HomeTechnologyZinc Oxide Extraction

The MetSol Zinc Oxide Extraction Process

Zinc rich waste streams like those typically found in EAF Dust and Galvanisers Ash can be effectively separated and purified as high grade white zinc oxide (ZnO) powder. Currently the majority of the worlds electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) is disposed to land fill. MetSol typically reduces landfill disposal up to 3% of the original volumes.

MetSol's technology is fundamentally different from existing technologies

The technology is a hydrometallurgical process using a unique solvent extraction formulation with process efficiencies higher than others have previously achieved.

Unlike other processes, the MetSol technology does not produce Zinc metal; instead it delivers high purity Zinc Oxide in a form ready for resale at significantly higher profit margins than any other process in the market today.

The key commercial advantages of the MetSol technology:

  • Can accept a wide range of waste streams, including galvanisers ash and electric arc furnace dust
  • Has a very selective leach and produces high purity zinc oxide – >99.8%+ pure
  • No detectable chloride (see specification sheet above).
  • The process operating costs are very low compared with the French process
  • The plant capital costs are very low compared with kiln-based processes
  • Commercially viable at a small scale, eg 5000 tonnes pa output.

Download our Zinc Oxide Specification Sheet for more information.

The MetSol Process

MetSol Process Stages
the_metsol_process metsol_process_stages

Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD)

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology is used globally to produce metallic product from scrap metal. Scrap metal, along with fluxing agents, are loaded into the EAF. An electric current is applied and the heat generated melts the furnace contents.

During the melting process, a small percentage of each charge (in the range of 1-2%) is converted into dust or fume and collected by means of filter bag-house or wet scrubbers. Depending on the type of metal being melted, this dust will contain varying amounts of zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium which can be extracted using MetSol's proprietary technology.

The residue from the process can also be returned to the EAF so there is minimal waste leaving the site.

The MetSol Process

MetSol Process Stages
eafd_waste_recycling_optionMetSol Typical Waste Recycling Option eafd_plant_overviewMetSol EAFD Plant Overview