UC RUSAL launches modernization of Bratsk aluminium smelter

UC RUSAL has announces the start of modernisation of Bratsk aluminium smelter, the world’s largest, to reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency. The first stage of the project will be completed in 2011, costing USD 350 million in investment.

The modernization programme will include:

• Reduction cells to be equipped with alumina point feeders, resulting in better sealing for the reduction cell and significantly reducing emissions.
• Fitting of 24 dry scrubbers to ensure up to 99% fluoride collection.
• Installation of 64 new reduction cells in 16 potrooms, resulting in a 100,000 tonnes increase in aluminium output.
• Modernisation of the air supply systems
• Replacement of electrical equipment
• Introduction of automated process control systems in all potrooms.

The modernisation project is aimed at reducing the smelter’s environmental impact and is expected to result in 40% reduction of the overall volume of hazardous emissions. Before the year 2012, hydrogen fluoride emissions at the smelter will be cut by 17% and benzopyrene emissions by 30%.

Valery Matvienko, Director of the Engineering and Construction Division, which is managing the modernization, commented: ‘The Bratsk smelter modernisation will contribute greatly to achieving UC RUSAL’s ambitious environmental strategy. This programme will complement a similar project set to be completed this year at the Krasnoyarsk aluminium smelter where significant environmental improvements have been achieved already.

“Hazardous emissions have been reduced by 12%, increasing to a 30 % target by the end of the project. Our goal is to maintain the Söderberg technology which is used at most of our largest smelters, while achieving the same environmental parameters as at pre-bake smelters. Our experience so far gives us reason to be confident of our future success.’

UC RUSAL specialists are developing a new technology aimed at reducing emissions at Söderberg production facilities and fulfilling modern international standards. On completion of the project in 2011, a second stage of modernisation at the Krasnoyarsk and the Bratsk aluminium smelters will be implemented. The second stage will involve upgrading of reduction cell structure and transition from the dry anode to colloidal anode technology. The changes are expected to bring about an average of triple reduction of hazardous emissions.