Simulation of baking conditions and start-up of the aluminium electrolytic cells and their effect on the operating performance of cold ramming paste

Under study was the reaction of the basic operating performance of the cold low-shrinkage ramming paste (CRP) on the pre-heating conditions of the rammed joint. It was found out that the uncontrolled high-rate heat-up of the cold ramming paste (CRP) loosens the macrostructure and intensifies impregnation of the rammed layer. The controlled delayed rate in the temperature rise of the inter-block joint up to 400 °С enables to obtain a high-quality layer of paste with the improved barrier properties against its impregnation with electrolyte.