The Light Metals Industry Course

2010 Post Graduate Certificate course will be held on 24th November to 15th December in Bahrain

The comprehensive 3-week programme covers both theoretical and practical aspects of aluminium smelting. The course incorporates visits to operating smelters, interactive discussions, assignments, and rigorous assessment commensurate with the University of Auckland’s high standards.  In addition, a 2-day forum will be held over the 24th-25th November for managerial level participants （Click here for Forum programme）.  This workshop will focus on the key issues currently affecting the aluminium industry and provide participants with a forum to discuss these issues along with possible solutions.   

The 3-week course comprises the following 4 subject papers: （Click here for Postgraduate Certificate Course programe timetable）

 Electrochemical Engineering:    CHEMMAT 717 – Corequisite: CHEMMAT 718, 726, 727

Thermodynamics of aluminium electrolysis; heat and mass balance; components of the cell voltage; anode effect and its mitigation, resistance and voltage tracking; cell magnetics and magnetic modelling.  Completing students will understand the main and side reactions taking place in the reduction process and be able to assess the thermodynamic feasibility of other reduction paths. They will develop competency in the use of HSC Chemistry software to perform heat and mass balances across the reduction cell, predict effects of process changes and to interpret cell voltage and resistance tracks.

Aluminium Reduction Process Operations:    CHEMMAT 718 – Corequisite: CHEMMAT 717, 726, 727

Monitoring overall aluminium cell performance – what are the appropriate parameters to measure, how are they measured and how are they used for process control. Optimising cell performance, scheduling of operations, dealing with process excursions, metal treatment and quality. Novel cell designs.  Methods for monitoring the cell parameters and interpreting the data will be covered. Students will be able to design trials to assess the influence of changes to cell operations.

The Light Metals Industry:    CHEMMAT 726 – Corequisite:  CHEMMAT 717, 718, 727

An overview of the light metals, Ti, Al and Mg, their chemistry, metallurgy and processing. It also deals with trends in the global light metals production and uses, recent advances in extending applications for these materials and environmental issues in their production.  Students will be encouraged to explore the relative position of their industry in relation to other materials in the global market. Students will be able to perform an economic analysis of feedstock, and materials selection and availability; power supply and management relevant to their region.

Materials Performance and Selection for Light Metals Processing:    CHEMMAT 727 – Corequisite: CHEMMAT 717, 718, 726

The performance requirements of anodes, cathodes, cell refractories and other aluminium cell construction materials are assessed. Techniques for monitoring materials performance in operation and post operation （autopsies） are discussed. This course also covers materials specifications, how well they predict performance in the aluminium cell as well as the relationship between the fabrication of the cell components and their performance. New materials.  Students will be able to perform autopsies to determine cause of cell failure and to select appropriate materials. They will gain an appreciation of the new materials being introduced into cell design. 

Express of Interest  should be sent using the form provided by the 4th July 2010. Please send your completed form to Dr. Pretesh Patel, our Education Specialist.

Participants must enroll via the University of Auckland Engineering Faculty.  Please click here  to enrol.  Step-by-step instructions covering the enrolment process can be found here.