Introduction to Carbon Capture in Primary Aluminum Smelting

Introduction to Carbon Capture in Primary Aluminum Smelting

Date: Sunday, March 23
Time: Part 1: 9:00 a.m. to Noon; Part 2: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Lunch is not provided)
Location: MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Sponsored by: TMS Aluminum Committee

Course Description and Scope

It is expected that the use of inert anodes may change the way aluminum is produced in the (near) future; therefore for the many years to come we must rely on the Hall-Héroult process and the application of carbon anodes. The consequence is that to mitigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this process, we need to find solutions.

To address the Scope 1 (direct) emissions from electrolysis cells and anode production facilities, we will need a big tool to capture large quantities of diluted CO2 from the off-gas streams. To do so, carbon capture is one of the very few options available to us to tackle these emissions head on.

In this first-of-a-kind short course, we will demonstrate to the audience how to apply carbon capture technology in a primary aluminum smelter. No mature technology exists yet, so this is a very forming course in the early stages of development of this technology for the specific application in primary aluminum smelting.

Participants will receive a post-event digital credential.

Course Outline

  • How GHG gases are formed in the production of anodes and aluminum and what are typical compositions.
  • What carbon capture technology should we consider? Other industries already operate commercial-size systems.
  • In-depth review of solvent-based CO2 capture processes.
  • How do we integrate a carbon capture system in a potline? This starts at the cells and impacts the ventilation systems including the gas treatment centers.
  • 1 percent of CO2 or 4 percent of CO2? That is the question!
  • What are the requirements for a carbon capture system? System performance and design parameters.
  • Example of a design for an integrated CO2 capture plant.

Who Should Attend?

This course will be beneficial to professionals in the aluminum industry, environmental and sustainability experts, and government regulatory agencies by providing practical and technical insights of integration of carbon capture systems in aluminum smelting operations.

Instructors

Stephan Broek

Kensington Technology Inc.

About the Instructor
Geert Versteeg

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen / Albatross CO2 Capture BV

About the Instructor

How To Register

Courses and workshops are open exclusively to registrants for the TMS 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibition and are included as part of the conference registration fee. If you wish to participate in one of the offered courses, please make your selection when you register for TMS2025. All courses are held on Sunday, March 23, so make your travel plans accordingly.

Register for TMS2025