Performances of Green and Eco-Friendly Ramming Pastes in EGA Pots

• Main Authors: Bénédicte Allard, Mohamed Tawfik, Arvind Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-05-01
• Series: Metals
• Subjects: ramming paste; eco-friendly cold ramming paste; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH); characteristics; pot performances
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/6/5/112

Consistent and high quality ramming paste products, installed according to optimized procedures, are required for improved operation and longer pot life. However, ramming paste used to be a hazardous product and needs special precautions for handling and application. A 100% eco-friendly cold ramming paste has been developed by Carbone Savoie and tested at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) sites. A test has also been developed by Carbone Savoie to follow-up, identify and quantify emissions during the baking of paste up to 1000 °C. Physico-chemical characteristics of various pastes are presented, together with their composition in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), determined by an accredited laboratory and the results of emissions during paste baking. The results of pot operation at the EGA sites show no harmful impact on pot preheat, early operation, or regular operation performance. Pot performance data are given for comparison. The new paste offers a green and clean alternative to harsh chemicals typically associated with the industry.