Nancy J Fitzgerald

US Patent:

42996198, Nov 10, 1981

Filed:

Feb 28, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/125644

Inventors:

C. Norman Cochran - Oakmont PA
Nancy M. Fitzgerald - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C22D 312

US Classification:

75 10R

Abstract:

A method for production of aluminum by carbothermic reduction of Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 in a stack-type reactor. A charge of Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 and C is inserted into an upper reaction zone of the reactor and reacted at an elevated temperature to form CO and a first liquid comprising Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 and Al. sub. 4 C. sub. 3. The first liquid is transferred to a lower reaction zone beneath the upper reaction zone and heated to form CO and a second liquid of Al and C. A portion of the second liquid is removed, and liquid Al is extracted therefrom. In a preferred method, Al. sub. 2 O. sub. 3 and C in the upper zone are heated by partial combustion of the C, and the lower zone is heated electrically. Gaseous Al and Al. sub. 2 O formed in the lower zone are reclaimed in the upper zone.