The possibility of recycling flue dust of the ferrochromium productions in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to describe a solution for cyclonic flue dust recycling based on the example of ferrochromium producers in Kazakhstan. It includes environmental improvement, which can be assessed in detail based on LCA after the development of a feasibility study of such a proposal. Design/methodology/approach -Three pyrometallurgical recycling approaches should be achieved. The first approach is reduction smelting of fine waste in a direct current arc furnace without preliminary agglomeration. The second is reduction smelting of agglomerated waste in a submerged arc furnace, and the third is processing of agglomerated waste with liquid cast iron. The last approach facilitates the reactions of metal oxide reduction by carbon and silicon from the iron with a corresponding decrease in energy and auxiliary material consumption. Findings -Valuable material can be produced from ferrochromium dust waste using environmentally friendly technology, including electric furnaces that can operate in SAF regimes and a simple plasma high-power DC reactor operating under a neutral or reducing atmosphere. Finally, the investigation of waste recycling has developed a novel approach that facilitates metal oxide reduction and provides low energy and auxiliary materials consumption. Practical implications -Research into the treatment of flue dust generated in the ferrochromium industry is needed to solve environmental problems not only in Kazakhstan but also in all ferrochromium plants in the world. Originality/value -The three proposed pyrometallurgical recycling approaches should be achieved on a large scale.

Recovery of ferrochrome values from flue dust generated in ferroalloy production – a case study

“…A high power plasma DC reactor has been used recently to recover valuable material from the flue dust. According to these studies, the plasma reactor could recover higher Cr values than any other existing techniques 2…”

“…Many research activities are going on worldwide to recycle and/or to utilise the waste generated during the ferroalloy production. 1,2 Usually, pyrometallurgical techniques are used for recycling of the flue dust material. A high power plasma DC reactor has been used recently to recover valuable material from the flue dust.…”

“…According to these studies, the plasma reactor could recover higher Cr values than any other existing techniques. 2 In the present investigation, attempts were made to recover the Cr values from the flue dust material using beneficiation techniques. The iron magnesium chromium oxide is chromite (Fe, Mg) Cr 2 O 4 belonging to the spinel group.…”

“…Flue dust generation is increasing with the increase in ferrochrome production. Many research activities are going on worldwide to recycle and/or to utilise the waste generated during the ferroalloy production 1, 2. Usually, pyrometallurgical techniques are used for recycling of the flue dust material.…”