Energy Efficiency is currently the biggest challenge in the Aluminum Industry. One of the high energy consumption facilities in a smelter is the Anode Baking Furnace (ABF). Due to unavailability of natural gas in the region, Alumar ABF uses Diesel oil, which increases significantly the energy costs. This paper describes how a different technical approach led to improved energy efficiency and reduced costs. Changes in process parameters, maintenance strategy and operational training were the main enablers.Technology Team worked to improve the draft control in the preheating zone, enabling the Baking Temperature Curve optimization, without compromising anode quality. The new curve allowed the soaking time and the number of fire frames to be reduced, reducing significantly the energy consumption.
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