Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group unveils groundbreaking technology in the global aluminium electrolysis field

The aluminium industry has hailed energy saving, carbon reduction, life extension and environmental protection as a new iterative technology in the world aluminium electrolysis sector.  The "Project Development and Application of Copper-Carbon Composite Cathode Technology Integrated with Aluminium Electrolysis" assessment conference took place on August 10, 2023, hosted by Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group Co., Ltd.

Jia Mingxing, holding the position of Executive Vice President of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and Chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Society, as well as being a professor-level senior engineer, led the assessment gathering.

Zhang Bo, the Chairperson of China’s Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group Co., Ltd., delivered a warm welcome address. Qiu Dingfan, a distinguished member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Gui Wei Hua joined the conference virtually, leading the evaluation committee as its chairman and deputy chairman, respectively.

Li Jie, holding the role of Presidential Assistant and also a Professor at Central South University; Wang Zhaowen, a Professor from North-eastern University; Liu Haishi, the President of Guizhou Modern Industrial Engineering Technology Research Institute; along with Zhao Qingyun, the Vice President of Xinjiang Tianshan Aluminium Co., Ltd., gathered for an evaluation meeting. The meeting also saw the presence of Zhang Long, the Director of the Science and Technology Department at China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association; Cui Shilei, Deputy General Manager at Shandong Hongtuo Industrial Co., Ltd.; as well as Lu Dingxiong, who holds the position of Honorary Dean, and Yang Qingchen, the Dean, both representing North-eastern University Design Institute (Co., Ltd.).

Furthermore, in attendance were Li Jinquan, the China District General Manager of TOKAI COBEX GmbH, and Qin Junman, the General Manager of China Nonferrous Metals Construction Co., Ltd.

Yang Congsen, serving as the Executive Director and Deputy General Manager of Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group and the General Manager of Shandong Hongtuo Industrial Co., Ltd., expressed his gratitude during a speech. The Vice President of the Design Institute at Northeastern University, Ban Yungang, provided an overview of the project during the event.

In his address, Zhang Bo highlighted that innovation is an integral hallmark of the Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group. With the inauguration of the world's pioneering 600kA electrolysis series production line back in 2014, the company has embarked on a continual journey of pioneering endeavours in novel processes and advanced technologies, often in collaboration with partnering entities. These efforts have yielded notable breakthroughs, particularly in realms such as carbon footprint reduction, emission abatement, energy efficiency enhancement, and overall productivity gains. These accomplishments have not only led to favourable economic outcomes but have also fostered positive societal impacts.

Notably, Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group has played a proactive role in advancing the nation's pursuit of "double carbon" objectives while propelling the industry toward a high-quality developmental trajectory.

Zhang Bo emphasized that the trajectory of innovation remains an ongoing pursuit, with the recognition of scientific and technological achievements signifying a fresh point of departure for Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group's evolution. The organization is committed to perpetuating its exploration of cutting-edge technologies and inventive procedures in aluminium electrolysis. A strategic amalgamation of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and information technology will be leveraged to propel the establishment of intelligent aluminium electrolysis factories, hastening industry progression.

Zhang Bo invited industry associations, experts, and scholars, seeking their valuable insights and recommendations in this progressive journey.

During the meeting, a panel of experts comprehensively evaluated Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group's aluminium electrolysis production site and its intelligent control system, which operates at an impressive 600kA capacity. The experts engaged in discussions, reviewed technical reports, and posed pertinent questions, resulting in a unanimous consensus. They deemed this project a groundbreaking advancement within the global aluminium electrolysis domain.

This innovative project stands out for its exceptional benefits, particularly regarding operational efficiency, extended lifespan, and environmental conservation. Notably, it has significantly contributed to the scientific and technological advancement of the aluminium industry, bolstering the international competitiveness of core aluminium electrolysis technologies.

Since the implementation of these project outcomes within the production line of Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group, the results have been remarkable. The achievements include:

• A reduction of 108kWh in electricity consumption.
• Conservation of 40,000 tonnes of standard coal.
• Mitigation of 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• A reduction of 1,300 tonnes of solid waste.

These outcomes have translated to substantial economic gains: annual savings of RMB 50.12 million in electricity costs and a production increase benefit of RMB 53.15 million. Moreover, the extension of equipment lifespan has contributed an additional RMB 22.79 million, while other ancillary benefits total RMB 7.13 million. Altogether, the cumulative annual economic benefits amount to RMB 133.19 million.

The project's positive impact extends beyond economics. Its social and economic advantages are evident and commendable. The project's technological prowess has reached an internationally renowned excellence level. Thus, it is recommended to accelerate the widespread adoption and implementation of this pioneering technology.

The scholars and specialists at the conference believed that this endeavour marks the inaugural utilization of all-copper conductive rods within a project. It employs a precise assembly technique, incorporating cathode carbon blocks under cold conditions. Moreover, it has successfully engineered a copper-carbon composite cathode with integrated anti-carburization and anti-corrosion properties. This innovation minimizes the gap between the conductive rod and the aluminium liquid.

This technology has demonstrated remarkable technical and economic progress. It has successfully attained a cathode voltage drop 150mV, leading to a substantial 70 per cent year-on-year decrease in horizontal current for aluminium liquid. Moreover, the technology achieves a narrow operating voltage range for the tank, specifically between 3.86V and 3.89V. Impressively, the average current efficiency reaches 94.2 per cent, significantly enhancing overall performance. Additionally, the technology effectively minimises liquid aluminium DC power consumption to 12242kWh per tonne of aluminium produced. Overall, the combined technical and economic indicators underscore the advanced nature of this technology.

Since July 2016, the project has been implemented in the 400kA and 600kA production lines of Zouping Huisheng, Zouping Hongzheng, Yunnan Hongtai, and Yunnan Honghe. As of the conclusion of July 2023, a cumulative total of 104 units have undergone application. The electrolyzers have exhibited consistent and efficient long-term operation, successfully replicating the technology. It demonstrates notable reliability, strong efficacy, and advanced maturity.

To comprehensively understand the latest breakthroughs in the aluminium industry, delve into the insights provided by AlCircle's e-Magazine, "Innovators and Trendsetters of the Aluminium Industry"