2023-2024 / MECA0526-1

High Temperature Processes in Recycling & Remanufacturing

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

 Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical and Materials Engineering5 crédits 
 Master of Science (MSc) in Geological and Mining Engineering5 crédits 
 Master of Science (MSc) in Geological and Mining Engineering (joint-degree programme with the "Université polytechnique de Madrid")5 crédits 

Lecturer

Anne Mertens

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

- Introduction to pyrometallurgy and related thermodynamic notions

- Iron and steel production and recycling

- Production and recycling of Cu and Al

- Production and recycling of Pb, Zn, precious metals...

- Holistic view on high temperature processes - Resource and energy efficiency

- Pyrometallurgy in practice : upscaling of pyrometallurgy recycling concepts for base metals

- Pyrometallurgy and circular economy

- Re-manufacturing

- Technological challenges of high temperature metal recycling processes: durability of metallic materials in extreme environment

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

  • The students will understand the basic notions in pyrometallurgy of ferrous and non-ferrous metals
  • They will be able to identify secondary resources that can/have to be processed via pyro- instead of hydro- metallurgy
  • They will know the best available technologies, opportunities and reasons for recovery (or loss) of metals in pyrometallurgical processes
  • They will be able to design an optimal pyrometallurgical processing route in terms of economic and environmental impacts for selected metals and waste streams. They will in particular be able to assess the energy requirements of a pyrometallurgical process and identify ways to improve energy efficiency, including through industrial symbiosis.
  • They will be well aware of the existing major industrial operations and capable of identifying new viable routes in high temperature processing of complex wastes and end-of-life products, aiming at maximal valorisation of all material streams, including slags and other pyrometallurgical byproducts
  • They will be able to modify material selection and product design to positively impact on the viability of pyrometallurgical operations
  • They will be able to analyse wear and/or corrosion mechanisms in extreme environments under various situations encountered in pyrometallurgical processing. They will also be able to orient the selection of appropriate methods to improve (including repair) and to test materials durability.
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, V.1, V.2, VII.2, VII.4, VII.5 of the MSc in chemical and material science engineering.


This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, V.1, V.2, VII.2, VII.4, VII.5 of the MSc in geological and mining engineering.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

N/A

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The teaching methods normally include theoretical classes, laboratory sessions, computer-based simulation tools (HSC Chemistry), site visits and seminars by invited scholars or industry actors.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Teaching will take place face-to-face, for as much as the sanitary situation allows. If necessary, some learning activities may take place remotely.

Recommended or required readings

Recommended readings

  • UNEP (2013) "Metal Recycling: Opportunities, Limits, Infrastructure", Report of the Working Group on the Global Metal Flows to the International Resource Panel: Reuter, M.; Hudson, C.; van Schaik, A.; Heiskanen, K.; Meskers, C.; Hagelüken, C. (ISBN: 978-92-807-3267-2)
  • Extractive Metallurgy of Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum-Group Metals. 2011. Frank K. Crundwell, Michael S. Moats, Venkoba Ramachandran, Timothy G. Robinson, William G. Davenport, Elsevier, ISBN: 978-0-08-096809-4
  • Extractive Metallurgy of Copper, 2011. Mark E. Schlesinger, Matthew J. King, Kathryn C. Sole, William G. Davenport; Elsevier ISBN: 978-0-08-096789-9
  • Treatise on process metallurgy, Volume 1: Process Fundamentals, 2014. Editor-in-Chiefs Seetharaman, S;  Elsevier,  ISBN: 978-0-08-096986-2
  • Treatise on process metallurgy, Volume 2: Process Phenomena, 2014. Editor-in-Chiefs Seetharaman, S; Elsevier, ISBN: 978-0-08-096984-8
  • Treatise on process metallurgy, Volume 3: Industrial processes, 2014. Editor-in-Chiefs Seetharaman, S; Elsevier, ISBN: 978-0-08-096988-6

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Written work / report


Additional information:

Learning  curve  improvement  will  be assessed through student's performance  in  laboratory  exercises, the critical summary of scientific paper  and  technical visit report, as well as by a written exam based on the course materials

Final grade (% of credit): Reports from technical visit: 15 %/report; Written exam: balance.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The first lecture will take place on Monday September 25, 2023.

Contacts

Anne Mertens: anne.mertens@uliege.be
Office: Building B52, room +2/411

Association of one or more MOOCs