Modernization of Aluminum Smelters by the Alusuisse Retrofit Concept

Summary

Alusuisse has developed techniques for retrofitting aluminum smelters to convert conventional sideworked or centerworked pots to the EPT concept, in order to meet atmospheric emission and worker hygiene requirements, while simultaneously minimizing capital costs, and anode energy consumption. The Alusuisse system features computer control of alumina feeding either along the pot longitudinal axis or perpendicular to it. Fume collection can be total or local. This paper describes the features and operation of the Alusuisse retrofit systems and briefly reports operating results.