Making fired bricks with spent equilibrium catalyst-a technical feasibility study
Fluid catalytic cracking in an oil refinery uses a catalyst, such as an alumino-silicate zeolite, in the conversion of heavy hydrocarbons to light hydrocarbons. A small fraction of the catalyst is continually replaced with fresh catalyst to maintain activity. In North America, more than 400 tons of spent alumino-silicate equilibrium catalyst (spent e-cat), and worldwide, more than 1,100 tons, are generated daily, most of which is disposed of in landfills (municipal and on-site facilities). In this study, three spent e-cat samples were tested in a value-added application that would utilize this waste in the manufacturing of fired bricks. The results of this study indicate that spent e-cat is a technically feasible raw material substitute for the clay and shale commonly used in fired brick production. Fired bricks produced with up to 30 wt% of spent e-cat showed good physical appearance and their water absorption properties met the ASTM C 62 specifications for building bricks of either the moderate- or severe-weathering grade.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2009 |
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Title | Making fired bricks with spent equilibrium catalyst-a technical feasibility study |
DOI | 10.5276/JSWTM.2009.200 |
Authors | M.-L. Chou, L.-M. Chen, Y.-C. Lai, S.-F. Chou |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management |
Index ID | 70037163 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |