potline

smelting cell

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July 1, 2026

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A potline is a series of electrolytic cells used in the production of aluminum. These cells, also known as smelting cells, are where alumina is dissolved in a molten electrolyte, primarily cryolite, and then electrolyzed using direct current to produce molten aluminum. The process involves passing electricity through the electrolyte, causing molten aluminum to deposit at the bottom of the cell (cathode) and carbon dioxide to evolve at the carbon anodes. This continuous process requires significant electrical energy and is a crucial step in extracting aluminum from its ore.12

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aluminum processing
Smelting
…rows of reduction pots, called potlines, are electrically connected in series. Normal voltages for pots range from four to six volts, and current loads range from 30,000 to 300,000 amperes. From 50 to 250 pots may form a single potline with a total line voltage of more than 1,000 volts.…
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…rows of reduction pots, called potlines, are electrically connected in series. Normal voltages for pots range from four to six volts, and current loads range from 30,000 to 300,000 amperes. From 50 to 250 pots may form a single potline with a total line voltage of more than 1,000 volts.…
Read More