Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for the Aluminum Industry

The current trend in all industries is to maximize operation time while lowering production costs. To achieve this goal, manual tasks, such as data monitoring, are being transferred to automated systems and carried out by them. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is one of these alternatives, in which electromagnetic fields are used to automatically identify and track objects. The present paper will elaborate on the possible RFID applications for the aluminum industry using examples from a project currently being executed at the Alcoa Deschambault and Baie-Comeau smelters. The implementation of an RFID system in a metal environment and the major factors that need to be considered during the design will be described. This paper will also describe the field tests performed by the Casthouse and Potroom sectors and the methods used to improve metal time management and personnel safety.