“KAN-NAK will continue supporting smelters in decreasing energy consumption by reducing the cell voltage and improving the cell magnetohydrodynamic status,” René von Kaenel, CEO and President, KAN-NAK

René von Kaenel received his diploma as a physicist from The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) before working for International Computer Limited in London and specialising in computer science. In 1981, he joined Alusuisse and became the head of the modelling activities for smelting technology. In 2000, he received the title of Electrolysis director in the ALCAN organisation and supervised ALCAN’s R&D activities for the Hall-Héroult process. Since 1981, he has participated in many smelter modernisation projects worldwide, leading to large productivity increases and significant energy savings. He has published many articles on electrolysis cells, casting processes and inert anode technology. In 2004, he created KAN-NAK Ltd., a specialised company for the optimisation of processes, particularly the Hall-Héroult process. Between 2004 and 2008, he was President of MOLTECH Ltd, a company dedicated to R&D in the field of Inert Anodes. In 2015, he created NOVALUM SA to develop the RuC^® (Ready to Use Cathode) concept, which became an international success.

AL Circe: Can you provide a brief overview of KAN-NAK's role in optimising aluminium reduction cells, focusing on energy consumption reduction and productivity improvement?

René von Kaenel: The KAN-NAK team has been active for the last four decades in optimising Hall-Héroult cells by improving the design of busbars, lining, cathode, and anode. KAN-NAK strength uses highly specialised software combining all thermal and magnetohydrodynamic effects with specific measurements. Successes at reducing energy consumption and increasing cell productivity are numerous all over the world.