UrbanNickel – Recovery and recycling of nickel from deposited neutralization sludge of the stainless steel industry

Situation:

  • When pickling stainless steel large amounts of nickel-containing neutralization sludge are produced. Since 1970, approximately 1.2 million tons of neutralization sludge with approximately 12,000 tons of nickel has been deposited on the German landfill sites. The recovery of nickel from deposited neutralization sludge could therefore contribute to raw materials security in Germany.

Solution:

  • The objective of the research project was to investigate the possibilities of nickel recovery from deposited neutralization sludge and to provide procedures for the economic recovery of nickel.

Operational benefit:

  • Evaluation of the recoverability of the deposited neutralization sludge.
  • Return of the deposited nickel into the cycle of material.
  • Improvement of the nickel supply situation for German companies.
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