Rate of metallic anode oxidation in the course of electrolysis of cryolite-alumina melts. Derivation of basic equations

The well known oxidation law is offered as a basis for the new method that allowed predicting the service life of metallic anodes by extrapolation of the experimental results (time dependences of the substrate oxidation depth, oxide layer mass and its chemical composition) to a long-term period (a year). The suggested calculation technique allows predicting the steady state characterized by constant equal rates of metallic anode oxidation and erosion of its oxide layer and also the constant oxide layer thickness in the case when it features an ability to hinder further oxidation.