Aufarbeitung von verbrauchten Ni-Fettkatalysatoren

Abstract

Treibacher Chemische Werke AG started in 1979 to recycle spent Nickel-catalysts and other Nickel-bearing residues. The annual capacity is 4000 Mt of Nickel in Ferronickel produced from secondary raw materials. Treibacher Chemische Werke AG is in the recycling production of Ferronickel the biggest producer worldwide. The production runs in the following way: The fatty catalysts and all other raw materials are burned and oxydized in a rotary-kiln to form a Nickeloxide. The energy produced is used to supply the total requirements of all Treibacher plants. Aircleaning equipment reduces the dust on the clean side down to 0.2-0.4 mg dust/Nm 3 , that is equal to 0.005 mg Ni/Nm 3 (the limitation of the Austrian Environmental Department is max. 2 mg dust/Nm 3 or 1 mg Ni/Nm 3 corresponding to the German TA-Luft). The Nickel flue dust is added in an electric arc-furnace as a main raw material and is added by being injected with compressed air into the premolten iron, so that nobody comes in touch with the Nickel bearing flue dust. From that a Ferronickel with about 40% Nickel-content is produced. This material is cast into granules with a grain size from 2-35 mm. The slag containing the carrier material of the catalysts such as Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 and MgO is mixed with lime and used as a bulk material for foundation of roads. The production method is designed to use up 100% of the catalyst thus eliminating any necessity for waste disposal in addition to any associated problems with environmental protection