Aluminium is one of the most recycled metals in the world. However, the recovery process generates a complex byproduct known as aluminium dross. Also referred to as salt slag or skimmings, this residue poses both environmental challenges and opportunities for circular economy solutions.
This article kicks off a technical series focused on aluminium dross recycling, covering its generation, processing methods, metal recovery, and secondary waste management.
Below you will find a thematic index that will serve as a guide for our upcoming articles: you will be able to access them through the “+info” button as they are published.
1. What is aluminium dross?
Definition and types: black dross, white dross, salt slag
Origin in melting and refining processes
Typical chemical and physical composition
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2. Why recycle aluminium dross?
Environmental impact of untreated dross
Economic value of recovered aluminum
Applicable environmental regulations and standards
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3. Processing technologies
Mechanical processes: crushing, size separation
Thermal processes: pyrometallurgy, controlled oxidation
Hydrometallurgical processes: leaching, salt treatment
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4. Metallic aluminium recovery
Separation and refining methods
Recovery efficiency and influencing factors
Quality of recovered aluminum
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5. Pretreatment and recovery of dross
Stages of the process
Technical and economic benefits
Sustainability and added value
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6. Oxides and salt cake management
Oxide residues from mechanical pretreatment
Salt cake (salt slag) from rotary furnace operations
Zero-waste aluminium recycling
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7. Economic viability and case Studies
Operating costs vs. material value recovered
Success stories from industrial recycling plants
Global trends and innovation opportunities
In the coming articles, we will delve deeper into each topic, highlighting industrial practices, technical hurdles, and sustainable innovation opportunities.
Interested in this topic? Subscribe through the following form: we will notify you every time we publish a new installment of this series dedicated to one of the key processes in the recycling of non-ferrous metals.
