Efficient utilization of copper slag in an innovative sintering process for Fe-Ni-Cu alloy preparation and valuable elements recovery

In this study, copper slag and low-grade nickel laterite were synergistically utilized via an innovative sintering process with multi-force fields. Their sintering performance and the reduction and softening dripping characteristics of Fe-Ni-Cu product sinter were determined. The strengthening mechanism of the innovative sintering technology was revealed. The obtained Fe-Ni-Cu alloy and smelting slag from the melting dripping process were characterized. Carbon emissions reduction and other valuable elements treatment were also discussed. Due to the formation of the denser sinter microstructure and the reduction of high smelting components, sintering performances in the innovative sintering process are substantially improved. Compared with the base case, tumble index and productivity are improved by 24.87% and 19.59%, respectively. Solid fuel consumption is reduced by 27.14%. The reduction and softening dripping characteristics of Fe-Ni-Cu product sinter are excellent as well. The obtained Fe-Ni-Cu alloy with high purity can be used as the high-quality burden for copper-bearing stainless steel and high-strength alloy steel and its quality can be further improved by optimizing the smelting process parameters in the near future. In addition, the obvious carbon emissions reduction in sintering-blast furnace production can be achieved and other valuable elements such as S, Zn and Pb can be conveniently recycled in form of sulphuric acid and Pb-Zn dust, respectively. (c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).