Solar Drying of Sludge from a Steel-Wire-Drawing Industry

Lindomar Matias Gonçalves, Clara Mendoza-Martinez (), Elém Patrícia Alves Rocha, Eduardo Coutinho de Paula and Marcelo Cardoso
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Lindomar Matias Gonçalves: Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University of Itajubá, Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200-Indu Trial District II, Itabira 35903-087, Brazil
Clara Mendoza-Martinez: School of Energy Systems, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, FI-53850 Lappeenranta, Finland
Elém Patrícia Alves Rocha: Department of Materials Engineering, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Campus Janaúba, Av. Um 4050, Janaúba 39447-901, Brazil
Eduardo Coutinho de Paula: Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
Marcelo Cardoso: Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Steel is a crucial industrial product with applications in various sectors, such as construction, engineering, and industry. However, the steel industry generates significant waste, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental challenges. To address this issue, incorporating solid waste, especially sludge with high moisture content, into the steel industry’s operations is essential. This study aimed to construct and test an active indirect solar dryer for reducing the moisture content of sludge from a steel drawing industry. By employing principles of the circular economy and the environmental, social, and governance concept, the drying process showed promising results, achieving approximately 42% moisture reduction. This study involved collection and characterization of industrial sludge, design and assembly of a hybrid active indirect solar dryer, fluid dynamic analysis of the behavior of the air inside the device through CFD Ansys software 2012, tests with a thermographic camera to validate the simulation, and optimization of the sludge drying by calculating the thermal efficiency and drying efficiency of the equipment. The adoption of such drying processes can lead to substantial cost reductions in the transportation, handling, and landfilling of steel-drawing sludge, promoting innovation and aiding global steel industries in achieving their solid waste disposal targets.

Keywords: circular economy; hybrid indirect solar dryer; steel industry; CFD; industrial waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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