Oddmund Wallevik

An Improved Process for the Production of Magnesium

In the late 60’s, Norsk Hydro started to develop a process for production of anhydrous MgCl2 based on dehydration of MgCl2 brines. The development of the dehydration process has continued, and today an improved third generation process is ready for implementation in brown-field expansions or green-field projects. Several elements of the improved process have already been installed in the Norsk Hydro Becancour plant. Compared to the previous generation, this new technology offers a minimized energy consumption of 6 kWhi/kg Mg in a large scale mass and energy integrated plant, fully automated and continuous operation with a typical productivity of 1 t Mg/man hour. The Norsk Hydro dehydration technology (considered BAT in EU) offers an environmentally sound solution with minimal emissions of chlorine and chlorinated hydrocarbons, high productivity and improved quality of the anhydrous MgCl2 feed, ensuring a significantly improved performance of the electrolysis.

Magnesium Electrolysis ‐ A Monopolar Viewpoint

Norsk Hydro has been continuously engaged in development of magnesium electrolysis all since the start of production in Porsgrunn, Norway, in 1951. The first technology was inherited from IG Farben. Later, Norsk Hydro has developed its own diaphragmless electrolyser, now being used for a number of years in the Norsk Hydro’s plants in Porsgrunn as well as in Becancour (Quebec), Canada.