STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF BRIQUETTES PRODUCED FROM WASTEWATER NEUTRALIZATION CAKE

Abstract

The article presents the results of an experimental study of the neutralization cake briquetting process by extrusion using Amcom VA1530 binder. The relevance of the work is due to the need to develop effective methods for processing technogenic waste of metallurgical production in order to re-involve them in the technological cycle, reduce disposal costs and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Particular attention in the study is paid to the effect of the moisture content of the batch on the molding conditions, the stability of the extrusion process and the mechanical characteristics of the resulting briquettes. In the course of the studies, it was found that the moisture content of the batch is a determining technological parameter that directly affects the formability of the material, the stability of the equipment and the quality of the final product. Optimum humidity range of 17.0–18.5% is determined, at which the most favorable briquetting conditions are achieved and briquettes with high strength characteristics exceeding the specified target values are obtained. The results obtained indicate that conditions for effective compaction of the material and formation of briquettes with sufficient structural integrity are created in the specified humidity range. It has been shown that with a decrease in the moisture content of the batch to 7.94% and 12.1%, the extrusion briquetting process becomes technologically unstable and practically impossible. Under these conditions, the material does not have the necessary plasticity and moldability, is not retained in the die, is poured out of it, and the operation of the extruder is accompanied by overheating, which indicates a violation of the normal molding mode. It was also found that an increase in humidity above 26.2% leads to an overwetting of the batch, as a result of which the resulting briquettes are characterized by insufficient strength, low rigidity and unsatisfactory performance. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that maintaining the moisture content of the batch in the range of 17.0–18.5% is a prerequisite for ensuring a stable extrusion process, preventing technological disturbances and obtaining high-quality neutralization cake briquettes suitable for further technological use.