- 4 -
Vanalco uses 636 low current density (LCD) cells and 14 N-40
cells in its smelting operation. The LCD cells are oblong steel
shells approximately 22 feet in length, 3 feet in height, and
more than 6 feet in width that sit on steel cradles over which
anodes hang from a large steel superstructure. The N-40 cells
essentially are the same as the LCD cells, except that the N-40
cells are approximately 3 feet shorter. The interior of each
shell is covered with a cell lining.
The 650 cells are in 10 "rooms", which are areas that each
contain 65 cells. In the rooms, each cell is placed within 24 to
28 inches of another cell. Two rooms of cells are connected
together in a "pot line" by bus bars, through which electricity
flows. Thus, 130 cells make up each pot line, and the cells in
each pot line share the same electrical current.
The cells are arranged in such a way that any cell can be
bypassed when circumstances warrant. A cell is bypassed or
"shunted" from the line by disconnecting the riser from the
superstructure and redirecting the flow of electricity. On
average, 8 or 10 cells are shunted out of line for replacement of
their linings at any given time; however, Vanalco cannot operate
its system on a sustained basis without substantial modifications
to its electrical system unless a minimum of 112 cells are in
operation.
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011