CATHODE PERFORMANCE - THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN, OPERATIONS, AND OPERATING-CONDITIONS

There have been tremendous advances in the materials, knowledge, desig n, and construction of cathodes; however, widely divergent cell operat ions and operating conditions present a challenge for selecting the ri ght materials and lining design for good cell life. Cathode wear is fr equently becoming the life-determining step, and, although there are q uestions still to be answered, it is probable that particulate detachm ent (physical wear) plays an important role in parallel with carbide d issolution. If wear cannot be controlled by smart design and operation s, coating technology may offer benefits for extending the life of cat hode linings by reducing or eliminating wear. Thus, it would also enab le softer graphitic materials to be utilized more readily, and this ad vantage will become more important if the trend toward higher current density continues.