Valorization of Steel Plant Dust and Scale Through Briquetting and Sintering Techniques

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2025_12_3_28-32

Author's Name: Ayaz Rizwan Khan

Volume: 12

Issue: 3

Year: 2025

Page No: 28-32

Abstract:

Steel manufacturing processes generate substantial quantities of by-products in the form of dust and scale, particularly from operations like sintering, electric arc furnaces (EAF), basic oxygen furnaces (BOF), and hot rolling. These materials, though often treated as waste, contain valuable iron oxides and other metallic components that can be recovered and reintegrated into the steelmaking process. Improper disposal not only leads to environmental pollution but also results in the loss of recoverable raw materials. This study investigates the potential for recycling steel plant dust and mill scale through methods such as cold briquetting, pelletization, and sintering. Characterization of the collected dust and scale was carried out using techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF), particle size analysis, and chemical assays to determine their suitability for reuse. The research demonstrates that with appropriate treatment and binder systems, the recycled products exhibit sufficient mechanical strength and metallurgical compatibility for use in blast furnaces or electric arc furnaces. The findings emphasize the viability of dust and scale recycling as a sustainable approach to resource efficiency, cost reduction, and compliance with circular economy principles in the steel industry.

Keywords: Steel plant dust, mill scale, recycling, cold briquetting, pelletization, sintering, iron recovery, resource efficiency, sustainable metallurgy, circular economy, electric arc furnace (EAF), environmental management

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