Aluminium production
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Aluminium production
Aluminium smelting process. Schematic diagram of the production of aluminium metal from aluminium ore (bauxite). The first stage (left) is the Bayer Process to produce alumina (aluminium oxide) from the raw bauxite. Down left from top to bottom: the bauxite is crushed (top); chemically digested in sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, red area); alumina hydrate is precipitated (brown) and then heated to form the pure alumina (yellow). The conveyor belt deposits the alumina in molten cryolite (sodium aluminium fluoride, green, reduces melting point to 1000 degrees Celsius). Electrolysis (right, the Hall-Heroult Process) is used to obtain molten aluminium metal (grey, lower right pipe). The positive and negative electrodes are labelled with electrical symbols
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Media ID 6430233
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Aluminium Aluminium Oxide Anode Cathode Chemical Engineering Chemical Plant Chemical Reaction Conveyor Belt Diagram Electrode Electrodes Electrolysing Electrolysis Electrolyte Electrolytes Electrolytic Engineering Factory Manufacturing Metal Mineral Procedure Production Schematic Smelting Bauxite Computer Artwork
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate process of aluminium production, offering a comprehensive schematic diagram that takes us through each stage. Starting on the left side, we witness the initial step known as the Bayer Process, where raw bauxite is transformed into alumina (aluminium oxide). The top section illustrates the crushing of bauxite, followed by its chemical digestion in sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) depicted by the vibrant red area. As a result, brown alumina hydrate precipitates and undergoes further heating to obtain pure yellow alumina. Moving downwards, our attention is drawn to a conveyor belt that efficiently deposits molten cryolite (sodium aluminium fluoride) onto the alumina. This ingenious addition reduces the melting point to an impressive 1000 degrees Celsius. On the right side of this remarkable illustration lies another crucial step called electrolysis or specifically, the Hall-Heroult Process. By employing this method, molten aluminium metal is successfully obtained through grey pipes located at lower right corner. The image also highlights electrical symbols labeling positive and negative electrodes utilized during electrolysis. With its impeccable detail and precision, this computer artwork flawlessly captures various elements such as equipment used in smelting processes within industrial factories. Overall, Science Photo Library's stunning visual representation provides invaluable insight into aluminium production - from ore extraction to final metal refinement - showcasing both engineering prowess and technological advancements in this vital industry without mentioning any specific company or commercial use.
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