Design optimisation of aluminum recycling process using the Taguchi approach

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the process parameter effects on product quality in aluminium recycling. In order to optimise the aluminium recovery process, the factors which have the greatest influence have to be identified and optimum values chosen. In the re-melting of scrap, the ultimate goal is to produce clean aluminium while minimising metal losses. In this project, a Taguchi method is used initially to plan a minimum number of experiments. Orthogonal array experiments are used as these allow the simultaneous variation of several parameters and the investigation of interactions between parameters. Standard L4 and L9 orthogonal arrays are employed to evaluate the effects of parameters under changing conditions. Statistical analysis, such as ANOVA, is then employed to determine the relationship between the processing conditions and the yield levels. This investigation has indicated the parameters where process control is important and allowed the elimination of some parameters from the main experimental programme.