Author: Amy Telgerafchi
Advisor: Professor Adam Powell
Category: Graduate
Abstract: Metal recycling is crucial for conserving natural resources and minimizing environmental impacts from mining, extraction, and disposal. The G-METS distiller offers a promising solution for metal recycling and refining, addressing challenges of traditional methods. This distillation system consists of multiple units called “effects,” each serving as an evaporator and condenser. The fundamental principle of this process is that each condenser provides energy to its corresponding evaporator, recapturing heat through condensation. This design optimizes energy usage, reducing overall energy consumption. Additionally, drains in each condenser enable the extraction of liquid with varying compositions, suited for different applications. This research presents a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model for continuous G-METS distillation, focusing on recycling magnesium alloy. Various design approaches, such as incorporating channels in the evaporator, are explored to enhance separation efficiency. The FEA model successfully simulates the distillation process within a temperature range of 1273K–1173K. In this model, we considered aluminum ( Al)- low vapor pressure and zinc (Zinc)-high vapor pressure elements as impurities with a mass fraction (5%) and (2%) respectively in Mg alloy. The results indicate significantly lower aluminum content and higher zinc concentration in the top condensed liquid compared to the initial scrap, highlighting the effectiveness of the process. This research underscores the importance of optimizing metal recycling technologies for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
UN SDGs:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
GR9_G-METS Distillation for Efficient Low-Cost Mg Recycling_2024