Waste Minimization In Industries Using Refractory Materials

Changes in environmental regulations, cost of waste disposal and concerns of future liability, have sparked great interest in the concepts of waste minimization. This paper is an overview of the current trends in refractory waste minimization for the metals and glass industry. This overview includes the use of improved materials, zone linings, endless linings, low environmental impact materials, recycling by the user, reuse by the refractories manufacturer, and other alternatives to disposal. Issues that impact the economic and practical problems will be reviewed. Areas of success in both recycling and reuse will be discussed and future trends both in industry and in the regulatory arena are presented.