Latest Developments in Aluminium Reduction

Abstract

SINCE the end of the Second World War the total global production of virgin aluminium has increased very rapidly. In the year 1945 it amounted to approximately 0.85 million tons a year, whereas for 1960 about 5 million tons may be estimated. The production of aluminium has grown during this time to be one of the most important industries. Although the aluminium works have often been subject to a certain criticism on account of the inflexibility of the extraction process-since in the main the fused salt ele-ctrolysis has not altered until this day-developments in the matter of cell design and operating methods have made considerable progress. With regard to further awaited expansion of aluminium production plants, there exists a lively interest to expedite developments to improve cell and building layout and to ensure a more economic operat-ion in order to reduce the previous relatively high inve-stment and operating costs. Experience tells us that two types of electrolytic cells have proved their merits, namely : (a) Cells with prebaked anodes (b) Cells with self-baking anodes