Abstract: The method of process control is for a Hall-Héroult process of aluminum production from alumina ore in an industrial potline. The method includes measuring an array of sampled potline data including a plurality of cell voltages (V) and a plurality of line amperages (A) at a plurality of time points. The method also includes calculating a predicted voltage (PV) for each cell voltage and line amperage in the array. The method further includes controlling a plurality of alumina ore feed rates and a plurality of pot voltage settings based upon the predicted voltages. The method also includes calculating a plurality of bath temperatures based upon the predicted voltages. The PV variable is preferably used in an automated control environment. The PV variable is also preferably used to monitor cell noise levels, operating temperature, metal pad roll, and oscillatory electrical shorting events.

Abstract: The method of process control is for a Hall-Héroult process of aluminum production from alumina ore in an industrial potline. The method includes measuring an array of sampled potline data including a plurality of cell voltages (V) and a plurality of line amperages (A) at a plurality of time points. The method also includes calculating a predicted voltage (PV) for each cell voltage and line amperage in the array. The method further includes controlling a plurality of alumina ore feed rates and a plurality of pot voltage settings based upon the predicted voltages. The method also includes calculating a plurality of bath temperatures based upon the predicted voltages. The PV variable is preferably used in an automated control environment. The PV variable is also preferably used to monitor cell noise levels, operating temperature, metal pad roll, and oscillatory electrical shorting events.

Abstract: A coupling for an air hose that reduces or eliminates whipping of the free end of the hose when the coupling is detached. The coupling comprises a one-piece plug member, the plug member comprising a fitting at a first axial end, the fitting being adapted for connection to an air hose, an external circumferential groove, a beveled external shoulder forming a wall of the groove, an axial bore, the axial bore being closed at a second axial end of the plug member, and a plurality of air passages intersecting the axial bore near the closed end of the bore; a two-piece coupler member, the coupler member receiving the plug member and releasably locking with the groove on the plug member; the coupler member comprising a ring seal trapped between the two pieces of the coupler member, and a valve member seatable on an axial side of the ring seal.

Abstract: A coupling for an air hose that reduces or eliminates whipping of the free end of the hose when the coupling is detached. The coupling comprises a one-piece plug member, the plug member comprising a fitting at a first axial end, the fitting being adapted for connection to an air hose, an external circumferential groove, a beveled external shoulder forming a wall of the groove, an axial bore, the axial bore being closed at a second axial end of the plug member, and a plurality of air passages intersecting the axial bore near the closed end of the bore; a two-piece coupler member, the coupler member receiving the plug member and releasably locking with the groove on the plug member; the coupler member comprising a ring seal trapped between the two pieces of the coupler member, and a valve member seatable on an axial side of the ring seal.