Automatic control of green anode resistivity
Description
Context. Pre-baked carbon anodes are required for primary aluminum production by the Hall-Héroult process. Variations in anode raw materials adversely affect their quality. New process control schemes are needed for producing high quality anodes consistently.
Objective. Develop an automatic control scheme to minimize green anode resistivity measured using a new on-line sensor technology.
Methodology. This project is a continuation of ongoing work aimed at processing anode block resistivity data, dynamic modeling and control of the anode manufacturing process in the Matlab/Simulink environment. This will involve deepening data filtering methods, refining dynamic models and comparing several optimizing anode resistivity control algorithms to identify those with the most potential. Plant implementation of these methods is planned towards the end of the project for validation purposes. The candidate is expected to interact with Alcoa's personnel, to make regular site visits to gather data, to design and perform a certain number of experiments on the full-scale process to enrich the data bases, and test control schemes. The Deschambault plant is located 40 minutes drive from university.
Research Field
- Automatic process control
- Dynamic process modeling
- Primary aluminum production
- Green anodes
- Quality control
- Multivariate statistical methods
- Big Data
- Industry 4.0
Research Supervisor
Carl Duchesne
Research Environment
Aluminum Research Centre - REGAL
We are looking for an excellent MSc candidate for R&D project “Development of advanced monitoring and control schemes for the primary aluminum industry” funded by the National Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Alcoa Corporation, one of the world's leading producer of primary aluminium. The research will take place at Université Laval and Alcoa plants. Université Laval, through the Aluminium Research Centre - REGAL, is a leading academic research institution in the area of aluminium production. REGAL-Laval consists of 15 Faculty members and researchers and about 30 graduate students. The candidate will be integrated within this group, and will benefit from the unique carbon anode production and characterization infrastructure.
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$25000 per year for 2 years.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$25000 per year for 2 years.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* 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
- Materials and metallurgical engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Requirements and Conditions
To have maintained a minimum cumulative average of A- (or equivalent) during the undergraduate degree. To be autonomous. Capacity to read, write and speak French or English. Knowledge of process data analysis using statistical methods, process control, Matlab and/or of the aluminum reduction process (Hall-Héroult) are important assets. Holding a valid Canadian driving licence or obtaining it within the first year of the project is a requirement.
Required Documentation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Application Deadline
June 23, 2025
Find Out More
Carl Duchesne
Professeur
Département de génie chimique
carl.duchesne@gch.ulaval.ca