Application of Sunflower Husk Pellet as a Reducer in Metallurgical Processes

Abstract

In relation to the climate policy being introduced, the search for a replacement for solid fossil fuels with renewable raw materials is ongoing. In this study, a potential biomass (sunflower husk pellet) application in the process of copper slag reduction was assessed. For the purpose of raw material characterisation, thermogravimetric tests were carried out and characteristic temperature points were determined with the use of a high-temperature microscope. The slag reduction tests led to the recovery of 97% of copper and a decrease in this metal content in the slag to less than 0.5% Cu, which enables safe storage or use in other industrial branches.

Determining the Reactivity of Selected Biomass Types Considering Their Application in Pyrometallurgical Processes of Metal Production

“…For the tests of slag reduction in the presence of biomass, copper slag was applied containing the following main metals: 10.3 wt% Cu, 2.25 wt% Pb and 11.1 wt% Fe. It should be noted that these metals were present in the slag in the form of oxides [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples was performed in a thermal analyser (Derivatograph-C, MOM Budapest) to study thermal stability and reactivity with CO 2 .…”

“…For the tests of slag reduction in the presence of biomass, copper slag was applied containing the following main metals: 10.3 wt% Cu, 2.25 wt% Pb and 11.1 wt% Fe. It should be noted that these metals were present in the slag in the form of oxides [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”