Aluminum reduction technology - entering the second century

Although the electrolytic process of aluminum production is not likely to be replaced by an alternative process in the near future, the industry has made giant strides, improving its efficiency and solving technical problems. Today, new plants have energy efficiencies approaching those of other metallurgical processes, automation to minimize manpower requirements and excellent cell lives. The present status of the industry is a result of an expanding knowledge base regarding the basics of the process as well as the application of this knowledge to the development of innovative engineering designs and control strategies.