Electrolysis
Aluminium electrolysis is the predominant field of work for our light metal production activities, but through co-operation with university personnel, especially in connection with graduate studies, we have also gained some experience in molten salt electrowinning and electrorefining of other metals (Fe, Si ).
In the field of aluminium electrolysis we have experience over a wide range of topics, to be mentioned briefly in the following.
- Electrode processes are being studied using advanced techniques such as voltammetry and impedance measurements. Long term testing of electrode materials can also be conducted.
- Bath chemistry studies encompass electrical conductivity, phase diagram studies, thermodynamic data and the kinetics of alumina dissolution.
- The behaviour of carbon materials (with the emphasis on tests of electrolytic anode carbon consumption).
- Electrochemical wear of carbon cathode materials.
- Relevant analytical techniques are mastered, e.g. for the determination of impurities in bath and metal, and analysis of anode effect gases (CF4, C2F6) and sulphurous gases (SO2, COS).
- The development of inert electrodes, i.e. ceramic wettable cathodes and oxygen-evolving anodes.
- Corrosion testing of SiC-based sidelining materials.
- Experimental technique for comparing the dissolution behaviour of various types of industrial alumina in Hall-Heroult electrolyte.
- Sensors for monitoring bath composition in electrolysis cells.
- Fluid flow modelling of electrolysis cells (in co-operation with the Department of Process Technology).
- Heat balance, cell voltage and cell performance. Modelling.
- Solubility of oxide materials in the molten salt electrolytes.
The activity covers fundamental research as well as problems closely related to industrial practice. We feel a special responsibility to test new processes and new materials, such as alternative electrolytes and inert electrodes.
We share offices, laboratories and other research facilities with the Department of Materials Technology the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Our work is conducted in close co-operation with the university.