Alumina processing aid designed to prevent the formation of sodalite. Sodalite scale commonly accumulates in the Bayer Process. Traditionally, sodalite scale was addressed after its formation, resulting in a costly and inefficient treatment process. MAX HT® reduces energy and freshwater consumption in alumina processing by addressing sodalite scale before it becomes problematic. It is injected into the liquor that feeds the evaporators or digester heaters and attaches to embryos or "micronuclei" and prevents their growth into "nuclei." Inhibiting sodalite scale improves refinery equipment efficiency, minimizes scaling, and maximizes heat transfer, thereby optimizing energy consumption and reducing emissions. This technology delivers energy savings of 0.1-0.5 tons steam and 0.25-1.25 million BTU per ton of alumina, lowers the number of acid cleanings from 20 to 50 to less than 10 per year, eliminates up to 90 kg of CO2 per ton of alumina, and reduces acid waste by about 1500-4500 tons of 5% acid per year.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2012 Greener Reaction Conditions Award
