Innovative aluminium technologies from Zhengzhou Research Institute recognised for low carbon excellence

Recently, the Carbon Research Institute of Zhengzhou Research Institute of Chinalco achieved recognition for three significant technical advancements. These innovations have been officially designated as "Green and Low Carbon Advanced Technological Achievements of Henan Province (2024)." The three innovations are:

Comprehensive Utilization Technology of Classified Resources of Aluminum Electrolytic Overhaul Slag -

This enables the efficient classification and recovery of valuable elements from overhaul slag. The resulting building material products meet the required standards, while the graphitized products comply with the specifications for calcined petroleum coke used in graphitized cathode carbon blocks (YS/T 763-2019). This technology has been implemented across four enterprises. It has been evaluated by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, which confirmed that the overall technology is at the international leading level.

Technology for Improving the Oxidation Resistance of Carbon Anodes for Aluminum -

This technology focuses on understanding how trace elements affect anode oxidation performance. It includes advancements in enhancing anode oxidation resistance and the development of new antioxidant composite additives that slow down the oxidation reaction rate. With this technology, even when using low-quality raw materials (sulfur ≤ 3.5%, vanadium ≤ 500 ppm, sodium ≤ 350 ppm, calcium ≤ 400 ppm, iron ≤ 700 ppm, and nickel ≤ 350 ppm), the air reaction residual rate of the anode can reach 85% or higher, and the CO2 reaction residual rate can be 90% or higher.

Key Technologies and Equipment for Green Energy Saving in Carbon Roasting for Aluminum-

The technology has introduced energy-saving diagnostic technology, specialized instruments, and national standard samples. It includes energy-saving operational technology for in-production roasters and features an innovatively designed, multi-factor optimized energy-saving roaster and a large industrial kiln. This comprehensive energy-saving technology and equipment have reduced the unit consumption of natural gas for anodes to below 55 Nm³/t and for cathodes to 30 Nm³/t, achieving an international leading standard.