Integrated alkali removal strategies for recycled refractory bricks
An innovative approach utilizing mechanical, chemical, and thermal treatments, enhanced by machine learning, for effective alkali removal from refractory bricks while maintaining their integrity. This solution promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.
Overview
This solution offers an integrated approach to address the challenge of alkali contaminants in recycled refractory bricks. By combining mechanical, chemical, and thermal treatment methods with advanced machine learning algorithms, this strategy effectively removes alkali impurities without compromising the bricks' structural and functional integrity. The use of machine learning ensures optimal treatment parameters, improving process efficiency and predictability. This novel approach not only enhances the quality of recycled bricks but also promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Mechanical Treatment: Efficiently removes surface contaminants without damaging the bricks.
- Chemical Leaching/Washing: Dissolves and extracts internal alkalis, ensuring thorough decontamination.
- Thermal Treatment: Alters the chemical state of remaining alkalis, facilitating their removal or neutralization.
- Machine Learning Integration: Predicts and optimizes treatment parameters, enhancing the efficiency of each process.
This integrated strategy ensures comprehensive alkali removal while maintaining the bricks' critical properties such as mechanical integrity, chemical/thermal stability, and dimensional accuracy.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, with lab-scale validations in progress. Future plans include model development, integration, optimization, and validation under realistic conditions, followed by economic analysis to assess scalability and practical application.
About Western University
Western University is a comprehensive public research university in London, Ontario, with a full spectrum of professional and research programs and a strong culture of partnership with industry. Companies engage through co-located labs and shared core facilities, a research and technology park with industry tenancy, and advanced prototyping testbeds that enable scale-up. Integration with major hospital systems and affiliated research institutes supports clinical translation and trials, while co-op and internship pathways provide reliable talent pipelines. Research is backed by competitive funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and a dedicated technology transfer office offers IP strategy, licensing, and startup support.
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