Sep 14 2012
Pre-bake aluminium smelters coat anode stubs (or “pins”) with a thin layer of graphite before sealing them into the carbon anode with molten cast iron.
This graphite film significantly reduces the risk of the cast iron fusing into the stub surface, ensuring easy removal of the cast iron “thimble” when the spent anode rod is recycled.
In the past, rodding plants often used graphite powder suspended in an organic solvent. This quickly dried at ambient temperatures. Environmental and safety considerations have largely eliminated this practice and today most smelters use an aqueous graphite suspension. The use of water as the diluent means that careful drying is necessary to eliminate the risk of dangerous steam explosions during the anode sealing process.
VHE‘s Anode Stub Graphite Coating Systems comprise a graphite coating tank and a drying system. The coating tank contains an aqueous graphite suspension and is elevated to the anode rod by hydraulic or pneumatic rams such that the anode stubs are partially immersed in the graphite mixture. The graphite is kept in suspension by continuous agitation of the tank contents.
The drying module may be one of several options, including gas burners, high intensity radiant electric heaters, or induction pre-heating, where residual heat in the stubs dries the graphite film.
About VHE
Velaverkstaedi Hjalta Einarssonar - VHE is a major mechanical fabricator, offering a comprehensive range of design, manufacturing and site services. VHE now provides all Stimir solutions to the primary aluminium industry, with particular focus on the Rodding Plant. All aspects of design and fabrication are undertaken at VHE’s own facilities, ensuring total quality control and on-time delivery.