METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF PRIMARY ALUMINUM AND DEVICE FOR REALIZATION OF THIS METHOD Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: methods of production of primary aluminum. SUBSTANCE: primary aluminum is produced due to reaction of thermochemical reduction of alumina by carbon and deposition of aluminum. Process is performed in plasma induction furnace where plasma arc is formed between refractory cathode and anode and mechanical mixture of alumina and carbon is fed to this arc. Control of plasma is effected by means of magnetic fields created by solenoid coaxially located around anode. Under action of high temperature of plasma, overall carbothermal reaction of reduction of aluminum from carbon takes place. Aluminum in form of melt settles on bottom of plasma induction furnace and after accumulation of required amount, it is discharged through pipe line. Inductor coaxially arranged around graphite blocks found in lower portion of device is used for forming induced currents in graphite blocks and ensuring their ohmic heating at maintained temperature of these blocks. Plasma induction furnace is provided with pipe lines for removal of slags and carbon dioxide which is reused for maintenance of plasma. EFFECT: enhanced ecology of aluminum production process due to reduction of toxic emissions; enhanced purity of aluminum due to avoidance of contamination of aluminum by unwanted admixtures. 3 cl, 1 dwg