Work

Analysing material flows and final fate distribution of spent refractories from steel casting ladles and cement rotary kilns in Europe

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Refractories are used in high-temperature applications, consuming 35 to 40 Mt globally each year and generating 28 Mt of spent refractories (SR), primarily from steel and cement production. This paper addresses knowledge gaps in SR material flows by collecting data from interviews with steel and cement manufacturers and refractory recyclers, alongside industry reports and trade balance sheets, to estimate Europe's annual refractory demand. Additionally, an approach is presented to easily estimate the amount of SR generated. In 2022, Europe consumed 2.7 Mt of refractories, with 1.36 Mt for steel and 0.14 Mt for cement production, resulting in 326 kt of SR from steel and 74 kt from cement production. Compared to dated literature, this study reveals a shift towards increased recycling and provides the first in-depth analysis of SR handling from cement production, including an average process loss. The findings improve the overall knowledge about the final fate of SR.

Source: Resources Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108158

Authors: Florian Feucht, Richard Moderegger, Simone Neuhold, Klaus Philipp Sedlazeck

Institutions: Montanuniversität Leoben, RHI Magnesita (Austria)

Language: English

Topic: Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,270