BALCO has its operations at Korba in the state of Chhattisgarh with a smelter capacity of 570 ktpa with capabilities to produce ingots, Alloy ingots, wire-rods, busbars and rolled products.
The Hall – Heroult process is the method by which Aluminium is produced industrially. The steps involved in the process are-
- The process involves electrolytic reduction of Alumina (Al2O3) dissolved in electrolyte (bath) mainly containing Cryolite (Na3AlF6).
- The mixture electrolysed causing the Oxygen ion of the dissolved Alumina to discharge on positive electrode where it reacts with Carbon anode to form gases like CO2 and CO.
- The Al3+ ion deposited at the negatively charged cathode converts into liquid metal which sinks to the top of cathode from where it is periodically collected and sent to casthouse or fabrication for further processing.
- Electrical resistance within the bath provides sufficient heat to keep the Cryolite molten.
- The pot is thermally insulated from side and bottom to maintain the optimum heat balance and sufficient ledge (frozen electrolyte) on the side of the shell.
- A crust of bath and Alumina covers the anode to avoid anode oxidation.
Salient Features of Balco Potline – 1
- BALCO, Potline -1 works on Prebaked technology
- A total of 288 electrolytic cells are installed with potline-1 current of 320 kA
- All 288 pots are connected in a series circuit
- The name plate capacity of potline-1 is 245 ktpa
Salient Features of Balco Potline – 2
- BALCO, Potline -2 works on Prebaked technology
- A total of 336 electrolytic cells are installed with potline-2 current of 340 kA
- All 336 pots are connected in a series circuit
- The name plate capacity of potline-2 is 325 ktpa