Systematic control technologies for gaseous pollutants from non-ferrous metallurgy

J Environ Sci (China). 2023 Jan:123:65-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.035. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

Abstract

Air pollutant emissions represent a critical challenge in the green development of the non-ferrous metallurgy industry. This work studied the emission characteristics, formation mechanisms, phase transformation and separation of typical air pollutants, such as heavy metal particles, mercury, sulfur oxides and fluoride, during non-ferrous smelting. A series of purification technologies, including optimization of the furnace throat and high-temperature discharge, were developed to collaboratively control and recover fine particles from the flue gas of heavy metal smelting processes, including copper, lead and zinc. Significant improvements have been realized in wet scrubbing technology for removing mercury, fluoride and SO2 from flue gas. Gas-liquid sulfidation technology by applying H2S was invented to recycle the acid scrubbing wastewater more efficiently and in an eco-friendly manner. Based on digital technology, a source reduction method was designed for sulfur and fluoride control during the whole aluminum electrolysis process. New desulfurization technologies were developed for catalytic reduction of the sulfur content in petroleum coke at low temperature and catalytic reduction of SO2 to elemental sulfur. This work has established the technology for coupling multi-pollutant control and resource recovery from the flue gas from non-ferrous metallurgy, which provides the scientific theoretical basis and application technology for the treatment of air pollutants in the non-ferrous metallurgy industry.

Keywords: Acid wastewater; Flue gas purification; Gaseous pollutant; Heavy metal; Non-ferrous smelting.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / prevention & control
  • Environmental Pollutants*
  • Fluorides
  • Gases
  • Mercury* / analysis
  • Metallurgy
  • Sulfur
  • Technology

Substances

  • Gases
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fluorides
  • Air Pollutants
  • Mercury
  • Sulfur