Tomago aluminium AP22 project

Abstract

Late April 2002, Tomago Aluminium (TAC) announced the expansion of its production capacity by 70 000 tpy. This project is based on the AP22 Pechiney reduction cell technology, developed late 90's as re-engineered technology for the well known API8 cell. The project entered in its active phase early 2003 with the start up of a 20 pot trial section. Over and above the fine tuning of final operating set points, the purpose of this trial section is to pilot the anode and anode assembly transition phase, which, in such a large plant (3 potlines, 840 cells), requires mastering both logistics and transient cell operating targets. Progressive production increase will take place from 2004 and full production (530 000 tpy) is planned to be achieved in 2007 after lining turnover completion. Project progress, technical performance of the trial section as well as technical options on the cell and its surrounding will be discussed.