Resistance Due to the Presence of Bubbles in an Electrolytic Cell with a Grooved Anode

• Published in: Chemical engineering research & design Vol. 79; no. 4; pp. 383 - 388
• Main Authors: Chen, J.J.J., Qian, K.X., Zhao, J.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rugby Elsevier B.V 01.05.2001; Institution of Chemical Engineers
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Electrometallurgy; Exact sciences and technology; Metals. Metallurgy; Production of metals; Production of non ferrous metals. Process materials; Electrode configuration; Bubble; Aluminium production; Basic solution; Caustic soda; Sodium Hydroxides; Electric resistivity; Electrometallurgy; Hall Heroult cell
• DOI: 10.1205/026387601750282300
• ISSN: 0263-8762

Bubble resistance in an electrolytic cell using a grooved anode and anodes with plane surfaces are measured and reported. The cell was operated at various inclination angles of the anode and at a range of anode-cathode distances (ACD). The comparison shows that bubble resistance obtained for a grooved anode is smaller than that for anodes with plane surfaces at the same operating conditions (i.e. inclination angle, current density, and equivalent ACD). Explanations for the reduction in the bubble resistance due to the use of a grooved anode are given. The use of grooved anodes may provide a significant reduction in the overall cell voltage drop, and thus increase the energy efficiency, provided the node material is not consumed during the process, causing the grooves to revert to a planar surface. The work reported in this paper is of particular significance to the aluminium smelting industry if a non-consumable inert anode is available.