Awarded collective from the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SAS: Our method can determine which materials dissolve faster and more efficiently
The team from the Department of Molten Systems of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SAS won the SAS Award for international scientific and technical cooperation for the results of the project of international industrial cooperation with the Norwegian consortium HYDRO ALUMINUM AS and the French RIO TINTO ALUMINUM PECHINEY. Together they developed a unique method and measurement of the dissolution dynamics of commercial aluminum oxides in industrial cryolite electrolytes. The awarded team consists of František Šimko, Michal Korenko, Miroslav Boča, Zuzana Netriová, Pavol Weiner and Jozef Priščák. The project started in 2018 and is still ongoing. We talked about the research with Michal Korenko.
• The method you developed is unique. In what lies its uniqueness?
It allows you to monitor the process in real industrial conditions – that´s why the method we developed for measuring the dynamics of dissolution of various types of industrial aluminum oxides in cryolite electrolyte is unique. Imagine that we want to find out how quickly different types of aluminum oxides dissolve in the molten electrolyte used to make aluminum. Our method uses a special electrochemical technique and video recording to observe and measure this process in real time and at high temperatures. In this way, we can determine exactly which materials dissolve faster and more efficiently. This is very important for the industry. A scientific paper was published with the results which were not classified, and the unique measurement method was presented at the prestigious TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society) meeting in the USA. It should be noted that both industrial partners, the NORSK HYDRO and RIO TINTO companies, represent globally important companies in the production of aluminum, and this cooperation can be considered exceptional within the CIS, but also within Europe.
• That was the research part. What concrete results can it bring to everyday life?
The method brings several significant results to common practice. Industrial partners can use it to identify the most suitable types of aluminum oxides for their production processes, which allows them to save significant funds and increase production efficiency. In addition, optimization of production processes based on these measurements can lead to energy savings, improved quality of final products and increased overall production time efficiency. All this can have positive consequences for the environment.
• In addition to scientific cooperation, the project brought the institute a considerable financial benefit of EUR 196,600. What about the money? Are they purpose-bound, do you use them for research or for something else?
The funds obtained from this project are usually tied to further research and development. They are used to finance new projects, purchase necessary equipment and support researchers. These funds help to ensure that the institute can continue its scientific activity and bring innovations, which contributes to the overall development and prestige of the institution.
• Can this financial benefit be considered a tangible output of the transition of institutes to public research institutes?
Yes, the obtained financial benefit can be considered as a result of the transition of the institute to a public research institute. This status enables the institute to respond more flexibly to the needs of industrial partners and effectively use the funds obtained for further development and research. This means the institute can better plan and implement long-term scientific projects that bring practical and financial benefits.
• Did international partners choose your institute or vice versa?
Cooperation with international partners was the result of mutual interest. The institute actively participates in international conferences and publishes the results of its research, thereby increasing its visibility and attractiveness for industrial partners. At the same time, international partners also sought cooperation with the institute for its unique methods and expertise in the field of high-temperature molten chemistry/electrochemistry. This mutual initiative led to a successful and fruitful collaboration that continues. In addition, one of our former colleagues from the molten systems department currently works at NORSK HYDRO, and one member of the award-winning team is currently preparing for a study stay at the R&D (research and development) centre of this company.
Edited by Andrea Nozdrovická
Foto: Martin Bystriansky a Katarína Gáliková