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- In 1968, a new aluminum processing technique emerged
that was developed by PECHINEY called the natural segregation process.
- During the cooling phase of a solution, a phase of
solidified crystals which are purer than the initial solution coexists with a liquid phase
where impurities are concentrated. By separating the crystals from the liquid, a very
highly purified fraction of the initial solution is obtained.
- Developed in conjunction with the PECHINEY
research laboratory in Voreppe, MERCUS launched pilot
operations using this process in 1973.
- Starting in 1979 an industrial production of over 1000
tonnes/year reached a purity level comparable to that obtained by the "three
layers " process.
- The segregation process has a very low energy consumption
(10 to 20 times less than the 3 layers refining). Its cost is therefore considerably lower
than that of the electrolytic refining technique. It is also highly flexible in use and
production can be scaled in quantity and quality according to the need.
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