Proven technology
(Dec. 5, 2004) A new primary aluminium production unit in Qatar is planned to be based on Hydro's in-house developed electrolytic reduction cell technology. This technology gives a combination of low investment costs, high productivity, low energy consumption and reduced emissions. The technology is compact, economical and environmentally friendly.
HAL250 was the technology installed in Hydro's recently commissioned project in Sunndal, Norway. A new development in Qatar can build on the experiences drawn from Sunndal, and other Hydro technology development activity.
Hydro's more recent technology development has taken place at a time when increasing consideration has been given to local communities and the environment. This challenge has helped Hydro develop one of the most environmentally friendly and compact electrolytic reduction technologies in the world.
 NEW SUNNDAL: The new potroom at Hydro's aluminium plant in Sunndal, Norway, is impressive. (Photo: Atle Johnsen) |
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"We are willing to defend the claim that the technology used in Sunndal 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. The patented extraction system collects 99.5 percent of the gases from the process with optimal energy use. Fluoride is recycled.
The cell technology 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 has sold more than 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).
Important environmental features of techology are
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increased extraction from cells during change of anodes
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cooling boxes for used anode butts
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closed transport systems for oxide and coke
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new, highly efficient purification units
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