Vertical Mills for Processing Industrial Wastes: Promoting Circular Economy
Industrial wastes, such as fly ash, slag, and steel slag, pose significant disposal challenges if not properly handled. Vertical mills offer an effective solution for processing these wastes into valuable resources, promoting the development of a circular economy.
Fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, is a typical industrial waste that can be processed by vertical mills. When ground into fine powder, fly ash has pozzolanic activity and can be used as a substitute for cement clinker in cement production. Vertical mills grind fly ash to a specific surface area of 350-500 m²/kg, which activates its pozzolanic properties. The addition of fly ash in cement not only reduces the consumption of limestone and other raw materials but also improves the workability and durability of concrete. Each ton of fly ash used in cement production can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 0.8 tons, contributing to environmental protection.
Slag, generated during the smelting of iron and steel, is another industrial waste that benefits from vertical mill processing. Ground slag powder, with its high activity, is widely used in high-performance concrete. Vertical mills efficiently grind slag into ultra-fine powder (specific surface area up to 600 m²/kg), which enhances the strength and impermeability of concrete. The use of ground slag powder also reduces the heat of hydration in concrete, preventing cracking and improving the service life of concrete structures. For steel enterprises, processing slag with vertical mills turns waste into a high-value product, increasing economic benefits while reducing waste disposal costs.
In addition to fly ash and slag, vertical mills can also process other industrial wastes such as waste glass and construction waste. Waste glass, when ground into fine powder, can be used as a filler in plastics and ceramics. Construction waste, after crushing and grinding by vertical mills, can be recycled into recycled aggregate for road construction and building foundations. By processing these industrial wastes, vertical mills play a crucial role in closing the resource loop and promoting a sustainable circular economy
