Low-Energy Magnesium Recycling

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Program:
OPEN 2015
Award:
$2,022,919
Location:
Natick, Massachusetts
Status:
CANCELLED
Project Term:
02/05/2016 - 05/19/2017

Technology Description:

INFINIUM will convert low-grade magnesium scrap into material of sufficient purity for motor vehicle components by a novel high-efficiency process using less than 1 kWh/kg magnesium product. Other magnesium purification technologies such as distillation and electrorefining use 5-10 kWh/kg, and primary production uses 40-100 kWh/kg. This is also a high-speed continuous process, with much lower labor and capital costs than other batch purification technologies. This technology could enable cost-effective recycling of magnesium, converting low-grade scrap metal into high-purity magnesium at low cost and significantly lower energy consumption, and could also enable new classes of primary production technology.

Potential Impact:

If successful, INFINIUM's recycling process could reduce the amount of energy needed to produce magnesium by 70-99%.

Security:

The magnesium produced will be used for lightweight vehicles, which will enable better fuel economy and will therefore help decrease demand for foreign sources of fuel.

Environment:

This technology will efficiently recycle magnesium, helping to save both magnesium and energy resources.

Economy:

Magnesium will be produced at lower cost, thus developing a magnesium recycling industry in the U.S.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Patrick McGrath
Project Contact:
Dr. Adam Powell
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
apowell@infiniummetals.com

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Release Date:
01/07/2015