Soderberg cells, anode performance

In this context, a review is presented of the complex chain of events affecting anode performance, ranging from the properties of precursors for filler cokes and binder pitches, through production of these raw materials and their fabrication into anode carbon, and concluding with anode performance evaluation in full-size prebake and Soderberg cells of different designs. 

The principal anode performance problem of Soderberg cells is the low-baked anode carbon. This results in preferential attack on binder coke and creates some level of filler dust problem as a standard operating condition. For VS Soderberg anodes, there is additional performance loss for the lower-quality pinhole carbon, which fills the space created when pins are reset. This is due to porosity created when pinhole paste is baked in place by the existing excessive heatup rates, VS Soderberg anodes are also adversely affected if the carbon has a high sulfur content. Conductor pin tips will become coated with an iron sulfide scale, which interferes with electrical conduction in the anode. 

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