Production of aluminum-silicon alloy and ferrosilicon and commercial purity aluminum by the direct reduction process. Second interim technical report, Phase B, December 1, 1978-February 28, 1979
Experimental runs were made to determine the effect of a cooler product reservoir on metal alloy yield and recovery. The reservoir temperature had no significant effect. Difficulties were experienced with operation of an oxygen injected bench scale reactor. Many tests were terminated by burden bridging or flooding of the oxygen tuyeres with metal and slag. Runs were made in which refluxing vapors were condensed in a liquid slag. The addition of CaO decreased the tendency for formation of thick, strong burden bridges but did not completely eliminate bridging. Reduction of flame temperatures did not affect the volatilization rate in the bench reactor. Operation of VSR-1 pilot reactor with O injection was achieved after resolving reactor shell leakage problems, by replacing the permeable ceramic shell with impermeable fused silica. Various combustion parameters were investigated, including coke size, burden height and oxygen flow rate. Steady state operation of the oxygen-coke system was attained with smooth burden movement and a 2000/sup 0/C bed temperature in the raceway vicinity. To further reduce heat losses from the raceway area. VSR-1 was redesigned to facilitate locating an induction coil below the oxygen inlets. Further evaluation of effects of impurities on alloy purification in the bench scale unit indicated a 50% decrease in product yield for starting charges containing Fe greater than 5%. Site installation for the entire alloy purification complex was completed. Operations were continued in the bench scale units to obtain design information for the pilot commercial grade Al purification unit. Procurement of construction material was established.
- Research Organization:
- Aluminum Co. of America, Alcoa Center, PA. Alcoa Labs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- EC-77-C-01-5089
- OSTI ID:
- 5923184
- Report Number(s):
- CONS-5089-6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Production of aluminum-silicon alloy and ferrosilicon and commercial purity aluminum by the direct reduction process. Second quarterly progress report, December 1, 1977--February 28, 1978
Production of aluminum-silicon alloy and ferrosilicon and commercial purity aluminum by the direct reduction process. Third interim technical report, Phase B, March 1, 1979--May 31, 1979
Related Subjects
ALUMINIUM
PURIFICATION
REDUCTION
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
SILICON ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTORS
CONSTRUCTION
COST
FURNACES
PILOT PLANTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESISTANCE HEATING
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTRIC HEATING
ELEMENTS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HEATING
METALS
360101* - Metals & Alloys- Preparation & Fabrication