Study of the thermally-induced shell deformation of high amperage Hall-Héroult cells

This study investigates the mechanical deformation of high amperage Hall-Héroult cell potshells under thermal loading, a concern that has not been previously linked to thermal balance issues. Although the aluminum industry has seen a slowdown in the introduction of new high amperage cell designs, emerging configurations in the 250 to 350 kA range indicate a need for advanced technology deployment, such as the AP50 design. The objective of the study is to analyze the implications of incorporating cooling fins and forced-air cooling systems on the deformation characteristics of cell potshells. To achieve this, the researchers conduct a comprehensive assessment examining the heat dissipation properties of cell designs and the thermal impacts resulting from current density variations. Results indicate that adjustments to current density can significantly enhance thermal equilibrium, allowing for extended cell configurations without compromising the lining design. This exploration reveals a critical understanding of the constraints faced by the aluminum industry, providing insight into feasible strategies for overcoming inherent thermal challenges in high amperage cell designs.