Alum from Bauxite production

Production of Alum From Awaso Bauxite. Go to the following web site http //home.att.net/ africantech/GhlE/Awasol. htm... 

Western-world bauxite production in 1988 totaled about 90 x 10 t, approximately 90% of which was refined to aluminum hydroxide by the Bayer process. Most of the hydroxide was then calcined to alumina and consumed in making aluminum metal. The balance, which constituted about 2.3 x 10 t in 1988 (Table 2), was consumed in production of abrasives (qv) adhesives (qv) calcium aluminate cement used in binding ceramics (qv) and refractories (qv) catalysts used in petrochemical processes and automobile catalytic converter systems (see Petroleum Exhaust control, automotive) ceramics that insulate electronic components such as semiconductors and spark plugs chemicals such as alum, aluminum halides, and zeoHte countertop materials for kitchens and baths cultured marble fire-retardant filler for acryhc and plastic materials used in automobile seats, carpet backing, and insulation wrap for wire and cable (see Flame retardants) paper (qv) cosmetics (qv) toothpaste manufacture refractory linings for furnaces and kilns and separation systems that remove impurities from Hquids and gases. 

Aluminum sulfate, often called alum, is used in paper making to increase the paper s stiffness and smoothness and to help keep the ink from running. It is made from the reaction of sulfuric acid with the aluminum oxide found in bauxite ore. The products are aluminum sulfate and water. Bauxite ore is 30% to 75% aluminum oxide. 

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