Aluminum smelting
Aluminum smelting is the process of extracting aluminum from its ore, primarily bauxite. First, bauxite is crushed and refined to obtain alumina (aluminum oxide). Then, in the smelting process, alumina is dissolved in molten cryolite and subjected to an electric current in large cells. This separation process reduces the alumina to pure aluminum metal, which collects at the bottom of the cell. The aluminum is then tapped off and can be shaped into various products. This high-energy process is essential for producing aluminum, widely used in industries like transportation, packaging, and construction.
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Aluminum smelting is the process of producing aluminum metal from its ore, bauxite. This involves first refining bauxite to extract aluminum oxide, which is then subjected to electrolysis in a smelting pot filled with molten cryolite. By passing an electric current through the mixture, aluminum metal separates and sinks to the bottom, while oxygen is released at the top. The molten aluminum is then removed, cooled, and solidified for use in various applications, from construction to transportation. This process is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to the overall cost of aluminum production.