Abstract
The solubility of aluminum in cryolite-alumina melts has been determined in laboratory experiments by analyzing rapidly-quenched samples of the melt after equilibration with metal at temperatures between 960 and 1060°C. The solubility in pure cryolite increases from 0.085 at 1020°C to 0.12 wt pct Al at 1060°C. The addition of alumina decreases the solubility at 1020°C to 0.081 with 5 pct A12O3 and to 0.073 wt pct Al in melts saturated with alumina. Quenched samples have been taken from operating 130 kA prebake cells at different heights above the metal pad, both in the center channel and beneath the anodes. Within about 10 mm of the cathode the metal content is close to the equilibrium value obtained in the laboratory but above this level it decreases rapidly. It is suggested that oxidation occurs in a central zone of the electrolyte. Mechanisms of metal loss and implications for current efficiency are discussed.
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Arthur, A.M. The solubility of aluminum in cryolite-alumina melts and the mechanism of metal loss. Metall Trans 5, 1225–1230 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02644337
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02644337