MODERN ALUMINIUM SMELTING TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE TRENDS: ALUMINA QUALITY IMPLICATIONS
ALLAIS, B.
High performances have been achieved, over the last ten years, with modern smelting technology, and new developments are being carried out. A quick review of Aluminium Pechiney technology is made.
With a high level of technical results consistently achieved, more stringent requirements are put on alumina quality. Aluminium Pechiney has carried out theoretical and applied studies, bench scale and industrial tests aimed at optimising the grade of alumina used on its modern pots. The results are condensed in the alumina specification, which sets thresholds for the main alumina characteristics. Chemical and physical characteristics are described in relation with the behaviour of alumina on the pots, in the dry scrubbing centers and in the handling systems.
An attempt is made to define the ideal alumina for modern and future pots.