Beneficial use of foundry residuals: case studies, experiences and related issues

摘要

Although the foundry industry is very diverse (different metals cast, different casting processes used, etc.) it shares common technologies and common waste disposal and/or reuse challenges. In particular, the development of markets for significant reuse of foundry sand, slag and dusts are necessary to insure the future competitiveness of both large and small foundries in the U.S. Barriers to widespread reuse of foundry residuals in construction applications can be categorized as technical, regulatory, or market development. Recent research has shown that foundry residuals, particularly excess system sand, can be effectively substituted for virgin aggregates, wholly or in part, for many construction applications. Similarly, solid waste regulatory agencies in many states have recognized the non-hazardous nature of most foundry residuals and have "opened windows" to allow reuse. Clearly, a major hurdle to the widespread beneficial use (BU) of foundry residuals is the development of applicable markets (Olenbush, 1999). Implementation is advanced by the completion of demonstration projects.