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Findorak R, Pikna L, Matuła T, Blacha L, Łabaj J, Smalcerz A, Babilas D. Determining the Reactivity of Selected Biomass Types Considering Their Application in Pyrometallurgical Processes of Metal Production. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2691. [PMID: 38893954 PMCID: PMC11173744 DOI: 10.3390/ma17112691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, results of research on the reactivities of selected biomass types considering their application in pyrometallurgical processes of metal production are presented. Walnut shells, sunflower husk pellets and spent coffee grounds were selected as biomass materials. Their use as potential reducers in the process of metallurgical slag decopperisation is an innovative approach to this subject. The thermogravimetric findings show that all three tested biomass types are classified as highly reactive. The time to reach maximum reactivity ranges from 1.5 to 3 min and, the lowest value is recorded for the sample of spent coffee grounds. The sample hold time of two hours enables copper content reduction to approx. 1 wt% for practically all the reducers tested. A longer duration of liquid slag contact with the reducer results in a decreased copper content in the slag to a value below 1 wt%. Copper concentrations of 0.5 wt% and lower are observed with a hold time of 4 h. The preliminary results indicate that there is great potential for the use of this type of material in non-ferrous metallurgy, which may translate into replacing fossil raw materials and thus introducing the principles of a sustainable process in this case of metal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Findorak
- Institute of Metallurgy, Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, Letná 1/9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Lubomir Pikna
- Institute of Recycling Technologies, Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, Letná 1/9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Tomasz Matuła
- Department of Metallurgy and Recycling, Faculty of Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Leszek Blacha
- Department of Metallurgy and Recycling, Faculty of Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Łabaj
- Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Albert Smalcerz
- Department of Industrial Informatics, Faculty of Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Dorota Babilas
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Ksiedza Marcina Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
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Zheng B, Pan M, Liu Q, Xu X, Liu C, Wang X, Chu W, Tian S, Yuan J, Xu Y, Xu Z, Li Y. Data-driven assisted real-time optimal control strategy of submerged arc furnace via intelligent energy terminals considering large-scale renewable energy utilization. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5582. [PMID: 38448540 PMCID: PMC10918093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This study presents a data-driven assisted real-time optimization model which is an innovative approach to address the challenges posed by integrating Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF) systems with renewable energy sources, specifically photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, with modern intelligent energy terminals. Specifically, the proposed method is divided into two stages. The first stage is related to data-driven prediction for addressing local time-varying renewable energy and electricity market prices with predicted information, and the second stage uses an optimization model for real-time SAF dispatch. Connections between intelligent energy terminals, demand-side devices, and load management systems are established to enhance local renewable resource utilization. Additionally, mathematical formulations of the operating resistance in SAF are explored, and deep neuron networks are employed and modified for dynamic uncertainty prediction. The proposed approach is validated through a case study involving an intelligent energy terminal with a 12.5 MVA SAF system and 12 MW capacity renewable generators in an electricity market with fluctuating prices. The findings of this research underscore the efficacy of the proposed optimization model in reducing operational costs and enhancing the utilization of localized renewable energy generation. By integrating four distinct dissatisfaction coefficients into the optimization framework, we demonstrate the model's adaptability and efficiency. The application of the optimization strategy delineated herein results in the SAF system's profitability oscillating between $111 and $416 across various time intervals, contingent upon the coefficient settings. Remarkably, an aggregate daily loss recovery amounting to $1,906.84 can be realized during the optimization period. Such outcomes not only signify considerable economic advantages but also contribute to grid stability and the diminution of renewable energy curtailment, thereby underscoring the dual benefits of economic efficiency and sustainability in energy management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zheng
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Mingming Pan
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Qixin Liu
- School of Advanced Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xu Xu
- School of Advanced Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Chang Liu
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Xuchen Wang
- School of Advanced Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Wen Chu
- China International Engineering Consulting Corporation Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Shiming Tian
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Jindou Yuan
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Zishang Xu
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- China Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100192, China
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Life Cycle Based Climate Emissions of Charcoal Conditioning Routes for the Use in the Ferro-Alloy Production. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15113933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Renewable reductants are intended to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from ferro-alloy production, e.g., by up to 80% in 2050 in Norway. However, charcoals provide inferior properties compared to fossil fuel-based reductants, which can hamper large replacement ratios. Therefore, conditioning routes from coal beneficiation was investigated to improve the inferior properties of charcoal, such as mechanical strength, volatile matter, CO2 reactivity and mineral matter content. To evaluate the global warming potential of renewable reductants, the CO2 emissions of upgraded charcoal were estimated by using a simplified life cycle assessment, focusing on the additional emissions by the energy demand, required chemicals and mass loss for each process stage. The combination of ash removal, briquetting and high-temperature treatment can provide a renewable coke with superior properties compared to charcoal, but concomitantly decrease the available biomass potential by up to 40%, increasing the CO2-based global warming potential of industrial produced charcoal to ≈500 kg CO2-eq. t−1 FC. Based on our assumptions, CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-based reductants can be reduced by up to 85%. A key to minimizing energy or material losses is to combine the pyrolysis and post-treatment processes of renewable reductants to upgrade industrial charcoal on-site at the metallurgical plant. Briquetting showed the largest additional global warming potential from the investigated process routes, whereas the high temperature treatment requires a renewable energy source to be sustainable.
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Harvey JP, Courchesne W, Vo MD, Oishi K, Robelin C, Mahue U, Leclerc P, Al-Haiek A. Greener reactants, renewable energies and environmental impact mitigation strategies in pyrometallurgical processes: A review. MRS ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY : A REVIEW JOURNAL 2022; 9:212-247. [PMID: 36569468 PMCID: PMC9766879 DOI: 10.1557/s43581-022-00042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Metals and alloys are among the most technologically important materials for our industrialized societies. They are the most common structural materials used in cars, airplanes and buildings, and constitute the technological core of most electronic devices. They allow the transportation of energy over great distances and are exploited in critical parts of renewable energy technologies. Even though primary metal production industries are mature and operate optimized pyrometallurgical processes, they extensively rely on cheap and abundant carbonaceous reactants (fossil fuels, coke), require high power heating units (which are also typically powered by fossil fuels) to calcine, roast, smelt and refine, and they generate many output streams with high residual energy content. Many unit operations also generate hazardous gaseous species on top of large CO2 emissions which require gas-scrubbing and capture strategies for the future. Therefore, there are still many opportunities to lower the environmental footprint of key pyrometallurgical operations. This paper explores the possibility to use greener reactants such as bio-fuels, bio-char, hydrogen and ammonia in different pyrometallurgical units. It also identifies all recycled streams that are available (such as steel and aluminum scraps, electronic waste and Li-ion batteries) as well as the technological challenges associated with their integration in primary metal processes. A complete discussion about the alternatives to carbon-based reduction is constructed around the use of hydrogen, metallo-reduction as well as inert anode electrometallurgy. The review work is completed with an overview of the different approaches to use renewable energies and valorize residual heat in pyrometallurgical units. Finally, strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of pyrometallurgical operations such as CO2 capture utilization and storage as well as gas scrubbing technologies are detailed. This original review paper brings together for the first time all potential strategies and efforts that could be deployed in the future to decrease the environmental footprint of the pyrometallurgical industry. It is primarily intended to favour collaborative work and establish synergies between academia, the pyrometallurgical industry, decision-makers and equipment providers. Graphical abstract Highlights A more sustainable production of metals using greener reactants, green electricity or carbon capture is possible and sometimes already underway. More investments and pressure are required to hasten change. Discussion Is there enough pressure on the aluminum and steel industries to meet the set climate targets?The greenhouse gas emissions of existing facilities can often be partly mitigated by retrofitting them with green technologies, should we close plants prematurely to build new plants using greener technologies?Since green or renewable resources presently have limited availability, in which sector should we use them to maximize their benefits?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Harvey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - William Courchesne
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Minh Duc Vo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Kentaro Oishi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Christian Robelin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Ugo Mahue
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry (CRCT), Polytechnique Montréal, Station Downtown, Box 6079, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7 Canada
| | - Philippe Leclerc
- R & D and engineering services, LAh Services G.P., Montreal, QC H4N 0A7 Canada
| | - Alexandre Al-Haiek
- R & D and engineering services, LAh Services G.P., Montreal, QC H4N 0A7 Canada
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