Steelmaking Converter Oxygen Dust Management
As a source of numerous types of airborne (fugitive) dust, steelmaking converters need to be treated in order to protect the environment and human health. Besides, dust reduction also has economic benefits due to the improvement of the quality of physical products, increased efficiency and profitability, and reduced operating costs. Oxygen gas is widely used in steelmaking converters to bring additional thermal power to melt the steel. This process could significantly increase the amount of dust produced. Therefore, a comprehensive dust management plan is necessary for steelmaking converters.
The first step in reducing dust production is improved combustion management, since the source of most of the dust can be attributed to the combustion of oxygen and coal. A proper design of the furnace, controlling the oxygen flow and coal stores at appropriate levels and using additives are all important measures to reduce dust clouds. Additionally, the combustion should be properly adjusted to minimize production of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which are also produced during this process.
The second step is installing dust collectors, such as filters and cyclones, at the source of dust production to capture and collect the dust before it is released into the atmosphere. The dust collectors should be supplemented by ventilation systems to ensure suitable air flow around the converter. These can help to eliminate any hazardous dust particles that may not have been captured by the dust collectors.
The third step is the presentation of preventive controls or practices to reduce emissions. These include eliminating unnecessary loading, handling and unloading activities to reduce the amount of dust being released, laying down hard surfaces for activities that generate dust and limiting operating time for activities that generate dust. In addition, it is suggested to cover and/or enclose activities that generate significant amount of dust, or shifting them to indoor facilities.
Finally, in order to effectively monitor and reduce dust levels, it is important to implement a dust management program. This includes selecting appropriate levels of dust collection equipment, monitoring dust levels and implementing a regular cleaning routine. Additionally, the monitoring activities should be implemented at different locations around and inside the converter to obtain a more precise assessment of dust levels.
In conclusion, dust management is an essential part of steelmaking converter operations. A comprehensive and professional dust management plan is needed to reduce the amount of dust produced and protect the environment and human health. By properly regulating the combustion, installing dust collectors and applying preventive controls or practices, dust levels will be significantly reduced. Lastly, an effective dust management plan should also include periodic monitoring activities to ensure that the dust levels have remained stable or improved over time.
