Keywords
zinc
hydrometallurgy
sulfuric acid leaching
electrolysis
secondary resources
comprehensive processing
How to Cite
Abstract
Electric arc steel smelting furnace dust (EAP dust) is one of the most problematic waste in modern metallurgy from an ecological and technological point of view due to its high dispersity, high content of zinc, lead, and other associated elements. In recent years, as a result of the increase in the share of zinc-containing secondary raw materials in the metal charge, the amount of this dust has also increased. In this study, a hydrometallurgical method of complex processing of PE PE dust based on sulfuric acid leaching was considered. A spent sulfuric acid electrolyte containing H2SO4 (120-160 g/l) and Zn (30-50 g/l) was used as the solvent reagent. The leaching process was carried out at a temperature of 60-65 °C, in a solid-liquid ratio of 1:6, for 120-240 minutes. The research results showed that zinc-containing phases accelerate the dissolution kinetics, reduce energy consumption, and provide the possibility of effective extraction of zinc from the solution and subsequent obtaining the cathode metal by electrolysis. In addition, it has been substantiated that the iron-containing residue formed after leaching can be re-turned to the steelmaking process as a charge additive. The proposed technology is a resource-saving, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pyrometallurgical methods of processing EAP dust. This approach serves the implementation of the principles of a circular economy through the processing of metallurgical waste, the restoration of zinc, and the return of iron components to production.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ilhamov, M.A., Munosibov, Sh.M., Matkarimov, S.T., Maksudov, S.A. (Muallif)