Alkali removal technology for refractory material reclamation
Innovative chemical and liquid-solid extraction processes reduce alkali content in refractory materials to below 1.5%, enabling recovery of MgO and Al2O3. This approach uses acidic/basic solutions and aqua regia to enhance the value of waste materials.
Overview
The innovative alkali removal technology is designed to significantly reduce alkali concentrations in used refractory materials, enabling the recovery of valuable compounds like MgO and Al2O3. Utilizing chemical washing and liquid-solid extraction processes with acidic/basic solutions and aqua regia, this method targets the efficient reduction of alkali content to below 1.5%. This not only facilitates the commercialization of reclaimed materials but also enhances the sustainability of refractory material usage by recycling waste into valuable resources.
Technical specifications
- Processes:
- Washing: Utilizes immersion techniques with varying pHs and sonication to eliminate water-soluble salts.
- Surface washing: Employs acidic, basic, and aqua regia solutions with varying pHs to remove specific alkalis.
- Extraction: Involves leaching with different acids, pH variations, and evaluation of particle size impact on the extraction efficiency.
- Key considerations:
- Solubility, pH, particle size, and diffusion kinetics are critical factors.
- Applications: Recovery and commercialization of MgO and Al2O3 from used refractory materials.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 3, indicating that active research and development are ongoing to validate the processes involved. The future validation plans include detailed characterization and optimization of washing and extraction methods over the next year.
About Universidad de las Américas Puebla
Universidad de las Américas Puebla is a private, comprehensive university in Cholula with a bilingual, international profile and a collaboration‑first research culture. Corporate partners engage through dedicated industry‑relations channels that provide access to on‑campus laboratories, prototyping facilities, and contract testing and analysis. The campus sits within the Puebla–Tlaxcala manufacturing corridor, linking companies to suppliers, talent, and logistics across central Mexico, including the Mexico City region. Research is supported by Mexico’s national science and technology council and other public programs, together with corporate and international sponsors. Technology transfer and entrepreneurship services offer IP guidance, licensing support, and pathways to venture formation.
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