Vacuum Increase in the Electrolytic Cell With the Aim of Reducing Emissions Into the Work Environment

Abstract

In the production of the primary aluminum, waste gases occur as a byproduct in electrolytic cell. Such gases are drained to the Gas Treatment Centre by degassing system where, before discharging into the atmosphere, are purified by adsorbing to the active surface of alumina (Al2O3). Gases enriched alumina is, by pneumatic transportation, returned to electrolytic cell. When performing operations on the cell, such as anode replacing and aluminum tapping from the cells, these gases are emitted into the electrolysis hall, which directly affects the environment and the health of employees. Thus, the purpose of this work is to increase the vacuum in the cells exhaust system in order to reduce emissions into the electrolysis hall during performance of the aforementioned operations, with minimal investment and utilization of existing resources.