Utilization of Pulp and Paper Waste Products in the Metal Industry : Initial testing of carbon-containing waste material briquettes

Today, a huge part of waste products from pulp and paper industries ends up in landfill which is both economically and environmentally adversely. This report examines the possibilities of using those products as a slag foamer and fuel in different furnaces in the metal industry. The waste products contain valuable elements, especially carbon. Therefore, there is an increased interest in finding possible use for the waste products in the metal industry. The reuse would contribute to preservation of energy as fossil fuel can be replaced. In the report, two waste materials called mixed biosludge and fiber reject are examined. The experiments are performed with the waste products pressed together with a base material and cement forming a briquette. The requirements examined are strength needed for both transportation and use in furnaces and ability to create a foaming slag. The results in strength were ambiguous, no waste material based briquettes met the set criteria. As of now, the briquettes are probably not strong enough to be transported. No foaming occurred during the experiment, but only one experiment was performed. Therefore, further experiments are needed before any conclusions can be drawn. The briquettes can possibly replace coke and coal in applications where strength is not as important. Nevertheless, it is uncertain if the briquettes affect the steel quality.