Environmental Performance of Fluorite Used to Catalyze MgO Reduction in Pidgeon Process

Abstract

Environmental performances of fluorite used as catalyzer for chemical reaction between MgO and Si were investigated by performing pilot scale experiments of Mg production. F amounts of 0.012-0.116 kg were added in the charged briquettes and Mg slag generated from the chemical reaction in most of the tests weighted 4.26-4.96 kg with F contents ranging 0.21-2.52%. Based on high recoveries of F, 83-100%, in the slag after the reaction, it is estimated that there are little or no F compounds leaving the retorts during the pilot tests. However, high amount of F, 72.9 mg/kg, was leached out from an Mg slag sample obtained from an Mg plant, making it necessary to decrease amount of fluorite used as catalyzer for the reaction or to improve operation conditions, thus, enhancing rate for chemical reaction between MgO and Si in Pidgeon process.