Ashraf Alsafasfeh

Since last decade, Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have become more significant worldwide due to their critical role in advanced technologies, leading to growing pressure on their supply chains. Consequently, significant research efforts have focused on developing efficient and sustainable methods for recovering REEs from secondary resources such as coal ash. Conventional leaching approaches employing strong mineral acids are environmentally hazardous, while organic acids often require reducing agents and large volumes, limiting their practical application.,In this study, three novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized and evaluated as green leaching agents for REE recovery from coal ash. The DESs were prepared using choline chloride with pyrogallic acid ([Pgc+ChCl]) and chloroacetic acid ([ChAc+ChCl]), and tetrabutylammonium chloride with pyruvic acid ([Pyc+TTB]). Leaching experiments were conducted at 60 °C and 90 °C for durations of 1 and 2 hours to determine optimal extraction conditions. Sulfuric acid leaching was performed as a baseline for comparison.,Leaching efficiencies were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among the tested solvents, [Pyc+TTB] exhibited the highest leaching efficiency of 12.93% at 90 °C after 2 hours, which was comparable to sulfuric acid (14.04%) under the same conditions. The relatively low extraction efficiencies observed for all systems suggest that REEs are predominantly entrapped within the glassy silicate matrix of the coal ash, limiting their accessibility. Notably, the DES with the lowest viscosity demonstrated the highest extraction performance, indicating the importance of physicochemical properties in leaching efficiency.

Purpose. This study aims to optimize the power consumption of a mill plant by combining theoretical analysis and process simulation using AggFlow software, since power optimization is a crucial factor in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of industrial milling operations. Methods. The mill plant, comprising a primary jaw crusher, a secondary double roll crusher, a ball mill, multiple screens, and conveyors, was modeled in AggFlow. A field survey collected specifications of equipment components, and product samples were used for simulation. Theoretical power consumption was calculated and compared with actual field data. Various operational scenarios were simulated to identify opportunities for power consumption reduction. Findings. The optimized settings, including precise adjustments of gap width, rotational speed and belt speed, resulted in measurable power savings of 17.65% for jaw crusher, 7.69% for roll crushers, 13.33% for ball mill, and 20% for conveyor belts, with a total power consumption reduction of 14.29%. Originality. This study highlights the effective use of AggFlow software for power optimization in industrial milling processes, providing a new approach to reducing energy consumption in mill plants. Practical implications. The results provide practical insights for industries aiming to enhance energy efficiency in milling operations. The successful reduction in power consumption demonstrates the potential for integrating process simulation tools like AggFlow into sustainable plant management strategies.

This study focuses on improving the mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based materials, which are crucial for the durability and safety of construction projects. Conventional cement, although commonly used, has certain limitations in terms of its mechanical strength and...

The quest for environmentally friendly reagents in froth flotation processes has gained significant importance for minimizing ecological impacts. This research investigates the utilization of chitosan polymer as a green depressant for silicate minerals in the direct flotation of phosphate minerals. To understand the behaviour of the flotation feed, zeta potential measurements were conducted to assess the electrical properties of mineral surfaces in the presence and absence of chitosan polymer. Furthermore, the effects of chitosan dosage, pulp pH, and flotation time on the flotation recoveries and concentrate grade of phosphates were studied. Comparative analyses were performed by comparing the flotation recoveries of phosphate minerals achieved using chitosan polymer with those obtained when employing a commercial silicate dispersant, sodium silicate. The findings revealed that at a dosage of 300g/ton, the recovery of phosphate minerals reached approximately 70% when using chitosan polymer, whereas the recovery was only around 40% with the same dosage of sodium silicate dispersant. These outcomes demonstrate the potential of chitosan as an effective and sustainable silicate depressant in the phosphate flotation process under specific conditions.