The new generation of electrolytic cells - where aluminium gets made - is set to undergo test production at the Årdal Research Center.
New features are a potential amperage of up to 450kA, increased energy efficiency, a 95 percent-plus current efficiency target, and big reductions in exhaust gas emissions – all meant to boost Hydro’s competitiveness and give the environment a boost, too.
The electrolytic cells will initially operate at amperages of between 415-450 kA.
Energy expenditure will be about 12.9 kWh per kilogram of aluminium, though the long-term ambition will be increase energy efficiency even further.
More efficient
Current efficiency will exceed 95 percent, while emissions of hydrogen fluorides will be reduced by 25 percent to 0.15 kg per tonne of produced aluminium.
To begin with, the operation of the six cells will assessed to provide a basis for determining a larger-scale test.
During the third quarter of 2008, the technology organization will decide whether they will recommend a more extensive trial project so that the practical advantages and drawbacks of the technology can be investigated.
If the technology organization, which consists of roughly 150 researchers, project engineers, operators and lab technicians, recommends that the cells should be submitted to larger scale testing, a test line consisting of some 50 new cells can be ready to produce aluminium by the end of 2011.
If everything goes according to plan, a full-scale project utilizing the new electrolytic cells can be realized and production can start up during 2013.
See link in right column to return to Annual reporting 2007 site
