Storvik wins Alcoa contract for automated anode rod repair at Norway Smelter

Storvik has won a contract to operate and maintain the automated anode rod repair system at Alcoa's Mosjøen aluminium smelter in Norway. The agreement extends a partnership that began in 2016, when the company introduced its In-Line Rod Repair (ILRR) system at the plant.

Storvik Mosjøen, a subsidiary of Storvik group will now handle the operation of the robotic repair line and maintenance of the anode yokes processed through it. Storvik Engineering built the system, with both companies working together on its installation and commissioning.

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Anode rod assemblies are essential to primary aluminium production, as they affect electrical performance and the reliability of smelter operations. 

The robotic system handles repair work that was traditionally carried out manually, including welding and the handling of heavy rod assemblies. Now, automation allows welding parameters to be controlled more consistently and reduces workers' exposure to heavy lifting, welding fumes and hot work, welding fumes, repetitive operations and other risks involved in conventional rod repair. 

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The system has also been modified to meet changes in the smelter's requirements. One major project involved converting 8,600 anode yokes from a two-stub to a three-stub configuration while the plant continued production. The conversion required corresponding changes to the automated repair line.