Bayer Process

Name:
Bayer Process
Detailed information:
Process for making alumina from bauxite. The main use of alumina is in the production of metallic aluminum. Bauxite is mixed with hot concentrated sodium hydroxide, which dissolves the alumina and silica. The silica is precipitated, and the dissolved alumina is separated from the solids, diluted, cooled, and then crystallized as aluminum hydroxide. The aluminum hydroxide is calcined to anhydrous alumina, which is then shipped to reduction plants.See Hall Process.