Analytical computation of molten metal velocity patterns in aluminum reduction electrolytic cells

Summary form only given. In order to predict the performance, efficiency, wall erosion and energy requirements of aluminum reduction electrolytic cells, magneto-hydro-dynamic analysis becomes inevitable. Previously, some efforts have been made to numerically perform this analysis. In this paper we present an analytical approach for computing molten metal velocity patterns. Based on analytical formulations obtained for current density and field distributions inside the cell a series solution for the velocity patterns is constructed and found by matching corresponding Navier-Stokes equations coefficients. Due to the nature of the approach, it was possible to develop an efficient software implementing it. This software was then used to perform numerous simulations for new cells as well as cells having ledge formations. Testing of the developed approach has revealed good agreement between measured and observed data.