Siting an Aluminium Processing Plant.

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Debs Lord

        5 Cross Lane

        Lichfield

        Staffs

Directors

ALCO Ltd

Bauxite Road         2 February 2003

Cryoliteton

Aluminiumshire

Dear Sirs/Madams

Siting an Aluminium Processing Plant

In response to your request it is possible for me as a chemical industry consultant to advise you, as ALCO an aluminium manufacturer, on the best location for a new processing plant.  I found three reasonable locations and after great consideration I have decided that site C is the best site for a new aluminium processing plant.  For each site I will list good and bad points and explain why my chosen site would be the best site for a new processing plant.  

Firstly I have explained below in great detail what I think you will be using the new processing plant for and If I am wrong then please contact me immediately so as this may effect my final choice for the position of a new processing plant.  

The raw materials used for extracting aluminium are bauxite (aluminium oxide Al 2O3), graphite and cryolite.  Also coal can help for heat, as this is cheaper than heating using electricity.  These are purified using electrolysis to make aluminium.  Electrolyte- aluminium oxide is dissolved in molten cryolite at 950°C.  Cathode is made of graphite (lining of cell) and the reaction is that at the cathode the aluminium ions receive electrons:  

        4Al3+ +12e- → 4Al

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The aluminium atoms collect together, and drop to the bottom of the cell as molten metal.  This is run off at intervals.  

Anode is also made of graphite.  This time the reaction is that at the anodes the oxygen ions give up electrons:

        6O2- → 3O2 +12e-

Oxygen gas bubbles are given off.  But unfortunately it attacks the graphite anodes and eats them away, so they must be replaced from t9ime to time.  

        C +O2 → CO2

There are many uses for aluminium like:

  • Tin cans
  • Ships
  • Cooking foil
  • Saucepans
  • Racing bikes
  • Electricity cables
  • TV aerials
  • Aeroplanes
  • Space rockets
...

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