Introduction
Air pollution associated with sinter process operation in steel industries is one of the major environmental issues in the world today. Sinter plants produce significant amounts of fine particulates, acid gases and organic compounds that pollute the air in surrounding communities and pose a serious health risk to citizens. In order to reduce air pollution from sinter plants, businesses must employ effective air pollution control systems and technologies to mitigate or reduce air pollutants at the source. This paper provides an overview of the measures that sinter plant owners can take to control air pollution.
Modes of Control for Sinter Plants
Air pollution control systems for sinter plants typically target particulate matter (PM), acid gases and organic compounds. Several different methods/techniques can be used to remove these pollutants from the air.
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter (PM) is the most common form of air pollution associated with sinter plants. PM consists of a variety of tiny solid particles suspended in the air. PM emissions can be reduced by utilizing particulate collectors such as baghouses, electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), or dry scrubbers. Baghouses remove particles by passing the exhaust gas stream through bags made of a porous material. ESPs remove particles while they are still suspended in the air by charging them with electricity, which then attracts them to metal plates. Dry scrubbers use chemical reactions to capture particles, typically in the form of powder.
Acid Gases
Acid gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) are common pollutants emitted from sinter plants. These pollutants can be reduced by installing an acid gas collector such as a wet scrubber or a fabric filter (FF). Wet scrubbers use water to absorb pollutants from the air and release clean air. FFs contain a fabric material that captures pollutant particles while the air passes through it.
Organic Compounds
Organic compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also released from sinter plants. VOCs can be reduced by using a VOC oxidizer, activated carbon filter, or other type of adsorption system. VOC oxidizers use chemical reactions to convert VOCs into harmless gases. Activated carbon filters absorb VOCs as the air is passed through the filter.
Calculating Emissions
In order to effectively control air pollution from sinter plants, it is important to calculate and monitor the total amount of air pollutants being emitted. This can be done by using an air pollution emission inventory. An emission inventory is an estimate of the total amount of air pollutants being emitted from a facility. It should include a description of the type and quantity of pollutants being released, their sources, and the pathway for their release into the atmosphere.
Conclusion
Sinter plants are a major source of air pollution, and as such, steps must be taken to reduce the amount of pollutants being emitted. Several different air pollution control systems and techniques can be used to reduce emissions, such as particulate collectors, acid gas collectors, and VOC oxidizers. In order to effectively reduce emissions, businesses should also employ an emission inventory to calculate and monitor their emissions. By implementing the measures outlined above, businesses can help protect the air in their communities and the health of their citizens.
