Dan's Question: Al(OH)3 in Bayer Process Precipitation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of pure aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) in the precipitation phase of the Bayer process for aluminum extraction. It is established that after obtaining the aluminate solution, cooling is essential to facilitate the precipitation of Al(OH)3. The addition of pure Al(OH)3 serves as a seed to promote the crystallization process, enabling the separation of dissolved aluminum from the solution and leading to the formation of larger crystals.

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  • Understanding of the Bayer process for aluminum extraction
  • Knowledge of precipitation and crystallization techniques in chemistry
  • Familiarity with electrochemistry concepts
  • Basic principles of solubility and solution chemistry
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  • Research the Bayer process in detail, focusing on the precipitation phase
  • Study the role of seeding in crystallization processes
  • Explore the properties and applications of aluminum hydroxide in industrial processes
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Chemistry students, particularly those studying electrochemistry and metal extraction processes, as well as professionals in the aluminum production industry.

danago
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Hi.
Im studying for a chemistry exam, and I am a bit unsure about something. As part of the electrochemistry component of the course i am required to know and understand various metal extraction processes. My book is fairly good for learning them, but one thing i am not sure about concerns the precipitation part of the bayer process.

Once the aluminate solution has been obtained, it is cooled and then seeded with pure aluminium hydroxide. I know the cooling is required to bring aluminium hydroxide out of solution, but why is the pure Al(OH)3 added? Whats the purpose of it?

Thanks in advance,
Dan.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Small particles (seeds) can trigger the separation of the dissolved material from the solvent or condensation of the vapor. In the solid form these seeds can lead to the formation of crystallites or even large single crystals.
 

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