A Problem of Efficient Red Mud Processing, Search for Solutions

Abstract

The authors analyzed pilot projects on bauxite tail processing—red muds. The authors made a conclusion on absence of the technology for efficient muds processing in the volume comparable to their annual output. Comprehensive investigation of physical and chemical properties of the muds produced by Urals Aluminium Smelter were carried out. The authors provided the results of laboratory investigation of the red muds usage as an intensifier for sintering of iron-ore agglomerates and as a binder for production of the iron-ore pellets. The factors impeding mass use of the red muds in classic processes of ferrous metal industry were identified. It was showed that mass processing of the muds is possible in new processes of iron production out of the blast-furnaces. The authors proposed the breakthrough approach to the problem of complete processing of existing red muds, namely, their use as a binder and a collecting agent for the metals in multi-fuel gas producers of the air-lift type.