Aluminum Hydroxide Production from Bauxite

Report Abstract

This study examines the economics of Aluminum Hydroxide (Aluminum Trihydroxide, ATH) production from bauxite via the typical Bayer process, in a plant located in the United States. In this process, bauxite is dissolved in a sodium hydroxide solution under pressure at elevated temperatures, solid impurities are separated, the Aluminum Hydroxide solution is subjected to crystallization, then filtered and dried.

The report provides a comprehensive study of Aluminum Hydroxide production and related Aluminum Hydroxide production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Aluminum Hydroxide production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Aluminum Hydroxide plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Aluminum Hydroxide plant operating costs (Opex).

The Aluminum Hydroxide production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The Aluminum Hydroxide plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The Aluminum Hydroxide plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.