| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Alumina & Bauxite
|
| Presentation Title |
Improving the Operational Availability of Hydro Alunorte Calciners by Proper Refractories Maintenance Management |
| Author(s) |
Mariana A L Braulio, Thais A Novais, Thiago Macedo, Veridiano Gomes, Jessika Silva, Thiago Iwanaga, Victor Pandolfelli |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Mariana A L Braulio |
| Abstract Scope |
The alumina calcining process takes place at high temperatures (up to 1000°C) and, thus, the vessels are lined with refractory materials. Non expected production halts or the extension of the maintenance time length have a relevant impact on the additional costs and unrealized revenue. Therefore, enhancing the refractories working life, and its application speed, is essential. Considering this, the objective of this work is to present the implemented improvements attained during the latest years, in terms of materials selection and quality control, design and the gains in application time and return to operations. The achieved results indicated relevant gains regarding the reduction of the lining wear (and less unexpected halts) and speed up of the application steps (mainly the reduction in the drying / heat up curve). With this approach, Hydro Alunorte maintenance area is increasing the reliability on the applied material, contributing to more stable and long-lasting operations. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Ceramics, High-Temperature Materials, Sustainability |