As demand for metals continues to grow, recovering these valuable components from wastes and process byproducts (a process often referred to as urban mining) has become a central focus of meeting future demand and promoting a circular economy.
Thermal processing techniques to recover metals for reuse have become an essential tool in advancing metal recovery efforts. A pioneer in advanced thermal processing techniques, FEECO is supporting this movement through custom equipment and comprehensive process development services.
MATERIALS COMMONLY TREATED FOR METAL RECOVERY
The diverse nature of thermal processing makes it applicable to a wide range of materials and metals from a plethora of materials. Thermal processing can be used to recover metals from:
- E-waste
- Spent batteries
- Industrial by-products
- Circuit boards
- Recycled scrap
- Tailings
- Spent catalysts
THE METAL RECOVERY PROCESS
Given the diverse range of potential feedstock, the process of recovering metals via thermal processing can vary. In general, controlled temperature profiles and retention times are used to cause a chemical reaction or phase change in the material that will make the target metal more accessible for extraction.
CUSTOM METAL RECOVERY KILNS
Rotary kilns are the preferred device in metal recovery efforts, for their flexibility, robust build, and high capacity. FEECO rotary kilns are incredibly customizable and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit the characteristics of the feedstock and target metal(s). Both direct-fired and indirect-fired kilns are available.
SERVICES
As a leader in advanced thermal processing methods and equipment, FEECO is able to offer comprehensive support for every aspect of the metal recovery process, from concept to optimization. In addition to custom equipment design and manufacturing, our services include:
BATCH/FEASIBILITY AND PILOT-SCALE TESTING
The FEECO Innovation Center is a unique testing facility where we can test your material at both batch and pilot scale in order to work out process variables and design commercial-scale units, as well as scale up the process.
Feasibility/Proof of Concept: An initial, non-witnessed batch testing phase in which the possibility of creating a product is explored.
Proof of Product: A more in-depth batch testing phase in which more time is spent determining whether a product can be made to desired specifications.
Proof of Process: A continuous testing phase that aims to establish the equipment setup and parameters required for continuous production of your specific material.
Process/Product Optimization: An in-depth study to optimize your specific material’s characteristics and/or production parameters in an industrial setting.
Learn more about the Innovation Center >>
PROCESS TRAINING
Our extensive experience in processing hundreds of materials and derivatives leaves us unmatched in industry knowledge. Our Process Engineers travel the world to train our customers on their unique production line.
PARTS & SERVICE
The FEECO Customer Service Team provides comprehensive services to keep your equipment and process running reliably and efficiently. This includes:
- Process optimization
- Audits and inspections
- Spare parts
- Maintenance procedures
RESOURCES
PROJECT PROFILES
Rotary Kiln Resource Recovery System
Red Mud Reduction Kiln Project Profile
METAL RECOVERY ARTICLES
Electronic Waste Recycling: A Global Problem in Need of Solutions
Electronic waste, or e-waste, encompasses everything from old cellphones, to VCR’s, fax machines, TV’s, and everything in between. As the world …
Red Mud: A Wealth of Opportunity for Metal Recovery
Red mud, also commonly called bauxite residue, is a waste product left over from the Bayer process, in which alumina is …
BROCHURES
Rotary Kilns Brochure
Innovation Center Brochure
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