Recovery of mgo and al2o3 from post-consumer refractory bricks
Innovative process for recovering magnesium oxide (MgO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) from post-consumer refractory bricks using hydrochloric acid leaching and pyrolysis, aiming to establish a circular process that minimizes waste.
Overview
This research proposes an innovative process to recover magnesium oxide (MgO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) from post-consumer refractory bricks. By implementing a circular process, the method aims to minimize waste through the effective use of hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching and pyrolysis. The process involves initial washing to eliminate impurities, followed by leaching to dissolve various elements, and subsequent pH adjustments to precipitate and recover valuable compounds. This approach not only recycles valuable materials but also decreases environmental impact by reusing HCl in the leaching process.
Technical specifications
- Initial wash: HCl is used to remove surface impurities from ground bricks.
- Leaching process: Concentrated HCl dissolves Mg, Al, Si, Fe, and other impurities.
- pH adjustment: MgO is used to adjust pH levels, enabling the removal of Fe/Si and the precipitation of Al(OH)3.
- Purification: Further pH elevation and ion exchange achieve higher solution purity.
- Pyrolysis: Purified MgCl2 brine undergoes pyrolysis to recover MgO and regenerate HCl.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3, indicating that this process is in the experimental proof of concept stage. Comprehensive validation plans include detailed characterization of feed materials and exploration of key parameters in the leaching and pyrolysis processes. The study will progress over 1.5 years and involves extensive experimentation to optimize conditions for high-purity material recovery.
About Queen's University
Queen’s University is a comprehensive public research institution with a large student body and global alumni network based in Kingston, Ontario. For industry, it offers a research and technology park with wet/dry labs, shared core facilities, and collaboration models from sponsored research to contract testing. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with Kingston’s major hospital system, providing governed access to patients, clinicians, and health data. Talent pipelines are built through structured internship programs and project-based engagements. Research is backed by Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, plus provincial and industry support, and a dedicated tech transfer office advances IP, licensing, and startups.
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