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Extraction of Aluminum - Coggle Diagram
Extraction of Aluminum
Raw Materials
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Alumina is imported from Jamaica, Ireland, and Spain where its been purified from bauxite ore.
Electrolysis of alumina
Electrolysis takes place in electrolysis cells, which is 157,000 amps at 4.5 volts.
Electrolysis cell consists of a rectangular steel shell lined with head-resistant brick and then carbon.
The cell is filled with molten cryolite which the aluminum is dissolved in so that it conducts electricity.
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During electrolysis aluminum ions move to cathode, gain electrons and become aluminum metals.
Oxide move to the anode where each iron loses two electrons and the atoms pair up to become oxygen molucules.
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Electrolyte is about 955°C, the carbon anodes gradually burn away in the oxygen from the electrolysis at this temperature and have to be replaced.
Anode production
Remaining carbon is broken off the old anodes, crushed, mixed with new coke and pitch, and pressed into shape.
And then baked for 24 hours in gas heated pits, and steels stubs are fitted in after.
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If there was a loss of energy for more than a few hours the electrolyte and aluminum would solidify.
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