Toth Process

Name:
Toth Process
Detailed information:
A process for production of aluminum metal that utilizes kaolin and other high-alumina clays. The clay is chlorinated after calcination, and the aluminum chloride resulting is reacted with metallic manganese to yield aluminum and manganese chloride. The reaction occurs at the comparatively low temperature of 260C. The manganese chloride is recovered as manganese metal and chlorine by oxidation and subsequent reduction, the manganese being recycled. This is a much cheaper and more efficient method than the Hall process, because it requires less energy input and does not utilize imported bauxite.