Aluminium oxide equipment, tailored around the unique properties of alumina

The key process in making aluminum oxidee from bauxite is the Bayer process, that dates back to 1888 and crushes and mixes bauxite. The digestion of bauxite involves the use of concentrated sodium hydroxide or caustic soda to make aluminium hydroxide precipitate. To remove water and produce alumina, heat in a kiln at 1000-1200 °C (1832-2192 °F). Aluminum oxide making equipment such as a pneumatic conveying system ensures the passage of the mixture during production. It also makes sure of little or no loss of the mixture powder when passing through the blow-off tanks. It is important to carry out the Bayer process at appropriate conditions to ensure high production yield. Temperature and NaOH concentration, for example, affects the process digestion efficiency.

Alumina is versatile and suitable for the chemical and medical industries, protective equipment and other applications. Engineers or manufacturers use aluminium oxide equipment to make alumina for ceramics, refractories, polishes, abrasives, and high temperature appliances like crucibles.

Environmental impact: from bauxite to alumina

The aluminum oxide making, from the extraction process of bauxite to smelting aluminum oxide into pure aluminium, consumes high energy. There is also a high emission of chemicals into the environment during production. Toxic chemicals like carbon and fluorine are released into the atmosphere, land and water, causing acute to severe health issues depending on level of exposure.

Note that aluminium is considered a “green metal” because of its recyclability. The European Union regulations aim to reduce 55% of greenhouse gases emission by 2030. They intend to achieve this by efficient refining and constant recycling of aluminium. They also encourage aluminium consumption replacement with alternatives such as zirconia instead of aluminium oxide for abrasives.