Detecting abnormal feed rate in aluminium electrolysis using extended Kalman filter

Authors:	Hestetun Kristin, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway Hovd Morten, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Topic:	6.2 Mining, Mineral & Metal Processing
Session:	Technology in Mining and Metal Processing Industry
Keywords:	Extended Kalman filter, state and parameter estimation, fault detection and identification

Abstract

One factor influencing the current efficiency in an aluminium electrolysis cell is the concentration ofdissolved alumina in the electrolyte. Unfortunately, no direct measurement of alumina concentration is available and present control strategies for alumina feed control rely heavily on the change in cell pseudo-resistance. This paper describes work done to investigate the possibility of using additional measurements of anode current distribution in an extended Kalman filter for the purpose of detecting malfunctioning alumina feeders in an aluminium electrolysis cell.