ABIS / Anode Butt Inspection System
A fully automated system for anode butt inspection
How it works
The thicknesses and shapes of anode butts can vary depending on several process parameters. Therefore, the carbon thickness has to be followed up to optimize the anode cycle. Anode butts can also be abnormally shaped. Such defects can be caused by different factors such as anode fabrication, anode baking, raw materials, cathode problems, carbon dust, anode dressing, etc.
Usually, few anode butts only are manually inspected every week, mainly to verify the carbon thickness. This situation leads to incomplete, inaccurate and subjective feedbacks on the real situation.
Moreover, the cleaning of the anode butts from the bath is critical to minimize the sodium level in the anodes, for inadequate cleaning can lead to a reduction of the life expectancy of the baking furnaces and to anode problems like cracks, etc.
With the collaboration of Alcoa Canada, STAS has developed the ABIS / Anode Butt Inspection System, an automated system based on artificial vision, which measures the geometrical characteristics of the anode butts and their cleanliness from the bath. Such information provides opportunities to optimize the electrolysis process and the fabrication of anodes.
Key features
Productivity Improvement
- All butts are fully inspected.
- Optimized cell operation by use of database.
- Easy to implement and maintain.
- No operator required.
Safe Operating Environment
- No more manual measurements.
