What are anodes?

Anodes are positive electrodes in galvanic cells, electronic valves, semiconductor diodes and electrolysis. The origin of the name comes from Greek meaning the way in which electrons ascend from the electrolyte solution.

Anodes are made of carbon and they are used in potline cells - pots for the production of aluminium.

And Cathodes?

Cathodes are negative electrodes in galvanic cells, electronic valves, semiconductor diodes and electrolysis in which the chemical reaction of reduction happens.

They are made of graphitised carbon and are used as cathode bottoms in electrolysis pot cells for the production of aluminium out of alumina.

How does the production process run?

The production process is divided into different phases:

• Green anode production
• Anode calcinating (baking)
• Anode assembly
• Cathode assembly
• Processing of recycled material

1. The production of green anodes is based on:

• Mixing of crushed, screened and grinded coke fractions, anode butts and coal tar pitch in a prescribed proportion;
• Preheating and kneading into hot anode paste;
• Modelling of green anodes in desired dimensions on a vibrating-compacting unit.

2. Anode Calcinating

Green anodes are calcinated in a baking furnace at 1250°C. With calcinating we increase the mechanical properties such as strength and the electrical conductivity of anodes.

3. Anode/rod assembly

Calcinated anodes are assembled with rods before use in potline cells. Anodes and rods are casted with cast iron to an anode assembly. Such assemblies are then used in the electrolysis production process of aluminium.

Anode assembly

4. Cathode assembly

We buy cathode blocks as finished products. Cathode assemblies are made by casting conductive steel rods in cathode blocks with cast iron.

Cathode assembly