| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2020 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Electrode Technology for Aluminum Production
|
| Presentation Title |
The LCL&L Process: A Sustainable Solution for the Treatment and Recycling of Spent Potlining |
| Author(s) |
Laurent Birry, Stephane Poirier |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Laurent Birry |
| Abstract Scope |
Spent potlining (SPL) is a hazardous waste generated from the internal lining of Al electrolysis cells and consists of carbon and refractory bricks. It is classified as a hazardous waste because of its contamination with fluorides and cyanides and its hydroreactivity, generating explosive gases. Over the past number of years, the aluminum industry has made some progress by recognizing that SPL landfilling is no longer acceptable. In 2008, Rio Tinto inaugurated a new plant in Jonquière (Québec) for the treatment of SPL, based on the low-caustic leaching and liming process
(LCL&L) developed in the early 1990s. This plant treats 80 kt of stored and fresh SPL annually. This treatment decontaminates SPL and produces inert by-products which can be used as raw materials in industries like cement industry. This paper describes LCL&L process characteristics, including valorization routes for its by-products and some recent improvements of the process to reduce treatment costs with better energy efficiency. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |