c. Alumina processing industries.
Aluminum metal cannot be smelted from its
ore, or bauxite, using the same methods as for smelting other metals.
Before
aluminum can be produced, alumina must first be separated from waste impurities in
bauxite ore.
The separation method is called the Bayer alumina process and
involves a chemical process.
(1) Major recognition features of alumina processing industries (Figure 2-8):
(a) Bauxite storage.
Large, low shed, or open stockpiles.
Rail or dock
unloading facility nearby.
Conveyor system linking it to crushing and grinding
facility.
(b) Crushing and grinding building.
Conveyor leading into it from storage
shed.
Dusty white appearance.
(c) Autoclave (Digester) building.
Long building.
Vents or stacks on
roof.
Steam lines leading into it.
(d) Filter press building.
Long, low structure.
May have sawtooth roof.
Located between autoclave and precipitator buildings.
(e) Settling tanks.
Large, low, open tanks.
Located near filter press
building.
(f) Precipitator building.
Large, tall, rectangular
structure
with
sawtooth roof. Contains a large number of tall, silo-like tanks.
(g) Rotary kilns.
Long, pipe-like tubes.
May have stack(s) associated.
Figure 2-8.
Alumina Processing.
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