Aluminum
Short descriptionIt is only 160 years since the element aluminum was discovered and only 100 years since a viable production process was established, and today more aluminum is produced each year than all other non-ferrous metals combined. Aluminum is the third most abundant element - comprising some 8 percent of the earth's crust. Aluminum is found in most rocks, clay, soil and vegetation combined with oxygen and other elements.
List of UsesA fun list with many different unusual uses for aluminum.
Well laid out table of aluminum compounds and their uses with an accompanying essay.
Mining InformationContaining comprehensive information on the production and applications of aluminum, with links to member companies and regional associations. Also includes sections on history, production, environment, applications, news, statistics of aluminum.
Collection of linked news articles about current event in aluminum mining around the world.
Covers conservation of rain forests as a key concern with regard to bauxite mining, including statistics about aluminum mining in conjunction with rainforests and mining in the Amazon.
The Production ProcessPrimary Aluminum Refining
Aluminum production from bauxite ore is a three step process. First the alumina is extracted from bauxite ore usually using the Bayer Process. The aluminum oxide is evaporated off and condensed. Starches and other ingredients are added to remove any remaining impurities from the oxide. Aluminum oxide from the Bayer Process is then reduced to aluminum metal usually using the Hall-Heroult process. The molten aluminum is then mixed with desired alloys to obtain specific characteristics and cast into ingots for transport to fabricating shops.
Secondary Aluminum Production
In the secondary aluminum production industry, scrap aluminum is melted in gas- or oil-fired reverberatory or hearth furnaces. Impurities are removed using chlorine or other fluxes until the aluminum reaches the desired purity.
Refining InformationDetailed information about primary and secondary aluminum refining.
Major Counties of ProductionDetailed report and statistics of aluminum production worldwide in 1998.
Full calendar and news archive of the U.S. aluminum industry hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Sector ForecastThis report was created for strategic planners, international executives and import/export managers who are concerned with the market for unwrought aluminum. Includes reports worldwide on exports and imports in 2004.
The Association is a primary source for statistics, technical standards and information on aluminum and the aluminum industry in the United States. The report focuses on the status of aluminum worldwide in the year 2000 as well as a future look into the worldwide industry.
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