TRANSMISSION OF POT LINE CONTROL SIGNALS

摘要

A digital data processor controls a plurality of alumina reduction cells through a plurality of multiplexer circuits. Each cell is connected through a multiplexer to a section box. One section box is provided for each pot line and all signals passing between the cells of a pot line and the processor pass through the section box. An addressable multiplexer is provided for each cell and all multiplexers for a given pot line are connected in parallel. Commands from the data processor are supplied to an addressed multiplexer to control cell operations such as moving the anode bridge, feeding in more alumina, and breaking the cell crust. Other commands cause the stem voltage for any designated anode of an addressed cell, or the cell voltage for an addressed cell to be read out to the processor. Each section box includes a ground detector circuit. Anode stem voltages read from any anode of any cell on a pot line may be applied to the ground detector circuit for the purpose of detecting a grounded or an incipiently grounded anode.