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Crust and alumina powder dissolution in aluminum smelting electrolytes

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  • Primary Aluminum Production
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Abstract

Modern smelter potlines often undergo process excursions, which are attributed to “solubility problems” of the alumina used. Assigning the problem to a specific property is, however, a challenge, compounded by the fact that the alumina has usually undergone secondary treatments through a dry scrubbing system prior to arrival at the cell. With a better understanding there is the potential for avoiding some of the troubles experienced in these “alumina solubility” problems but there is a need to clarify what are the relevant chemical and physical properties of the alumina that are having the impact. Published and unpublished data are drawn together here to provide further insight into the alumina solubility issues.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Barry J. Welch (Emeritus Professor, Associate Director)

  2. Centre of Electro Chemistry and Mineral Processing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Barry J. Welch (Emeritus Professor, Associate Director)

  3. Auckland Regional Council, Auckland, New Zealand

    Gerda I. Kuschel (Air Quality Technical Specialist)

Authors
  1. Barry J. Welch
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  2. Gerda I. Kuschel
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Welch, B.J., Kuschel, G.I. Crust and alumina powder dissolution in aluminum smelting electrolytes. JOM 59, 50–54 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0065-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0065-9

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