Vitrification of a waste water flocculate from a petroleum catalyst manufacturer

Chemical and mineral compositions of a waste water flocculate generated in a manufacturer producing fluidized-bed catalytic cracking catalysts were analyzed. The flocculate was then calcined at 1200–1350 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis results indicate that the flocculate can be directly vitrified at 1350 °C without the addition of any other ingredients. The density and chemical durability of the directly vitrified product are comparable with commercial soda-lime-silicate glasses. However, the viscosity of directly vitrified glass melt was very high. Thus, the refining and shaping of the glass melt were difficult. With the addition of minerals such as limestone, dolomite and fluorite, workable glasses could be formed. The influence of MgO on the structure and properties of the obtained glasses is discussed. Results show that the density and hardness of the glass increase with the increase of MgO, whereas the chemical durability, transition and crystallization temperatures decrease. The present study provides a general way to utilize waste water flocculates in glass production.