Kinetics of alumina dissolution in aluminium electrolysis cells

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The present proposal aims at the further deepening of understanding of the alumina dissolution process in aluminum electrolysis cells in order to improve operational stability and better energy efficiency. The expected improvements offer the potential of a better control of greenhouse gas emissions during primary aluminum production. The proposed collaborative research with Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA), aims at the better control of spatial and temporal variations of the alumina distribution. The project builds upon the results of the previous five-year NSERC-RTA collaborative research, titled "Study of Alumina Dissolution and Side-ledge Behaviour in Aluminium Electrolysis Cells". In that project we extended the fundamental knowledge about the nature and mechanisms of alumina dissolution in industrial cells and we identified the directions of further research. Experimental methods and mathematical modeling will be both used to study the alumina feeding process. The previous cooperative research project helped to forge a very efficient team, with competent members with complementary expertise both from academia (UQAC and École Polytechnique) and RTA (Arvida Research and Development Center and Laboratoire de Recherches des Fabrications, en France). The primary aluminum industry represents a very important sector in the Canadian economy. The Canadian smelters excel worldwide in their energy efficiency and low environmental impact. RTA, the third biggest producer of primary metal is also a technology leader. The expected results will help the Canadian aluminum industry to keep its leading position in the increasingly stronger international competition.