Recovering aluminum via plasma processing

Abstract

A process based on the use of a plasma system for recovering aluminum from dross, beverage cans, and aluminum scrap has been developed. The plasma process is clean, and there is no need for the addition of any compound, such as salt. In principle, a higher recovery rate of aluminum is attainable, since no oxidation of the aluminum occurs during the process. An economic analysis shows that the operating costs for the plasma system are at least 23% cheaper than for the traditional process using air/gas or ail/oil burners; the plasma process also does not generate either of the common residues produced by the burners. The maintenance costs of the plasma process are also lower than that of the traditional process. Overall, the plasma system is cheaper, cleaner, and easier than the oil/gas burner technology when recovering aluminum from dross, beverage cans, and scrap.