Enabling Efficient Heat Recovery from Aluminium Pot Gas

Abstract

In the present work, previous studies carried out by the Norwegian aluminium industry and research centres with the aim of recovering heat from aluminium production off-gas, are reviewed. The main challenge in improving heat recovery is the fouling phenomena, which is due to the presence of particulate matter and corrosive gases in the off-gas. Fouling can occur due to particle deposition, condensation of corrosive acids and scaling reactions, which in turn can build up hard layers, particularly, on heat exchanger surfaces. The review focuses primarily on fundamental studies (theoretical and experimental), which address off-gas composition characterization, particle size distribution and particle deposition phenomena in laboratory and industrial environments. Moreover, it presents commercial concepts already implemented in industry applications. Upcoming activities in regards to the scaling phenomena, which include the design of a cold-finger for laboratory and industrial measurements, as well as mathematical modelling using CFD, are also discussed.