Application of fiber Bragg grating sensor network in aluminum reduction tank shell temperature monitoring

Abstract

A fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor network was designed to implement the real-time health monitoring of the aluminum reduction cell. The heat transfer process was simulated using software ANSYS, and an on-line shell monitoring system was established based on optical sensing technology. According to aluminum reduction cell heat transfer theory, the 2D slice finite element model was developed. The relationship between shell temperature and cell status was discussed. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was chosen as the temperature sensor in light of its unique advantages. The accuracy of designed FBG temperature sensors exceeds 2 °C, and good repeatability was exhibited. An interrogation system with 104 sensors based on VPG (volume phase grating) filter was established. Through the long-term monitoring on running state, the status of the aluminum reduction cell, including security and fatigue life could be acquired and estimated exactly. The obtained results provide the foundation for the production status monitoring and fault diagnosis. Long-term test results show good stability and repeatability which are compatible with electrolysis process.

Keywords

aluminum reduction cell / fiber Bragg grating / numerical simulation / shell temperature / production status

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