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Breakthrough Heat Transfer Technology by Light Metals Research Centre
In today's competitive aluminium smelting business, there is a trend for aluminium smelters around the world to increase their cell amperages to drive up metal production. This action causes a problem: more heat is being generated in the cells than was intended.
The challenge for smelters is to remove the excess heat generated, which is essential for achieving and maintaining a thermally balanced cell. Failure to do so has adverse effects on cell performance and life. Current methods used for removing this extra heat include modifying cell design, revising operating parameters and forced air jets on the steel shell. Better and more cost effective solutions for smelters are needed to provide close control of thermal balance as amperage is increased (or decreased).
The technology, developed by the Centre under PCT patent, is a compact andefficient air-driven heat exchangers capable of providing controlled cooling of smelter cell sidewalls.
For related publication from Light Metals Research Centre, please click below:
 Efficient Operation of Compressed Air Jets for Sid
SHE Paper
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