Modeling Anode Reactivity in Cells through a Multifaceted and Multiscale Approach
Description
Canada is one of the main producers of aluminum in the world and the majority of the production is made in Quebec. In electrolytic cells, a strong current flows between the anodes and the cathodes. The carbon in the anodes is required for the electrolysis process. Thus, the reaction of the anode with air or CO2 leads to an overconsumption of carbon that is not used to produce aluminum, which has a negative impact on the costs, GHG emissions and productivity of an aluminum smelter. This project aims to study the impact of anode properties and operational parameters on anode reactivity, including the impact of the crust. A model will be developed to predict carbon overconsumption based on heat, mass and species balances in porous media. Experimental data will be used to calibrate the model. Ultimately, this project will provide a better understanding of the relative importance of the mechanisms involved in reducing carbon overconsumption and the associated drawbacks.
Research Field
- Primary aluminium production
- Anode reactivity
- Modeling
- Porous media
- Heat and species balances
- Reduction of GHG emissions
Research Supervisor
Louis Gosselin
Research Environment
REGAL - Aluminium Research Centre, Université Laval
Université Laval is a pole of expertise on the primary production of aluminum, involving many professors, research assistants and students who are members of REGAL (https://www.regal-aluminium.ca/fr/accueil/). In close partnership with the industry, our dynamic team aims to better understand and to improve the various processes used in smelters through experimental work, modeling and data processing.
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Merchanical Engineering
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$27000 per year for 4 years.
Funding for this project is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and by Alcoa.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Progression scholarship
|
7 x $500 |
Doctoral exam or seminar presentation
|
$750 |
Doctoral exam, seminar or conference
|
$1,000 |
Publication
|
$750 |
Communication
|
$1,000 |
First submission of dissertation
|
$1,000* |
| Total |
$8,500 |
*A $500 bonus will be added to the graduation scholarship if the initial submission is made before the semester preceding the final qualifying semester.
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Mineral, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering
- Civil and Water Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics Engineering
Requirements and Conditions
- To have maintained a minimum GPA of B (or equivalent) for both the undergraduate and master's degrees
- To have a strong interest in research on industrial problems, such as those presented in the project description
- To have an excellent ability to speak and write in French and/or English
Required Documentation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
***IMPORTANT***
Send all your documents into a single email at the following address: energie@gmc.ulaval.ca. Indicate clearly in the subject of the email the number or the title of the project for which you want to be considered. Thanks!
Find Out More
Louis Gosselin
Professeur
Département de génie mécanique
Louis.Gosselin@gmc.ulaval.ca