Refractory Wear and WEEE Scrap Recycling

Processing of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE scrap) is increasingly important. In 2022, 62 million tons of WEEE scrap were generated worldwide, with an expected growth of 32% until 2030. Thus, production routes with increased WEEE scrap in feed materials of up to 100% are being researched and applied typically in top blowing rotary converters (TBRCs), involving novel challenges for operation and refractory linings. Temperatures > 1800 °C, low oxygen partial pressures, and high freights of halogens (Br, F, Cl) originating from plastics and flame retardants are being reported. The present work serves to investigate the relevant wear mechanisms for typical refractory material under representative process conditions. The corrosion resistance of the refractory ceramics is tested with finger tests using WEEE scrap-based slags. The influences of halogens are elaborated, as they are expected to increase wear rates especially in off-gas areas of TBRCs. The results create an enhanced understanding of the influence of WEEE scrap on slag systems, process conditions, and refractory lining wear.