Efficient Alumina Handling

Abstract

The paper describes various testing procedures of powder testing and identifies new concepts of material handling from the ship to the smelter. Options are discussed and the different concepts are described. Based on extensive laboratory tests a decision matrix for materials handling is laid out. Compared to many other powderous materials, alumina is easy to handle in terms of controlling the material flow. But segregation and attrition of the material has to be minimized. Attrition is sometimes seen as a material inherent behaviour, but it is highly influenced by the way the material is conveyed. High velocities of pneumatic conveying and direct impact has to be avoided. To reduce scalings at take off points, pressure drops have to be kept at low levels. Finally, in this paper a layout for a multipurpose alumina terminal is described and discussed.