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Advances and Prospects in Alumina Technology

  • Extractive & Process Metallurgy
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Summary

The needs of the alumina industry that have dictated its recent technological activities are reviewed. The categories considered are industry growth, capital needs and costs, bauxite availability, energy, automation, and environment. Recycling has emerged as a dominant positive factor in the aluminum industry, but it reduces the need for additional alumina. Slow growth, increased costs, and environmental pressures point out the necessity for the alumina industry to improve its technology to the highest degree possible in existing facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aluminum Company of America, Alcoa Building, 15219, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    K. W. Perry (Senior Technical Consultant - Raw Materials, Alumina and Chemicals) & Allen S. Russell (Retired - Vice President and Chief Scientist)

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  1. K. W. Perry
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  2. Allen S. Russell
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Mr. Perry received his BS in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois. He joined Alcoa in 1946 where he has served in various capacities including chief chemical engineer, chief process engineer, and manager of alumina technology. He was appointed senior technical consultant - materials, alumina and chemicals in 1982.

Dr. Russell received his BS, MS, and PhD in chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. He joined Alcoa in 1940 and later made major contributions to the technological achievement of the aluminum industry, including the Alcoa Smelting Process. Dr. Russell currently serves as visiting professor, University of Pittsburgh. He is a Fellow of The Metallurgical Society of AIME.

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Perry, K.W., Russell, A.S. Advances and Prospects in Alumina Technology. JOM 34, 48–53 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03338119

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