Pilot Scale Anodes for Raw Material Evaluation and Process Improvement

Primary and secondary raw materials and carbon plant practices are of critical importance for anode quality. Frequent testing of cokes, pitch and production factors in a full scale plant would be feasible, but might be high risk and expensive. It could also be time consuming as the testing would be subject to the demand of production for priority. For over twenty years, Hydro has run systematic pilot scale tests in Ardal, Norway, and since 2005 the facility has been upgraded with intensive mixers and vacuum vibroforming. Today the pilot production simulates full scale operation, and pilot scale results are successfully implemented in carbon plants. The paper discusses the factors that ensure quality practices for pitch level evaluation, aggregate screening curves and baking level control. Examples are from tests of new material sources, a study of secondary raw materials quality related to carboxy reactivity, and studies of production parameters.