Selective removal of salts and sulfates from solid waste
Innovative process for the selective removal of salts and sulfates from solid waste using sustainable thermal treatment and aqueous metallurgy. This method enhances mineral recovery and reduces environmental impact by recycling water and energy.
Overview
The process for the selective removal of salts and sulfates from solid waste offers a sustainable solution to waste management challenges in mineral processing. By leveraging chemical reactions and electrochemical interactions, this method enables the separation of insoluble and soluble constituents in aqueous media. Our approach, built on a foundation of sustainability, minimizes energy consumption and water wastage by recycling water and reusing process heat. This technology is particularly suited for industries dealing with chromite, bauxite, and similar mineral wastes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes a combination of thermal treatment and aqueous metallurgy for effective separation of alkali from minerals.
- Capable of processing 0.5-1kg/hr samples in a lab setting, with plans for scale-up.
- Focuses on reducing environmental impact by recycling water and energy resources.
- Supported by a portfolio of patents, enhancing its commercial viability.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, with lab-scale validation underway. Future plans include process design for alkali separation in a 5-litre system and the development of a comprehensive process flowsheet, including energy and mass balance estimates.
About University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a comprehensive, research‑intensive public university serving a large student body and global partner network. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus innovation hub offering flexible workspace, shared labs and prototyping, and options to co‑locate with academic experts. The university’s integration with major NHS teaching hospitals in the city enables clinical research, validation, and translation. Research is backed by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, with additional European and industry support. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinouts, with partnership models and professional education tailored for corporate R&D.
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