4A/cm2 and it locates at about 2/3 of anode length. With longer ledge, the maximum value of Jy decreases and its position moves center-ward. The longer the side ledge, the larger the negative current flowing center-ward at side channel. Jz in metal pad increases with anode length and it is not affected by metal height; while Jy increases with metal height. At AC, current flows toward metal under new anode. At spike, current concentrates at spike rather than evenly distributes. Normally, Jx is almost negligible in metal pad.
Key words: aluminum reduction cell; current density; numerical simulation; metal pad