Patent ID: 6609119
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: C25C,G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for closed loop control of an electrochemical cell having an electrolytic bath resistance, a rate of change over time of the resistance and at least one cell condition, each condition having a characteristic curve described by a non-linear regression function, comprising the steps of:a. using a neural network with a predictive algorithm to predict the bath resistance and its rate of change over time; b. using a neural network with a pattern-recognition algorithm to recognize the condition of the cell, wherein each condition is identified with a codebook of associated triggers; c. deducing the alumina concentration in the cell on a real-time basis from the resistance and the nonlinear regression function associated with the characteristic curve; and d. using the neural networks to operate a closed-loop feeding control mechanism for the cell whereby a controller controls the rate at which a reactant is fed into the electrolytic bath.