The Aluminum Smelting Process and Innovative Alternative Technologies

OBJECTIVE:The industrial aluminum production process is addressed. The purpose is to give a short but comprehensive description of the electrolysis cell technology, the raw materials used, and the health and safety relevance of the process. METHODS:This article is based on a study of the extensive c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2014-05, Vol.56 (5S), p.S23-S32
Main Authors: Kvande, Halvor, Drabløs, Per Arne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Pollution - prevention & control
Aluminum - adverse effects
Aluminum industry
Conservation of Energy Resources
Electrodes
Electrolysis - methods
Electrolytes
Emissions control
Energy efficiency
Humans
Metallurgy
Metallurgy - instrumentation
Metallurgy - methods
Occupational Health
Occupational safety
Original
Original Article
Technology
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Summary:OBJECTIVE:The industrial aluminum production process is addressed. The purpose is to give a short but comprehensive description of the electrolysis cell technology, the raw materials used, and the health and safety relevance of the process. METHODS:This article is based on a study of the extensive chemical and medical literature on primary aluminum production. RESULTS:At present, there are two main technological challenges for the process—to reduce energy consumption and to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. A future step may be carbon dioxide gas capture and sequestration related to the electric power generation from fossil sources. CONCLUSIONS:Workersʼ health and safety have now become an integrated part of the aluminum business. Work-related injuries and illnesses are preventable, and the ultimate goal to eliminate accidents with lost-time injuries may hopefully be approached in the future.
ISSN:1076-2752
1536-5948
DOI:10.1097/jom.0000000000000062