Reducing PFC Emissions from Aluminum Smelters
Columnist Gil Friend has some tips.
We operate an aluminum smelter at our facility. Can you offer some recommendations on how to reduce PFC emissions from the smelter?
Gil: Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) -- tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6) --"are chemically inert," according to the International Aluminium Institute, "but have high global warming potential."
According to the U.S. EPA's Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP), "When the alumina ore content of the electrolytic bath falls below critical levels optimal for the above chemical reaction to take place, rapid voltage increases occur, termed 'anode effects.' During an anode effect, carbon from the anode and fluorine from the dissociated molten cryolite bath combine, producing CF4 and C2F6.
"Measures undertaken by partners to reduce PFC emissions include:
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Gil Friend, systems ecologist and business strategist, is president and CEO of Natural Logic, Inc. -- offering advisory services and tools that help companies and communities prosper by embedding the laws of nature at the heart of enterprise. Sign up online to receive his monthly column via email.
Gil: Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) -- tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6) --"are chemically inert," according to the International Aluminium Institute, "but have high global warming potential."
According to the U.S. EPA's Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP), "When the alumina ore content of the electrolytic bath falls below critical levels optimal for the above chemical reaction to take place, rapid voltage increases occur, termed 'anode effects.' During an anode effect, carbon from the anode and fluorine from the dissociated molten cryolite bath combine, producing CF4 and C2F6.
"Measures undertaken by partners to reduce PFC emissions include:
- Improving alumina feeding techniques by installing point feeders and regulating feed with computer control;
- Training operators on methods and practices to minimize the frequency and duration of anode effects (e.g., providing employees with measurement devices to monitor alumina feed rates and anode effects);
- Using improved computer controls to optimize cell performance; and
- Measuring PFC emissions (PDF, 42 pp., 175 KB) and monitoring cell operating parameters to determine relationships between them.
Got A Question?
Email [email protected]
We can't guarantee that we'll answer every question, but we'll try.
------
Gil Friend, systems ecologist and business strategist, is president and CEO of Natural Logic, Inc. -- offering advisory services and tools that help companies and communities prosper by embedding the laws of nature at the heart of enterprise. Sign up online to receive his monthly column via email.
