ART – Anode and Anode Rod Tracking

How it works 

To answer these challenges, STAS has implemented a traceability system for the anode rods and anodes throughout the entire process: 

• From the molding of the anodes
• On the cooling line
• At the anode baking furnace
• At the cleaning phase of baked anodes
• At the rodding of the anodes
• At electrolysis
• On the way back as anode butts at the anode rodding shop.

Since the early 2000s, we have been working on several anode and other tracking solutions using rapidly evolving tools. Proven technologies such as the ASIS^3D and the ABIS^3D are now operating in multiple plants across the globe, providing key data to producers, who in turn have been able to automatically and entirely inspect their anode stubs and butts and greatly improve their maintenance and repairing process.

We are now capable of centralizing collected data into a connected tracking management system designed to significantly improve the performance of global, standardized monitoring, paving the way to a completely automated, intelligent 4.0 industry solution.

The purpose of our solution

Is to improve and stabilize the quality, minimize the number of external and internal defects.

To increase the use efficiency by identifying and tracking the production and operating parameters of each anode throughout its life cycle by identifying and eliminating the causes of destabilization in a timely manner.

To enhance production control algorithms and minimize the human factor influence on the technology, to increase the efficiency of the carbon and reduction plants.

To identify the source and causes of defects on each anode rod assembly by identifying and tracking anode parameters and operating conditions, forecasting anode rod repairs and service life, minimizing the number of defects and repair costs.

This level of detailing makes it possible to perceive the movement of green, baked, rodded anodes and anode butts among the process areas, giving producers a complete new, improved understanding of their production process, which can lead to huge production improvements and financial savings.