Detecting and estimating shorting phenomena in hall cells and control of cell anodes in response thereto

摘要

A method of controlling interelectrode distance when a short occurs between an anode and the cathode metal pad of an electrolytic cell. Anode current data is provided by sampling anode current at a relatively high frequency, and noting any substantial instantaneous increase in current by observing the data over a period of time. Estimates of instantaneous losses in current efficiency over a base period of time due to the shorting are then made. Current efficiency losses are reduced by repositioning the anode via a command from a cell control computer to anode positioning means or by manual adjustment of the anodes in the cell.