C arbon D ivision

June 2004
Carbon Division
Latest Executed Projects
Venalum Modernizes the Production of Anodes
In August 2003 Riedhammer GmbH was entrusted with
homogeneity and, in consequence, to an even better
the general repair of the anode baking furnace 32-1
quality of the anodes.
at Venalum, Venezuela on a "turn key" basis. The order
value was € 11 million. This overhaul is part of a vast
modernization process. Venalum with an annual
production of 460,000 tons of aluminum and 320,000
tons of installed anode capacity is one of the global
As a next step of their modernization program, Venalum
will go ahead with the general repair of the anode
baking furnace HC 48-1, a process also directly involving
Riedhammer.
players in the primary aluminum sector.
Using most advanced technology and logistics,
Riedhammer will perform the general repair of the ring
pit furnace, originally built in 1977 and first modernized
in 1992, during operation (between fires), thereby
minimizing the production loss.
A new, computer controlled firing system using "wireless"
technology, an optimized baking process, innovations
concerning brickwork, insulation and refractory
materials, as well as modern "light-weight" covers will
lead to a lower energy consumption, to a drastic
reduction of generated pollutants, a higher temperature
Computerized Auto Firing Systems for Chinese Smelters
Riedhammer was contracted for the supply of
In addition to producing carbon anodes, it was the
computerized Auto Firing Systems based on wireless
only facility that produces carbon cathodes -
technology for two Chinese aluminium producers.
meanwhile Yankuang Aluminium has started the
The Guizhou Aluminium Plant with an annual production
production of cathodes, too.
capacity of 235,000 tons is the biggest and one of the
As such, it supplies all of the carbon cathodes required
most technological advanced smelters in China. It
by six Chalco plants. Its carbon cathodes are also sold
contains also a modern carbon production facility with
externally throughout China.
many of its key technologies and equipment imported.
For Guizhou Aluminium Plant Riedhammer delivered an
Auto Firing System for the oil-heated, closed type
cathode baking furnace with 18 sections and one firing
group.
Whereas the green smelter Yankuang Aluminium,
Shandong Province were supplied with an Auto Firing
System for the gas-heated, closed type cathode baking
furnace with 48 sections and three firing groups. The
new plant of Yankuang recently commenced
opereations by the end of last year with a installed plant
capacity of 400,000 tons per year.
Exhibitions and Conferences
TMS 2004 Conference and Exhibiton,
Charlotte, North Carolina
The TMS is one of the most important exhibitions for the
Many interesting contacts were made including some
primary aluminium industry wordwide. The Riedhammer
serious business posibilities.
participation with a booth was considered as a success.
International Symposium for Anode Baking Technology
was a Huge Success
On March 30 and 31 the first International Symposium
During the symposium site visits to the plants of Alcasa,
for Anode Baking Technology organized by Riedhammer
Carbonorca and Venalum were organized.
took place in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. On this occasion
The main target of this symposium was to create
more than 50 guests from different countries were able
possibilities for Executives of different plants of the
to exchange information. The organizer succeeded in
aluminium industry to get in touch, to exchange
obtaining renowned speakers presenting interesting
experience and information and to be informed about
topics.
new technologies. Obviously, it was a success.
RIEDHAMMER GmbH • Industrial kiln plants
Klingenhofstrasse 72 • 90411 Nürnberg • Germany
Telephone: +49 911 52 18-0 • Telefax: +49 911 52 18-231
e-mail: mail@riedhammer.de • www.riedhammer.de