Characterization and Recovery of Mercury from Electrical Manufacturing Wastes byThermal Desorption

摘要

The U.S. Bureau of Mines characterized mercury containing wastes and used athermal-desorption process to remove and recover the contained mercury (Hg). The wastes were generated by an electrical-parts plant engaged in the assembly of Hg-containing switches and contained phenolic resins and paper insulating materials mixed with soil. The average Hg content was 396 ppm. Numerous characterization tests showed the Hg was tightly absorbed and could not be removed or concentrated by leaching or gravity separation techniques. Mercury recovery was over 99.99 pct of the desorbed Hg. Thermal-desorption processes have had wide application to many Hg-containing wastes, and historical experience in Hg mining has demonstrated the potential cost effectiveness.