Abstract
The high abrasion rate of graphitized cathodes of high amperage cells is a major limitation of the pot lining life time. This is related to the use of low Sulfur anode grade petroleum coke resulting in a too soft cathode after graphitization. A review of the effects of the coke characteristics on the cathode abrasion as well as other pot lining relevant properties has been performed in a pilot scale. The selection of more isotropic calcined cokes produced in a delayed coking plant from appropriate soft pitches allows a decrease in the abrasion rate by a factor of four. No detrimental effects on the graphitization behaviour or the cathode relevant properties can be observed. Dedicated coal tar pitch feedstocks used in optimized delayed coking in combination with shaft kiln calcination have the potential, to solve the “W shaped” wear of graphitized cathodes that is responsible for the short pot life time.
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