Solid phase formation during aluminium e

The paper illustrates the results of experimental study on the formation of the solid phase on the graphite crucible wall in the cryolite-alumina electrolyte depending on the temperature, rates of the liquid phase motion and heat flow in the laboratory electrolytic cell. The side ledge stability is shown to depend on the rate of the heat flow, which is caused by changes in the temperatures of the electrolyte, electrolytic cell walls and liquidus. When the temperature of the inside wall is higher than the electrolyte liquidus temperature the side ledge formation is significantly affected, leading to variations in the thickness of both side and bottom ledges. The results indicate that the overheating of the electrolyte by at least 18 °C prevents the formation of side ledges, while the thickness of the bottom ledge is notably smaller at higher electrolyte motion rates. Additionally, variations in heat flow substantially influence the thickness of the crust formed on the electrolyte, demonstrating the critical interplay between temperature management and solid phase development during aluminium electrolysis.