Review on Application of Gases for Aluminium Refining

Abstract

Aluminium recycling has gained focus in the recent years due to the profound application of aluminium. In addition to that the world is moving towards the method of sustainable method of production. Aluminium recycling consumes only 5% of the energy required for the production of aluminium through traditional method. Recycling is beneficial in terms of reduction in energy, usage of conventional natural resources, waste disposal in landfills, emission of greenhouse gases that lessen global warming and production costs Currently, the refining of aluminium is restricted to removal of alkali or alkali earth metals, non-metallic inclusions and hydrogen. Technologies for removal of these types are commercially mature and there is a need for focus on the removal of other undesirable or tramp elements such as copper, silicon, iron, iron or zinc from the aluminium melt and application of chlorine must be discouraged due to their toxic nature. Considering these problems, a review has been conducted to evaluate the current practice in the refining of aluminium alloys by the application of gas to eliminate the defects in aluminium castings. The study has been extended to focus on the various techniques that are applied for the cleaning of melt.