Processes of Formation of Beryllium Hydroxide Aerosols and Assessment of Ecological Risks Arising during Their Emissions to the Environment

Abstract

The processes leading to the formation of toxic beryllium-containing aerosol particles at the stages of beryllium hydroxide production using a new innovative technology of ore processing at the Ermakovskoe deposit are considered. In order to create a conceptual structure of experimental samples of the units for control emissions and discharges of pollutants in the production of beryllium hydroxide, the processes of aerosol formation at various technological stages of beryllium production have been studied. A diffusion model is proposed for droplet evaporation during the leaching and hydrolysis of beryllium concentrates, which makes it possible to determine the rate of evaporation, temperature, size, and lifetime of a droplet depending on the environmental conditions. The results of model calculations (for the diffusion model) of the dispersed composition of beryllium-containing aerosol particles are presented. The most hazardous stages of emissions and discharges of beryllium-containing aerosols in the production of beryllium hydroxide according to a new technology have been identified; the ecological risks arising during emissions of aerosol particles into the atmosphere are assessed.