Leaching of the fine fraction of the argon oxygen decarburization with lance (AOD-L) sludge for the preferential removal of iron

The fine fraction of the argon oxygen decarburization with lance (AOD-L) sludge is a hazardous waste generated by the stainless steel industry which is normally disposed in landfills. Due to the relative high content of Fe, Cr and Ni as well as its low granulometry, a hydrometallurgical route based on sequential leaching steps is being investigated to treat it. In this paper, an attempt made to remove Fe from the sludge and concentrate Cr and Ni in the solid is highlighted. Leaching was carried out at atmospheric pressure using H2SO4 and HCl at varying temperature (25, 40, 55 and 70 °C) and acid concentration (3, 6 and 12%, v/v). For both acids, leaching rate increased with temperature and acid concentration, and higher dissolutions of Fe and Ni were obtained in comparison with that of Cr. HCl was found more selective for Fe over Ni and Cr. The content of Fe was reduced nearly 50% (w/w) at 70 °C and HCl 12% (v/v), while Cr remained mostly in the solid; however, around 40% (w/w) of Ni was dissolved and it may hinder such leaching step in the studied route. The study points out that total metal leaching of sludge under high temperature and pressure conditions must be considered.