potline
A potline is a series of electrolytic cells, known as pots, used in the Hall-Héroult process for the primary production of aluminum. These cells are arranged in a long row, hence the term "potline." Each pot is a large steel shell lined with refractory material and carbon blocks, which serve as the cathode. Inside the pot, a molten electrolyte consisting primarily of cryolite and aluminum fluoride is maintained at a temperature around 950-980 degrees Celsius. Carbon anodes, typically made of petroleum coke and coal tar pitch, are suspended in the electrolyte.
During the electrolysis, a direct electric current is passed through the electrolyte. Aluminum oxide, dissolved in
Potlines are the core of an aluminum smelter, and their operation requires significant electrical energy. The