Technology for increased profitability and improved environment
 NEW SUNNDAL: Det new potline is impressive. (Photo: Atle Johnsen) |
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(Dec. 3, 2002) New Sunndal uses Hydro's in-house developed electrolytic reduction technology HAL250. This technology gives a combination of low investment costs, high productivity, low energy consumption and reduced emissions. HAL250 is compact, economical and environmentally friendly.
HAL250 has been called "the technology of the narrow valleys".
The HAL250 technology has been developed at a time when increasing consideration is given to local communities and the environment. The environmental requirements for Hydro's potlines, situated close to local communities in the narrow valleys typical of western Norway, are stringent. This challenge has helped being about one of the most environmentally friendly and compact electrolytic reduction technologies in the world.
"We are willing to defend the claim that HAL250 is the world's absolutely most economical and environmental electrolytic reduction technology," it says in the information material published by Hydro Aluminium in connection with the official opening of the first construction phase of New Sunndal.
Removal of gases from the process is an important factor in protecting operators and ensuring a clean working environment.
 NEW SUNNDAL: Changing anodes in the new potroom. (Photo: Atle Johnsen) |
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The patented extraction system in HAL250 collects 99.5 percent of the gases from the process with optimal energy use. Sulfur is removed from the waste gas and fluoride is recycled.
HAL250 is a high technology product. A holistic approach, system knowledge and advanced mathematical models have resulted in a compact and highly productive plant.
Aluminium production takes place at 960 degrees Celsius and uses aggressive chemicals. The process is therefore difficult to monitor with normal measurement methods and equipment. Hydro has developed a microcomputer for process control. The control of aluminium cells must function without fault 24 hours a day, every day, for year after year. Hydro Aluminium's technology center in Årdal has sold 3,000 microcomputers all over the world.
The combination of a high levels of expertise and proximity to production results is unique process knowledge. New technical solutions are tested in Hydro's test cells in Årdal, using full-scale electrolytic cells. The control of raw materials and chemical processes with advanced laboratory analyses gives better energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Hydro Aluminium technology centers in Norway and Germany make up one of the largest centers of excellence for research on primary production of aluminium.
An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to master the complex processes for anode production and electrolytic reduction. Basic expertise is further developed, and recruitment to the Norwegian aluminium industry is ensured through major research and development projects in collaboration with such bodies as the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF) and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).
- increased extraction from cells during change of anodes
- cooling boxes for used anode butts
- natural ventilation of potrooms, using less energy and ensuring less dust
- closed transport systems for oxide and coke
- new, highly efficient purification units
- possibility of recycling heat
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