Energy use in the production of primary aluminum

Technical Report · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6554494· OSTI ID:6554494

Boercker, S W

As a part of a study of the possibilities of using alternate energy systems in industry, a review of the processes used in the production of primary aluminum from bauxite was carried out. An overview of the aluminum industry and a detailed process analysis with particular emphasis on the energy requirements is followed by a brief look at future possibilities. Calcining of alumina at about 1150/sup 0/C, electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum metal (approximately 950/sup 0/C) requiring about 15,600 kWh/ton A1, and anode baking at 1100/sup 0/C are identified as the most demanding processes. The alternative sources of aluminum, e.g., clays; the possibilities for energy conservation, such as recycling and the Alcoa chloride cell; and the dependence of the U.S. aluminum industry on imports are discussed. This analysis shows that present technology requires an average of over 16,000 kWh of electricity and 90 x 10/sup 6/ Btu of thermal energy, including fuel equivalents of anodes and cathodes consumed in the process, to produce one ton of aluminum ingot from bauxite.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-05-0033
• OSTI ID: 6554494
• Report Number(s): ORAU/IEA-78-14(M)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320300* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes
ALUMINIUM
ELECTROLYSIS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
INDUSTRY
LYSIS
METAL INDUSTRY
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER DEMAND
PRODUCTION
USA