Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.

Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.