Abstract
The impact of some parameters of the Hall--Heroult cell coke preheating technique upon the cathode block temperature is assessed. The assessment is based upon a three-dimensional transient thermal-electrical ANSYS finite element model which has been validated using measurements taken during the preheating of 150 kA cells. The influence of parameters, such as the power curve and coke bed geometry upon cathode block temperature is discussed. Various recommendations are made to reduce the magnitude of thermal gradients within the cathode blocks thus reducing crack susceptibility.