Correlation of coke properties, anode properties, and carbon consumption

Calcined coke and anode core properties are often used to predict carbon consumption and anode performance in aluminum reduction cells. The present study compares laboratory analytical data and production data from 1992 through 1995 at RMC's Lake Charles Carbon Company (LCCC) and Canadian Reynolds Metals Company (CRMC). During this period, carbon plant operations produced anodes with a range of properties using various calcined cokes. The results indicate that calcined cokes having a range of properties can produce quality prebake anodes that yield low, stable carbon consumption. Variability in certain coke and anode properties that are considered important quality parameters had little or no detrimental effect on carbon consumption. Limited correlation exists between certain coke and anode properties during time periods where the coke property changed significantly.