Jet induced boosted suction system for roof vent emission control: New developments and outlooks

Abstract

Reduction of fluoride emissions is necessary today as a result of production growth and/or increasingly demanding environmental regulation contexts. Over 40% of roof vent emissions are generated by the pot during periods when pot hoods are open. These periods are therefore targeted for improvement, which is usually obtained by significantly increasing pot exhaust flow while the hoods are opened. The Rio Tinto Alcan solution, patented since 2007 [1], the Jet Induced Boosted Suction system, trialed and now rolled-out on AP22 potlines in Tomago, has been scaled up to fit AP3X technology. This has led to implementation of an industrial demonstration on a 36-pot section in the Alma smelter, including automatic pot hood opening detection. The operational and environmental performance of the system was evaluated during the trial. At the same time, the design and proof of concept of an AP60 version has taken place in LRF, preparing for future evaluation as part of the AP60 Jonquiére project.