ASIS / Anode Stub Inspection System
A fully automated system for stub inspection
How it works
The stubs of the anode rod assembly have to be in good shape in order to obtain a good anode. After each anode cycle, the stubs are automatically cleaned from their residual carbon and cast iron, but some pieces of cast iron can still remain on the stub perimeters. Moreover, due to the extreme conditions of the process, the stubs tend to deform and corrode, which causes defects that can reduce the efficiency of the anode assembly or jeopardise its integrity.
For the above reasons, each stub assembly needs to be inspected to determine if it will be reused or routed to the repair area.
With the collaboration of Alcoa Canada, STAS has developed the ASIS / Anode Stub Inspection System, an automated system based on artificial vision and integrated within the existing conveyor system of the rodding shop. The results are used to route the rod through the repair area up to the equipment used to straighten up the external stubs (cowboy effect) or to reuse the rod right away. The plant database also stores the results for statistical analysis purposes. The characteristics of the entire fleet of anode rod assemblies can easily be followed up.
Key features
Productivity Improvement
- All rods are fully inspected before being reused.
- Easy to implement and maintain.
- No operator required.
Safe Operating Environment
- No more manual measurements.
- Good anode rodding.
