Recycling of Metallurgical Slag to Make It a Treasure
Metallurgical Slag is a solid waste material generated from various processes within the metallurgical industry. Generally, slag contains around 4% of metals, 94% of its aggregate is non-metallic mineral and 2% of its constituent is organic matter.
Recycling of slag is a very beneficial concept as it turns this waste material into a valuable resource. Slag recycling helps in saving energy and natural resources, reducing investment in raw material costs and luring investment in new technology. It also helps in reducing production cost of metals through recycling of slag and related products.
Slag has multiple applications on the metallurgical industry. It can be used to produce construction and building materials, such as road paving materials, brick, ballast and asphalt paving materials. Slag can also be used as fertilizer and soil conditioner in agriculture.
In iron and steel industry, slag serves to protect liquid metal from oxidation and also helps to remove impurities from the metal. Slag is widely used in cement production as an aggregate in construction material and also a source of mineral in cement production. It can also be used for manufacturing glass and ceramic products.
Recycling of slag is a simple process. It involves collection, storage, and segregation of the slag material, then the slag is melted and then reused for various applications. The recycling process typically includes crushing and separation of the slag from steel and other metals, melting of the slag materials and then their re-introduction into the industrial process.
The main challenges in recycling of slag include the availability of proper waste management and appropriate processes for selection of slag materials. The recycling industry is still in its growing phase and is yet to reach its optimum potential. To make it more efficient and sustainable, stakeholders need to coordinate and support each other in collecting and managing of slag materials and related waste products.
To make metallurgical slag a treasure, it is very important to take proper measures for the utilization of the slag materials. The reutilization of slag depends upon the material and technology available. The recycling process is economically viable only if the slag materials can be used as construction and building materials.
Today, there are several companies in India and other countries, who are involved in the recycling of slag and related materials. Through this process, the companies are able to convert the slag into a valuable resource which can be reused for various applications.
Recycling of metal slag can prove to be a beneficial and a sustainable practice. It can reduce the waste and help in safeguarding the environment along with providing an economically viable source of raw material for various industries. Through coordinated efforts, slag can be used to create something that’s valuable for the environment and us.
