Extraction of aluminum and iron from boiler slag by sulfuric acid

Abstract

This paper presents a new method of recycling aluminum and iron in boiler slag derived from plants that use coal as fuel. The new method integrates efficient extraction and reuse of the leached pellets together. An elemental analysis of aqueous solutions leached by sulfuric acid was determined by EDTA-Na 2 -ZnCl 2 titration method. The components and microstructures of the samples were examined by means of XRF, XRD and SEM. An aluminum extraction efficiency of 86.50% was achieved when the sintered pellets were leached using 4 mol·L -1 H 2 SO 4 at solid/ liquid [m(g)/V(mL)] ratio of 1∶5 at 80 for 24 h. An iron extra ℃ ction efficiency of 94.60% was achieved in the same conditions for the maximum extraction efficiency of Al. The extraction efficiencies of Al and Fe increased with an increase in temperature, leaching time and acidity. The concentration of alumina and iron hydroxide in the final product was determined to be 99.12% and 92.20% respectively. This product of alumina would be used directly for the production of metallic aluminum.