Review on Soderberg Cell Technology Performance and Its Possibilities

Søderberg cell technology has in general had inferior operating performance compared to modern prebake cells. Technology development during the past 40 years. The technology is also facing new and challenging environmental requirements. However, existing Søderberg cells may yield substantially better and more satisfactory results It is therefore the Søderberg plants still count for a substantial part of the global annual production capacity of primary aluminium. The present paper gives a short history of the Søderberg cell development and the present distribution of Søderberg lines around the world. Søderberg cell advantages and paradigms will also be discussed. In Western Europe revised levels for emission will come into effect in 2007 and probably in 2010. The capability of the Søderberg plants to meet these new requirements and secure an acceptable working environment and thereby sustain future operation.The Søderberg technology has cost advantages since there is no need for a ring furnace or rodding facility. Development work is going on at several locations and through gaining thorough process knowledge the technology will improve further in the coming years and reduce the energy consumption.