Method and device for rod cleaning

Abstract

The present invention relates to a manual or an automated process and apparatus for cleaning of anode rods in used in aluminium smelteries.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND DEVICE FOR. ROD CLEANING

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a process and apparatus for cleaning of anode rods in used in aluminium smelteries. More specifically, the invention relates to removing residues on the anode or the anode butts.

[0004] Introduction

[0005] The cleaning of anode rods in aluminium production is a crucial process to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the electrolytic process used in aluminium smelting. Anode rods are normally made of aluminium stem and steel pins (Stubs). The steel pins are mounted into a carbon block. This assembly, i.e., the fork with the steel pins and the carbon block is used to conduct electrical current during the electrolysis of alumina (aluminium oxide) to produce aluminium metal. After being used in the electrolytic cell for certain time, the carbon remains are separated from the steel pins but before the rod can be reused, impurities and by-products of the electrolysis process needs to be cleaned from the pins. Other vice, these impurities can negatively impact their performance.

[0006] The maintenance process of cleaning of anode rods used in aluminium smelteries may vary depending on the equipment, facility, and the nature of impurities encountered. Today, these processes are automated, where the anode rods are taken through several steps of cleaning. Furthermore, safety precautions are crucial during the cleaning process due to the involvement of chemicals, high pressures, and potential electrical hazards.

[0007] In general, the process for cleaning anode starts by removing the anode rod from the electrolytic cells. This is typically done when the rods have accumulated a significant amount of impurities and the carbon block has almost burned up. Thereafter, a mechanical cleaning step is performed involving physically removing the buildup of carbon deposits and other impurities from the surface of the anode rods. Most commonly a shot blaster is used to clean the rods, but in some cases brushes or other methods are used. Finally, the cleaned anode rods are mounted into a new carbon block and placed back into the electrolytic cells, where they can resume their role in the aluminium production process.

[0008] Some automated processes have been reported including CN 116397279, which discloses an automated anode scraping device using anode scrapes to clean anode rods, where the scrapes may comprise a laser device mounted thereon to operate with the scraper. US2009136122 discloses automated or semi-automated anode analysis systems with imaging devices to produce anode characteristic data based on the imaging data to determine geometrical characteristics of an anode assembly based on at least one of the images. WO14104896 discloses a system and a method for automation of post- cleaning of carbon anodes in aluminium production and electrolyte material detection on used carbon anode for removing this material from the used carbon anode using a chiseling tool.

[0009] A part of the process for cleaning anode rods may include rinsing or separating cryolite residue from the graphite anode butts, as the cryolite is a key component in the electrolytic process of aluminium production and therefore valuable as it can be reused for further processes. Common processes for removing larger chunks of cryolite residue may involve the use of mechanical devices such as hammers, chisels, or pneumatic devices, followed by hydroblasting to remove the remaining cryolite and other contaminants from the anode butts.

[0010] Another part of the of cleaning of anode rods in aluminium production involves removing rust from the rods. Previously, this has been done using a shot blaster machine, wire brush, abrasive pad, or sandpaper to gently scrub off the rust from the surface of the anode rod or by using rust-removing chemical solutions.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides an automated process and apparatus for cleaning of anode rods in used in aluminium smelteries using laser devices. Traditionally, anode rods comprising an anode butt are maintained by the majority of the bath material from the butts in a bath cleaning machine. Any residues, such a cryolite is removed from the butts using a shot blaster machine. However, the present invention presents a solution where such residues are removed from the butts using a laser device. Thereafter, the butts are broken off the rod using a butt press. In the last step the stubs of the anode rod are traditionally cleaned using a shot blaster, mostly for removing rust from the subs. The present invention provides a solution where a laser device is used for this step. In both instances of using the laser device, the apparatus comprises a laser device mounted on a robotic arm, where the robotic arm and the laser device are controlled by a control computer. The anode rod is brought into a position near the laser device by a conveyor and secured by a clamping device to keep the rod steady during the cleaning step. Ideally, the apparatus is positioned in a machine housing. A processing line for maintaining anode rods therefore comprises a first housing including a first apparatus having a laser device mounted on a robotic arm for removing residues from an anode butt after the majority of the bath material has been cleaned from the anode butt, and a second housing including a second apparatus having a laser device mounted on a robotic arm for removing rust from anode rods. In the first housing a collection tray may be positioned under the anode butt for collecting cryolite separated from the anode butt.

[0013] In some embodiments the apparatus or system is fully automated, where the laser is moving on a robotic arm operated by a control computer. Such process uses imaging means and sensors connected to a computing device for determining the exact position of the rod within the machine housing. The exact position of the anode rod and the anode butt is important for operation of the robotic arm to hold the laser in the right position. By further providing imaging means and or sensors for determining any residue on the anode or the anode butt allows computing devices to analyze the surface of the anode rod and the anode butt and communicate with the robotic arm and the laser, where to emit laser light for removing residues from anode butts and rust from anode rods.

[0014] In some embodiments the apparatus or system is fully automated, where the the first robotic arm and the first laser device operate in real-time through control instructions from the control device, based on real-time data obtained from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod, to emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod. This allows accurate separating of cryolite from the anode butt to obtain less or no contamination in the collected cryolite which is both time saving and generates more valuable product of cryolite.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and / or ameliorate the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an improved and / or alternative and / or additional apparatus and process for removing residues from anode butts and rust from anode rods.

[0016] The object(s) underlying the present invention is (are) particularly solved by the features defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Further additional and / or alternative aspects are discussed below.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a system for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the system comprises i) a rod holding device, ii) a first laser device, iii) a first moving device, and a control device, where the first laser device is mounted on the first moving device and wherein the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod.

[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing one or more substances from an anode butt after use in aluminium smelteries, where the apparatus comprises i) a rod holding device, ii) a first laser device, iii) a first moving device, and a control device, where the first laser device is mounted on the first moving device and wherein the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode butt.

[0019] One object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the process comprises: i) providing a first laser device mounted on a first moving device, ii) providing a control device, wherein the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod.

[0020] One object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the process comprises: i) providing a first laser device mounted on a first moving device, and ii) providing a control device, where the moving device and the laser are positioned in a machine housing, iii) transporting a rod, optionally comprising an anode butt, into the machine housing using rod transferring device, iv) securing the rod in the machine housing using a rod holding device for holding the rod secure and steady, where the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod, v) collecting removed substances from an anode rod or anode butt in a receiving tray, and vi) transporting the rod out of the machine housing using rod transferring device.

[0021] One object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the process comprises: i) providing a first laser device mounted on a first moving device, ii) providing a control device, where the moving device and the laser are positioned in the machine housing, iii) transporting a rod into a machine housing using rod transferring device, iv) securing the rod in the machine housing using a rod holding device for holding the rod secure and steady, where the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod, and transporting the rod (comprising an anode butt) out of the machine housing using rod transferring device. One object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing one or more substances from an anode butt after use in aluminium smelteries, where the process comprises: i) providing a first laser device mounted on a first moving device, ii) providing a control device, iii) bringing an rod comprising an anode butt into a position near the laser device, vi) securing the rod in the position near the laser device, where the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode butt to remove one or more substances from the anode butt, v) collecting removed substances from an anode rod / butt in a receiving tray, and vi) transporting the rod comprising the anode butt, out of the machine housing using rod transferring device.

[0022] One object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the process comprises: i) providing a first laser device mounted on a first moving device, ii) providing a control device, iii) bringing a rod into a position near the laser device, iv) securing the rod in the position near the laser device, where the control device instructs the first moving device in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod.

[0023] One object of the present invention is to provide a system for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, where the system comprises: i) a rod holding device, ii) a first laser device, iii) a first robotic arm, where the first laser device is mounted on the first robotic arm, iv) a control device, v) a rod positioning device, and vi) one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod, where the control device controls the first robotic arm and the first laser device towards positions on the anode rod for removing one or more substances from an anode rod based on the data obtained from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0024] The following definitions and embodiments and definitions relate the apparatus, system and process of the present invention

[0025] In the present context the term "moving device" relates to a device which can move a laser device in a three-dimensional space.

[0026] In the present context the terms "robotic arm" and "robot manipulator arm" relate to a mechanical arm which can move in a three-dimensional space based on communication signals from a robot controller system. In the present context the term "vision system" relates to devices such as X-ray devices, digital and / or analog cameras for obtaining black and white images, color images, infrared images, UV images, 3D sensors, such as structural light cameras, stereo cameras, time of flight cameras or 3D laser scanners.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention the anode rod further comprises an anode butt.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus further comprises a machine housing.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a vision system.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention the vision system further comprises one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention the vision system may comprise on or more of, X-ray devices, digital and / or analog cameras, comprises one or more 3D sensors, such as structural light cameras, stereo cameras, time of flight cameras or 3D laser scanners.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention the device for detecting one or more substances comprises one or more sensing devices.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances comprises one or more devices comprises imaging device(s) and / or sensor(s).

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a power source for the first laser device.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a rod positioning system.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises one or more means for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a fume extraction and filtering system.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a receiving tray. In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises rod transferring device.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention the system comprises further laser devices each mounted onto separate moving devices.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention the first laser device is a high-power laser device.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device is selected from CO2 lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, fiber lasers, and excimer lasers.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device is a fiber laser device.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device is a plasma laser device.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device comprises a selected wavelength of the optical energy, the selected wavelength being in the range of between

[0045] 800nm -1200nm, or 900nm-1100nm, or 950nm-1090nm.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device comprises a selected wavelength of the optical energy, the selected wavelength being in the range of between 2500W-6000W, or 3000W-5000W.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention the laser device comprises means such as lenses, mirrors, collimators, beam expanders, spatial filters, holograms, and Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs), acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, beam shapers, Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) and ablative optics determining the shape of the laser beam.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention the moving device operates independently from other cleaning or maintenance devices of the system.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention the robotic arm operates independently from other cleaning or maintenance devices of the system to move the laser device and to emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention other cleaning or maintenance devices of the system may comprise devices such as scrapers, chisels or blaster devices.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention the moving device is a robotic arm. In an embodiment of the present invention the robotic arm is a 6-axis articulated robotic arm.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention the robotic arm has one to six degrees of freedom movement.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention the control device comprises one or more of a computing device, robot controller system and sensing devices for operating the robotic arm and / or the laser device.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention the control device obtains data from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention the control device instructs the first moving device to move the first laser device and emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod based on the data obtained from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention the instructions of the control device to the first moving device to move the first laser device and emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod are based on real-time data obtained from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention the first robotic arm and the first laser device operate in real-time through control instructions from the control device, based on realtime data obtained from the rod positioning device and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod, to emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod holding device comprises a gripping or a clamping device for holding the rod secure and steady.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod transferring device and the rod holding device are intergraded such that the rod is held secure and steady by the rod transferring device when it has been brought into a position near the laser device.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention the moving device and the laser are positioned in the machine housing.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention the machine housing comprises an entry gap and an exit gap for transferring the rod in and out of the machine housing. In an embodiment of the present invention the rod positioning system comprises a one or more sensors for determining the position of the rod within the machine housing.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod positioning system comprises one or more imaging means for determining the position of the rod within the machine housing.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod positioning system comprises one or more sensors for determining the position of the rod within the machine housing.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod is positioned within the machine housing.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod comprises imaging means configured to determine residue areas on the anode rod.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod comprises imaging means configured to determine a shape of the anode butt and for determining any residue on the anode butt.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention the receiving tray is a bottom tray for receiving material being removed from the rod.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod transferring device comprises a conveying means for transporting the rod to the apparatus.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention the rod transferring device comprises an overhead conveying means or a gravity track or a power and free system.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises providing a rod gripping or a clamping device for holding the rod secure and steady while the first laser device emits laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises positioning the first moving device and the first laser device in a machine housing.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises transporting and positioning the rod to the apparatus using a rod transferring device.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises transporting the rod into a position near the laser device by a rod transferring device. In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises using a rod positioning system for determining the position of the rod within the machine housing.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present invention process further comprises providing a humanmachine-interface for operating the control device.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention the human-machine-interface for operating the control device is adapted for manual control of the moving means and the laser device.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention the human-machine-interface for operating the control device is adapted for automated control of the moving means and the laser device.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises an anode butt attached to the anode.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises means to determine a shape of the anode butt and for determining any residue on the anode or the anode butt.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises means, such as one or more imaging means, to determine a shape of the anode butt and for determining any residue on the anode or the anode butt.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises means, such as one or more sensors, to determine a shape of the anode butt and for determining any residue on the anode or the anode butt comprises.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises rinsing the majority of the bath material from the butts using a bath cleaning machine prior to the step of removing one or more substances from the anode butt.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention the process further comprises removing the butts from the rod using a butt press machine prior to the step of removing one or more substances from the anode rod.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention the residue on the anode comprises graphite, rust or any other residues attached to the rod.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention the residue on the anode butt comprises cryolite. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein the control device instructs the first moving device in operating the first laser device for emitting laser light according to a predetermined track or path to cover one or more surfaces on the anode rod.

[0085] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] The skilled person will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

[0087] FIG. 1 is an overview of an apparatus for removing residues from anode butts.

[0088] FIG. 2 is overview of an apparatus for removing rust from anode rods.

[0089] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, referring to the figures. These examples are provided to provide further understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0091] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention where an apparatus is presented for removing cryolite residues from an anode butt, where an anode rod 1 is held steady by rod gripping device 2 for treatment by a laser device 3 mounted on a robotic arm 4. The robotic arm and the laser device are controlled by a control device 5, such as a computer, to direct the laser device 3 in a position to emit laser light towards cryolite residues on the anode butt. The process starts by bringing the anode rod 1 comprising an anode butt by an overhead conveyor 6 into a chamber 7 housing the apparatus of the invention. It is advantageous to position the apparatus in a machine housing for security purposes. When the rod has been positioned in chamber 7, the rod holding device 2 having a gripping or clamping members 8 for holding the rod secure and steady. The rod may be positioned in the housing using a first imaging means 9, being a rod positioning system, to determine the exact position of the rod. A second imaging means 10, adapted for detecting one or more substances on the anode butt 12, may be provided to determine the position of cryolite residues 11 on the anode butt 12. The control means obtains data from the first imaging means 9 and the second imaging means 10 and thereby instruct the laser to emit laser light to the appropriate positions on the anode butt through a data network 13. The laser is powered by an external power source 14, which in this embodiment is placed outside the housing. A fume extraction and filtering system 15 may be positioned within the housing for safety and environmental purposes. A receiving tray or a bottom tray 16 is placed underneath the rod for collecting cryolite separated from the anode butt by the laser device. The housing is designed having an entry gap and an exit gap 17 for transferring the rod in and out of the machine housing.

[0092] Figure 2 shows a similar setup as in figure 1 disclosing an apparatus for removing rust from an anode rod. The general process for maintenance of anode rods involves a few steps starting by cleaning most of the bath material from the butts using a bath cleaning machine. Thereafter, remaining residues such as cryolite residues are traditionally removed by using force techniques like a shot blaster machine. However, according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a laser is used for this purpose. The next step involves removing the butts completely from the rod using a butt press, leaving the last step of cleaning the stubs. This step is traditionally done by using a shot blaster, but in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 a laser device is used for this purpose. In the same manner as in Fig. 1 the apparatus comprises a rod gripping device 2 and a laser device 3 mounted on a robotic arm 4, where the rod is brought into a chamber 7 by an overhead conveyor 6 and positioned in a secure / steady position using a rod holding device 2 with gripping or clamping members 8. The robotic arm 4 and the laser device 3 are controlled by a computer 5 to direct the laser device 3 in a position to emit laser light towards rust areas 18 on the anode rod 1. In this embodiment the rod is positioned in the housing using a rod positioning system 9, to determine the exact position of the rod and a second imaging means 10, being adapted for detecting rust areas on the anode rod. The computer 5 obtains data from the rod positioning system 9 and the second imaging means 10 and based on that information the laser controlled to emit laser light to the appropriate positions on the anode rod through a data network 13. The drawing also shows an entry gap and an exit gap 17 for transferring the rod in and out of the machine housing 7.

[0093] As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0094] Throughout the description and claims, the terms "comprise", "including", "having", and "contain" and their variations should be understood as meaning "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude other components.

[0095] The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., "about 3' shall also cover exactly 3 or "substantially constant" shall also cover exactly constant).

[0096] The term "at least one" should be understood as meaning "one or more", and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with "at least one" have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as "the" and "the at least one".

[0097] It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention can be made while still falling within scope of the invention. Features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0098] Use of exemplary language, such as "for instance", "such as", "for example" and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so claimed. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0099] All of the features and / or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination.

Claims

Claims1. A system for removing one or more substances from an anode rod (1) used in aluminium smelteries, the system comprising:- a rod holding device (2),- a first laser device (3),- a first robotic arm (4), and- a control device (5), wherein the first laser device (3) is mounted on the first robotic arm (4), and wherein the control device (5) controls the first robotic arm (4) and the first laser device (3) towards positions on the anode rod (1) for removing one or more substances from an anode rod (1).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises:- a rod positioning device (9), and one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod (10), wherein the control device (5) obtains data from the rod positioning device (9) and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod (10), and3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control device (5) controls the first robotic arm (4) and the first laser device (3) towards positions on the anode rod (1) for removing one or more substances from an anode rod (1) based on the data obtained from the rod positioning device (9) and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod (10).

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first robotic arm (4) and the first laser device (3) operate in real-time through control instructions from the control device (5), based on real-time data obtained from the rod positioning device (9) and from the one or more devices for detecting one or more substances on an anode rod (10), to emit laser light towards positions on the anode rod (1).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises further laser devices each mounted onto separate robotic arms.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the laser device is selected from fibre lasers and plasma lasers.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the robotic arm is a 6-axis articulated robotic arm.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the robotic arm operates independently from other cleaning or maintenance devices of the system.

9. A process for removing one or more substances from an anode rod used in aluminium smelteries, the process comprising: providing a first laser device mounted on a first robotic arm, providing a control device, bringing a rod (comprising an anode butt) into a position near the laser device, securing the rod in the position near the laser device, wherein the control device instructs the first robotic arm in positioning the first laser device for emitting laser light towards positions on the anode rod to remove one or more substances from the anode rod.

10. The process according to claim 9, wherein the anode rod further comprises an anode butt.

11. The process according to claim 10, wherein the process further comprises determining a shape of the anode butt and for determining any residue on the anode or the anode butt.

12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the residue on the anode comprises rust.

13. The process according to claim 11, wherein the residue on the anode butt comprises cryolite.

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