| Abstract Scope |
The World has changed significantly over the last 50 years, and so did the aluminum industry. From the state-of-the-art smelters using Søderberg or small pre-baked cell technologies operating in the 100kA’s, engineers and scientists have pushed the smelting technology up to 600kA, suing side-by-side potroom configuration and point-feeding. Strong from fundamental research, advances in process control and cell materials, improved work practices and automation, aluminum producers have partnered with universities, engineering firms and equipment suppliers to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption and environmental footprint. This presentation will review some of the main development that happened over the last 50 years. |