MHD convection control methods in the magnesium electrolysis cells

E. I. Shilova - E. V. Shcherbinin

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, Salaspils-1, LV_2169, Latvia

Abstract
In modern powerful electrolysis cells, operating with current of 150 kA and more, electromagnetic forces, which give rise to intense circulation of melt, are as significant as forces of gas dynamic nature. The electromagnetic forces arise as a result of the interaction of the nonuniform electric current flowing in the working zones of the electrolysis cell with its own magnetic field and with the external fields of the current-carrying components. The criteria dependence, which describes the intensity of the electrolyte motion in the magnesium electrolysis cells, was established basing on the theory of similarity and dimensional analysis. The criteria dependence was verified by physical experiments. The experiments allowed to find the methods for the electrolyte flow controlling. The magnetic field of the busbar and the direct introduction of an extra electrode with a corresponding polarity into the assembled cell Ä these are several of the methods, proposed to influence MHD convection of the electrolyte. Tabe 1, Figs 7, Refs 1.