In demanding applications like aluminum processing, high-quality and reliable compressed air can help reduce production costs while improving the quality of the end product.
Aluminum Processing Compressed Air Applications
Compressed air is used for a variety of applications in aluminum processing including the conveyance of alumina to the silo and from the silo to the pot lines; carbon anode production; air instrumentation; and pneumatic conveying of recycled particulate. For a major aluminum smelting plant in China, these applications require compressed air from 10 oil-free centrifugal compressors to get the job done.
While aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust, it is rarely found in its elemental state. Invented in 1886, the Hall-Héroult process is the major industrial process for smelting aluminum, where alumina is separated into components of aluminum metal and oxygen gas by electrolytic reduction. The facility features two electrolytic aluminum production lines that produce 650,000 tons of aluminum per year.
Once the aluminum is separated, compressed air is used for pneumatic transport of raw aluminum powder. Even a small amount of oil contamination can cause quality defects and pipe clogging, as well as pose a fire hazard. Only oil-free compressors that comply with ISO 8573-1 CLASS 0 (2010) certification provide 100% pure, clean air for sensitive aluminum processing applications.
Energy Savings from the Start
Because energy accounts for one-third of the aluminum production expenses at the facility, significant energy costs were saved through the initial selection of a compressed air system. Atlas Copco ZH oil-free centrifugal compressors provide 100% oil-free air and are designed to optimize energy efficiency. For processes that demand large volumes of air, Atlas Copco centrifugal compressors deliver high-quality and reliable compressed air, plus easy access for ongoing preventative maintenance.
Learn more about Atlas Copco oil-free centrifugal compressors, or fill out our Request a Quote form and an Atlas Copco representative will be in touch shortly.
