Alcoa Inc.

Gilles Dufour

Jean-Pierre Gagne

Claude Gauthier

Jean Pierre Gagné

Jacques Pelletier

Jacques Denis

Jean-Pierre Gagné

Robin Boulianne

Bertrand St-Laurent

Pierre Bouchard

Systems and methods for inspecting anodes, and smelting management based thereon are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging device configured to obtain images of at least one anode assembly, an image processor configured to producing imaging data based on the images, and a data analyzer configured to produce anode characteristic data based on the imaging data. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of obtaining at least one image of at least a portion of an anode assembly, producing imaging data based on the at least one image, and deriving anode characteristic data based, at least in part, on the imaging data.

Systems and methods for inspecting anodes and smelting management relating to the same

A spent anode is replaced with a new anode in an electrolysis cell having an anode bus bar and an anode rod contacting the bus bar. A desired distance (D) from the bus bar to a reference point on or adjacent to an anode rod for the new anode is calculated, the spent anode is replaced with a new anode so that the reference point on the new anode rod is spaced from the bus bar by an actual distance (D), and the actual distance (D) is measured at least once by means of a vision system. The actual distance (D) is preferably adjusted using a feedback control loop in a computer so that Dapproaches the desired distance (D).

Process and apparatus for positioning replacement anodes in electrolytic cells

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Gilles Dufour