Accelerated extraction of chlorides and sulfates from spent refractory bricks
Innovative process combining steaming and microwave irradiation to extract alkali contaminants from spent refractory bricks. This method aims to preserve material integrity while reducing residual salts, enhancing the recyclability of refractory materials.
Overview
This solution introduces a novel process for extracting chloride and sulfate salts from spent refractory bricks, leveraging a combination of steaming and microwave irradiation. The process is designed to preserve the physical integrity and service properties of the bricks while achieving a high degree of efflorescence. By intensifying the natural efflorescence phenomenon, this method reduces residual salt levels and enhances the recyclability of refractory materials, which are critical in industrial applications.
Technical specifications
Key features include:
- Utilization of mass transfer gradients to introduce steam into bricks, aiding in salt leaching
- Microwave irradiation selectively heats salts, accelerating their migration to the brick surface
- Controlled processing in microwave reactors with adjustable power, temperature, pressure, and time settings
- Analytical characterization using SEM-EDS, WDXRF, XRD, and BET analyses to assess alkali contamination and its removal
- Development of methods for washing effloresced salts and re-characterizing the treated materials
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. Further validation includes characterizing spent bricks, optimizing the steaming and irradiation process, and modeling process feasibility for scale-up.
About University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a comprehensive, mid-sized public research university in Guelph, Ontario. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research park and the Ontario Veterinary College’s teaching hospitals, which enable product evaluation and clinical translation. The university’s Arboretum and the nearby Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Guelph Research and Development Centre offer living laboratories and federal linkages that support collaborative R&D. Research is backed by competitive federal funding and strong provincial support via the Ontario Agri‑Food Innovation Alliance. The Research Innovation Office serves as the university’s technology transfer and industry liaison hub, supporting IP, licensing, and co‑funded partnerships.
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