Optimizing the operations of an Ingot Mill in an aluminium smelter

In this paper, a mathematical model of the Ingot Mill in the Portland Aluminium Smelter is developed. The Ingot Mill, one of the last main plants involved in the aluminium production process at Portland, plays a critical role with respect to its ability to handle the output from the potrooms (in the form of crucibles of molten aluminium). Should its capacity to handle crucibles from the potrooms be below the level required, the entire plant can be disrupted causing substantial cost increases. The mixed integer linear pogramming model developed provides considerable assistance to plant operators in their quest to meet the throughput demand placed on them by potrooms and to arranging the proper scheduling of regular maintenance downtime for plant equipment.