Applications of Sialon Ceramics in Aluminium Smelting

Sialon Ceramics for Aluminium Smelting

Image Credits: shutterstock.com/Maksim_Gusev

Aluminium smelting utilises the Hall-Héroult process of extracting aluminium metal from its oxide, alumina. In this process, alumina is dissolved in cryolite at about 1000°C in a large pot. This mixture is then electrolysed, causing the heavier liquid aluminium to be deposited at the cathode at the bottom of the pot. The aluminium can then be transferred to casting or extrusion facilities for final forming or cast into ingots for re-melting.

Downstream of the smelter, where the filter boxes and holding furnaces for the casting are located, a material with a proven history of success in temperature measurement and for heater tubes is Syalon, a silicon nitride based sialon ceramic from International Syalons Newcastle Ltd.

International Syalons were the first company in the world to patent and market advanced sialon ceramics and we are experts in this field. Amongst the companies who licensed our materials were Hitachi Metals, Kurosaki and Kennametal. Our latest Syalons have been developed to outperform other silicon nitride and sialon materials, as well as traditional materials such as cast iron and silicon carbide.

International Syalons offers the following advantages over these alternative materials in aluminium smelting applications:

• Non-wetting to aluminium and its alloys
• Very strong and durable
• Minimal build up of dross
• Extended service life
• Corrosion resistant
• Excellent thermal shock resistance
• Low maintenance
• Less downtime

Sialon Products

Thermocouple Protection Sheaths (Thermowells)

Syalon thermocouple protection sheaths have excellent thermal shock resistance, are non-wetted by aluminium and are corrosion resistant. These features allow constant temperature monitoring thereby increasing the quality of the melt. They are available in a range of standard sizes as shown in the table below. These are usually available ex-stock. Tubes outside these standard sizes are also available but with a slightly longer lead-time.

Heater Tubes

Syalon heater tubes offer long life, improved process reliability and are cost effective. The range of heater and riser tubes available is diverse, including tubes with an integral flange, grooved tubes with a metal flange or plain end tubes. Syalon heater tubes can be made up to 1500mm in length with a maximum diameter of around 300mm. A selection of the tubes available is shown in the table below. The excellent thermal shock resistance and strength of Syalon heater tubes make them effective for both electric and gas fired heaters.

Syalon Properties

Syalon components for aluminium molten metal handling are uniquely available in three grades offering a variety of outstanding properties, as shown in the table below.

Syalon 101 offers the best mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance and is the most commonly used grade for molten metal handling applications. Syalon 050 offers improved mechanical strength at high temperatures and improved corrosion resistance in extreme environments. Syalon 110 offers the capability of operating at temperatures around 1500°C with improved non-wetting properties.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Internatrional Syalons.

For more information on this source, please visit International Syalons.