Removal of Fe from molten Al by filtration in a centrifuge

A separation method induced by centrifugal force and combined with alumina ceramic foam filter (Al2O3 CFF) was proposed to remove Fe from molten aluminum. In exploratory the separation, the effect of Al2O3 CFF (pore size (P) and thickness (H)), temperature (T) and gravity coefficient (G) on the separation efficiencies were analyzed. The walls in Al2O3 CFF acting as nucleation sites promoted the formation of iron rich phase which was either sticked on the wall or intercepted at other place in the inner Al2O3 CFF. Under the condition of P = 80 ppi, H= 35 mm, T = 700 degrees C and G = 10, the removal efficiency of Fe (R-Fe) and loss percentage of Si (L-Si) were 75% and 58%, respectively. On the basis of exploratory experiment on the separation, a centrifugal separation apparatus combined with Al2O3 CFF was designed for continuously removing Fe element from molten aluminum on an engineering scale and the result obtained from the experiment treating 4 kg molten aluminum were 70% for R-Fe and 52% for L-Si. Results indicate separation induced by centrifugal force and using Al2O3 CFF can be employed as a practical process. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A separation method using centrifugal force and Al2O3 CFF to remove Fe from molten aluminum was proposed, with promising results demonstrating high efficiency in Fe removal and reduction in Si element loss.