CHARACTERISTICS AND ANALYSIS OF PROCESSING OPTIONS FOR ZINC-BEARING DUST FROM ELECTRIC ARC FURNACES
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Abstract
This paper presents the results of a comprehensive investigation into the physicochemical properties of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), generated during steel production from scrap metal, with particular emphasis on its potential for zinc recovery. Dust samples collected from LI DA METAL TECHNOLOGY LLC were selected as the research material. The chemical composition, morphology, and particle size distribution of the samples were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy coupled with scanning electron microscopy (EDS/SEM), and laser diffraction particle size analysis. XRF analysis revealed that the dust mainly consists of iron oxide (40.7 wt.%) and zinc oxide (15.2 wt.%), together with sodium, calcium, silicon, potassium, sulfur, manganese, and lead oxides. EDS results confirmed the predominance of iron, zinc, and oxygen, while particle size analysis indicated a fine-grained material with median and 90th percentile particle diameters of D50=11.455 μm and D90=34.573 μm, respectively. The elevated zinc content demonstrates the significant potential of EAFD as a valuable secondary raw material for resource recovery. Among the most promising recycling technologies are pyrometallurgical processing using the Waelz process and hydrometallurgical sulfuric acid leaching. The obtained results provide a scientific basis for the sustainable management of hazardous metallurgical waste, recovery of valuable metals, and implementation of circular economy principles in the steel industry.
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