Optimisation of alumina plant operation with respect to market condition

In the International market, wide fluctuation of alumina price has been found to be a common phenomenon over the years. It has been observed that almost all the buoyant cycles have essentially been followed by recessionary market conditions. Hence, during the periods, when Alumina prices are relatively low, for survival, it becomes obligatory on the part of the management to strike an operational philosophy suitable for achieving minimum cost of production. However, during buoyant market conditions, it is wise to make attempts for maximisation of production by suitable optimisation of process parameters even if there is a marginal increase in unit cost of production. Since such attempts are directly related to the profitability of the organisation, a careful study should be made taking into consideration, all interrelated factors. The paper highlights the areas of an Alumina Plant where change in process parameters, permissible on technoeconomic consideration, could be made for optimization of production and profitability.