Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)

HS v2022 Code: 282630

About sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)

HS code 282630 covers the classification of sodium hexafluoroaluminate, also known as synthetic cryolite. This inorganic compound is a crucial raw material in the production of aluminum, as it serves as a flux in the electrolytic smelting process. The aluminum industry is a significant driver of global economic activity, making the trade and production of synthetic cryolite an important aspect of the broader import/export landscape.

Production process

Synthetic cryolite is produced through a chemical reaction between sodium fluoride and aluminum fluoride. The raw materials are combined and heated to high temperatures, causing the fluorides to react and form the desired sodium hexafluoroaluminate compound. The resulting product is then cooled, crushed, and processed for distribution and use in the aluminum smelting industry.

Production inputs

The primary inputs for the production of synthetic cryolite are sodium fluoride and aluminum fluoride. These raw materials are typically sourced from mining operations or other chemical manufacturing processes. Additionally, the production process requires specialized equipment, such as high-temperature furnaces and crushing machinery, to facilitate the chemical reaction and prepare the final product for market.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 282630 is synthetic cryolite, which is consumed by the 760110 aluminum smelting industry. Aluminum smelters use synthetic cryolite as a flux to lower the melting point of the aluminum oxide, enabling the electrolytic reduction process that produces pure aluminum metal. Other industries that may consume synthetic cryolite include the production of 282520 lithium-ion batteries and 282619 other inorganic fluorine compounds.

Revisions to 282630

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 282630. The most recent 1 version of this code (282630) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 282630.

Family tree for sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/28'>28: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2826'>2826: Fluorides; fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates and other complex fluorine salts</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/282630'>282630: Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/282612'>282612: Fluorides; of aluminium</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/282619'>282619: Fluorides; other than of aluminium</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/282690'>282690: Fluorides; fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates and other complex fluorine salts, n.e.c. in heading no. 2826</a>"]

    

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    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
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class C level6
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class E level6
class F level6

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