Research on the Penetration Depth in Aluminum Reduction Cell with New Type of Anode and Cathode Structures

In this article, a cold water model experiment based on the principle of similitude was conducted to study penetration depth and to investigate the rules of penetration depth (the thickness of bubble sheet) in new anode structure electrolytic cell. New structure anodes and new structure cathodes were designed to examine penetration depth induced by anodic gas in the electrolytic cell. A high-speed camera was used to take photographs of the water model experiment. After that, photographs were analyzed by Image-Pro Plus software. The results revealed the effect of different parameters such as slit width, anode–cathode distance, electrolyte level, and gas rate on the penetration depth. The results provide several meaningful suggestions in selecting electrolysis apparatus. Finally, through dimensional analyzing, the penetration depth criterion equation of the 1/2 anode structure electrolytic cell was obtained. In sum, water model experimental results provide theoretical and experimental basis for the new anode structure and new cathode structure electrolysis cell’s design and practice.