SmeltGuard

Antioxidant solutions protect carbon anodes in aluminium smelters from air burn oxidation, reducing net carbon consumption and operational costs. These coatings form a barrier against oxygen penetration into anode pores, especially critical during the delay between anode changes and covering.

SmeltGuard for Anodes is a high-performance coating designed specifically for pre-baked carbon anodes in aluminium electrolysis cells. Applied as a 1-1.5 mm thick layer on the top and sides, it cures via air drying in under two hours, forming a durable barrier that withstands temperatures above 550°C.

Key Benefits

Coatings significantly cut air burn losses by blocking oxygen access to anode pores, reducing top oxidation and boosting butt weight. This translates to net carbon consumption savings, plus reductions in CO2 emissions, energy use, and anode change frequency. Trials confirm no effects on pot parameters like voltage, noise, bath temperature, or aluminum quality.

Air burn accelerates above 450°C due to oxygen reacting with carbon in porous anodes, worsened by catalysts or improper covering. The coating seals pores, shifting the reaction from oxygen-diffusion controlled to negligible, maintaining efficacy until coating wear.