Situation

Pitch binder characteristics have a significant impact on anode performance.

Problem

Pitch characteristics, as used by smelters, are related to tar characteristics, tar distillation process, pitch storage and handling conditions.  It was observed that the pitch wetting capability and the variability in pitch wetting behaviour were the mains causes of the anode problem in the electrolysis process.

Solution

SyTAC is a measuring equipment developed by Alcan and commercialised by STAS, which allows pitch wettability values (P₁ and P₂) to be determined with a good precision.

Advantages

• Using good and consistent pitch wettability improves prebaked and Söderberg anode performance in potrooms.
• Using pitch with a good wettability (∆ P = P₂ – P₁ less than 5°C according to the Alcan method) improves the prebaked anode density and decreases the binder requirement.
• SyTAC is fully integrated and automated.
• SyTAC is easy to use by laboratory personnel and requires very little training to operate.
• SyTAC provides a comprehensive application software with a user‑friendly interface to perform the test configuration, the test supervision and the test report generation.