Flowsheeting-based simulation of recycling concepts in the metal industry

This paper presents a methodology for the planning of integrated recycling concepts taking into account the peculiarities of process engineering in the process industries. Process models for certain unit operations simulated with a flowsheeting program allow to calculate mass and energy balances considering the technical characteristics and performance of a single process or a combined process chain. Based on principles of thermodynamics, this approach allows an assessment of integrated recycling strategies considering techno-economic as well as ecological criteria. The approach is illustrated with an example from the iron and steel making industry where the injection of plastic waste into a blast furnace is investigated.