UC RUSAL introduces new waste processing technology

The innovation is based on continuous processing and a return of fluorine-rich saline slag into the production process. This waste is formed when cells are disconnected for maintenance. Statistics reveal that every year the world’s aluminium industry generates a total of five million tonnes of so-called ‘black’ or saline waste slag. The introduction of new technology will ease the environmental impact of the aluminium operations. In addition, the technology does not have any ammonia emissions, which improves the health and safety conditions in potrooms.

This effective waste processing method was jointly developed by BrAZ engineers and the Engineering and Construction Division of UC RUSAL, and has no equal in the world. Over time, the company hopes to introduce this technology to other aluminium smelters of the company.

Works on implementing the new technology form part of the environmental modernisation programme at BrAZ, which is expected to cut hazardous emissions by 40%. The programme includes the installation of alumina point feeders at all the smelter’s cells; commissioning of 24 dry gas scrubbers, which will ensure that the maximum technically possible fluoride filtration coefficient (up to 99%) is reached. In addition, all the potrooms will be equipped with modern ventilation, new electrical equipment and automated control systems.