Abstract: Systems and methods for determining compositions of cover materials for electrolysis cells are provided. In one embodiment a system includes an aluminum electrolysis cell adapted to contain an electrolytic bath, a hopper configured to provide a cover material to the aluminum electrolysis cell, where the cover material includes alumina and electrolytic bath particulate, an imaging device configured to capture images of the cover material, an image processor configured to analyze the images and output imaging data relating to the cover material, and a data analyzer configured to analyze the imaging data and output a determined cover material composition in the form of cover material information. The cover material information may be used to manage operation of the aluminum electrolysis cell, such as via adjusting the composition or feed rate of the cover material.