Design of the Continuous Gravity-Driven Multiple-Effect Thermal System (G-METS) for Efficient Low-Cost Magnesium Recycling

Recent global supply shortages, combined with need for light-weight structural components for efficient transportation, have led to very high prices for magnesium due to its low density and high part stiffness/weight. This study continues prior work on magnesium recycling using multiple-effect distillation with gravity as the parameter to create the pressure difference between effects, called G-METS. The long-term vision is for continuous distillation, but experiments to date have only used batch distillers with maximum rate of 1 kg/h. and minimum energy consumption of 2 kWh/kg. This study presents the design of laboratory-scale continuous distiller including a custom-made furnace to sustain a high-power density and temperature gradient for rapid boiling and efficient recovery of magnesium.