International Aluminium Institute Anode Effect Survey Results

摘要

The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) conducts annual surveys on anode effect performance data. The anode effect data allows calculation of specific emissions of PFCs (perfluorocarbons) and also allows survey participants to benchmark anode effect performance with others operating with similar technology. Participating companies now account for sixty-five percent of world primary aluminum production. The survey data collected include average anode effect frequency, average anode effect duration and anode effect overvoltage. The data show that in the twelve years covering the period 1990 to 2001 participating companies reduced CO_2 equivalent emissions from 4.03 to 1.22 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per metric ton of primary aluminium for the two combined PFCs, a reduction of 70 percent. Estimated equivalent figures for total world production are a reduction from 4.42 to 1.54 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per metric ton of primary aluminium, a reduction of 65%. This substantial reduction in specific emissions has resulted in one of the few examples of an industry where total emissions of a greenhouse gas have been reduced even as total production has increased.