Flakt SO₂ Scrubbing Technology for Primary Aluminum Smelters

Summary

SO₂ emissions from the aluminum industry are small compared to many other industries, but may become more substantial due to the observed increase in sulfur content of petroleum coke. Legislation is considered in some countries, especially since the introduction of dry fluoride recovery systems prevent no SO₂ emission. Flakt SO₂ scrubbers have been installed in the United States, Sweden, and Norway. Once through seawater, scrubbers have proved low in cost, high in efficiency, and extremely reliable. Also throwaway sodium-base scrubbers have shown good merits. Dry technologies for SO₂ control developed and installed by Flakt and others for other industries are reviewed in light of their potential for application in aluminum smelters. Today, the most proven solution is still some form of wet scrubbing.