-------
At the outlet test location, several desulfurizations had to be sampled
consecutively to collect enough particulate matter for sample evaluation.
Hence, each point on two traverses (IE points total) was sampled for 1 minute
for a total sampling time of 20 to 24 minutes. The volume of gas sampled per
test varied from 47 to 75 ft3. It took a minimum of two days to complete
one test at the baghouse outlet. The outlet test location was at a slight
positive pressure and was sampled in a normal manner. Only stacks 2 and 5
were tested simultaneously (for economical reasons) for particulate mass and
size.
Particle Size
As a result of the comparison tests, it was shown that the performance
of the devices (SoRI 2-cyclone train, Andersen Mark III) were equivalent.
Hence, the SoRI 2-cyclone train was used for all inlet tests (high grain
loadings) and the Andersen Mark III impactor with a 15 ym cyclone precutter
was used for the outlet tests (very low grain loadings).
Prior to conducting a particle size test, each device (SoRI 2-cyclone
train and Andersen Mark III impactor) was thoroughly brushed and cleaned with
reagent grade acetone. In addition, both the cyclones and the impactor were
cleaned in an ultrasonic bath (using a liquid cleanser) after every second or
third test.
The sampling procedures for the particle size sampling trains were
identical to those of the particulate mass sampling trains except for the
number of points sampled during a given desulfurization. Tests conducted with
the SoRI device consisted of sampling in one sample port for equal times
(2.0 minutes) at each of the three sampling points. Approximately 2.5 ft3 .
of gas was sampled per test which provided a more than adequate amount of
particulate matter in each collection stage. Three points per test were
selected to minimize the number of discrete tests required to traverse the
entire duct based on the preliminary velocity measurements which indicated
very little horizontal stratification. All three points in all three sample
ports were sampled repeatedly to account for particulate stratification (in
the vertical direction) over the entire duct. The tests conducted with the
Andersen Mark III impactor at the baghouse outlet were done at a single point
of average velocity in stacks 2 and 5 since the preliminary measurements
indicated very uniform profiles in a given stack although velocities
varied from stack to stack. Since the outlet grain loadings were so low
(<0.01 gr/dscf), several desulfurizations were tested in order to collect
5 to 6 ft3 of gas for a weighable sample.
RESULTS
Uncontrolled Emissions
Table 2 summarizes the sampling data obtained with the EPA Method 5
particulate mass train. Table 3 provides a summary of the HMDS production
data obtained during these tests. The emission factor data (based on Method 5
measurements) are dependent on the degree of sulfur removal (higher for larger
sulfur removal) from the hot metal but does not appear to correlate with the
rate of desulfurization; the desulfurization agents injection rate used
119
-------
TABLE 2. INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATE MASS TEST SAMPLING DATA
(Uncontrolled Emissions)
Test
Number
14
18
19
20
22
23
25
26
27
28
Volume
of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
14.064
14.340
11.854
14.514
13.314
14.154
13.960
12.912
11.710
10.908
Parti cul ate
Mass
(mg)
631.54
2,705.84
2,805.15
696.11
2,129.50
2,549.61
622.60
1,028.64
2,290.14
2,294.71
Particulate
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
0.6930
2.9919
3.6519
0.7401
2.4683
2.7798
0.6882
1.2294
3.0191
3.2323
Particulate
Emission
Rate
(Ib/hr)
605
2,266
2,633
605
1,862
2,151
547
904
1,977
2,017
120
-------
TABLE 3. HMDS PRODUCTION DATA (Uncontrolled Emissions)
Test
No.
14
18
19
20
22
23
25
26
27
28
Desulfurization
Time
(mln)
5.50
9.53
9.97
5.45
5.45
6.93
13.55
10.40
9.03
5.97
12.53
13.48
14.02
19.00
8.97
7.35
9.23
8.75
6.60
Desulfurization
Agents
CaC?
(lb)
333
1063
1033
470
316
613
1043
814
565
342
1006
1095
1191
2073
691
551
570
558
314
CaC03
(lb)
32
33
46
35
26
51
46
42
52
61
41
53
113
100
58
96
64
87
40
Participate
Mass .
Emission
Rate
(Ib/min)
10.08
37.77
43.87
10.08
31.07
35.85
9.07
15.08
32.95
33.61
Average
Desulfurization
Rate
( tons/mi n)
21.82
12.31
20.19
8.86
12.87
9.82
6.37
11.15
14.54
15.18
Participate
Emission
Factor
(Ib/ton)
0.46
3.07
2.17
1.14
2.41
3.65
1-.42
1.35
2.27
2.21
i
121
-------
during these tests was much higher (average 83.3 Ib/min) than 50 to 65
Ib/min cited by Kaiser and the CaC2 usage averaged 6.4 Ib/ton hot metal
to obtain an average sulfur reduction of 65.2 percent compared to the
cited 3.6 Ib CaC2/ton hot metal for 60 percent sulfur removal.
Controlled Emissions
Table 4 sunmarize the sampling data obtained with the EPA Method 5
particulate mass train. Table 5 provides a surmiary of the HMDS production
data obtained during these tests. The emission factor data (based on
Method 5 measurements) are dependent on the degree of sulfur removal
(higher for larger sulfur removal) from the hot metal; the average
desulfurization injection rate was 83.9 Ib/min and the CaC2 usage
averaged 3.95 Ib/ton hot metal to obtain an average sulfur removal of
50 percent.
SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS
Emission Factor Data
The average emission factor (based on Method 5 measurements) for
uncontrolled HMDS process emissions was 1.09 j^O.44 Ib/ton for one torpedo
car (TC), 2.53 +0.47 Ib/ton for two TC's, and 2.74 +0.79 Ib/ton for three
TC's. Based on the particle size measurements made with the SoRI
2-cyclone train, approximately 25 percent of these particles are less than
15 ym in size and 12 percent are less than 2.5 urn in size.
The average emission factor (based on Method 5 measurements for
controlled HMDS process emissions was 0.009 +0.003 Ib/ton. Based on the
Andersen impactor measurements, the Dp5Q for these emissions was 3.4 ym.
The average mass removal efficiency of the baghouse based on
Method 5 measurements (not simultaneous) was 99.36 percent and no SOg
was detected in the baghouse exhaust.
Comparison of Sampling Train Data
Tables 6, 7, 8 and 9 compare the Method 5 train test Results with
those obtained by the particle size trains. All inlet particulate mass
tests traversed the entire inlet duct; all particle size tests were done
at three points only as follows: tests 18, 19, and 26 were done in the
top sampling port (points 1, 2, 3); tests 20, 23, and 25 were done in the
middle sampling port (points 4, 5, 6); tests 22, 27, and 28 were done in
the bottom sampling port (points 7, 8, 9); Method 5 train (front half
only) concentrations were 21 percent greater than the SoRI train
concentrations for the top port, 8 percent greater for the middle port,
and 23 less for the bottom port; there is obviously particulate
stratification from top to bottom in the inlet duct.
All outlet particulate mass tests traversed both baghouse stacks;
all particle size tests were done at a single point of average velocity;
in all but one case, the Method 5 particulate mass concentrations were
122
-------
TABLE 4. INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATE MASS TEST SAMPLING DATA
(Controlled Emissions)
Test
Number
15
16
17
Volume
of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
65.909
75.296
47.718
51.900
57.159
57.355
Par ticu late
Mass
(mg)
31.09
104.54
33.71
71.75
17.84
60.20
Par ticu late
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
0.0073
0.0214
0.0109
0.0213
0.0048
0.0162
Participate
Emission
Rate
(Ib/hr)
0.96
2.65
1.31
2.70
0.63
2.17
123
-------
TABLE 5. HMDS PRODUCTION DATA (Controlled Emissions)
Test
No.
15
16
17
Desulfurization
Time
(rain)
6.30
4.48
6.40
6.37
6.32
7.02
7.42
6.97
6.97
8.48
7.77
8.13
3.77
6.22
4.83
5.93
6.73
7.13
4.72
4.13
4,12
3.83
3.73
4.12
Desulfurization
Agents
CaC?
Ob)
475
263
409
413
426
464
628
568
595
929
736
774
296
475
356
537
562
540
391
216
268
300
266
254
Catth
Ob)
34
28
75
36
35
51
35
49
59
34
47
62
33
44
31
34
47
63
32
26
60
33
33
30
Participate*
Mass
Emission
Rate
(Ib/min)
0.180
0.202
0.132
Average
Desulf urination
Rate
(tons/min)
17.60
18.31
29.01
Participate
Emission
Factor
(Ibyton)
0.010
0.011
0.005
i
Computed using average Method 5 concentration for two stacks and average
volumetric flowrate from inlet tests
124
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TABLE 6. COMPARISON OF METHOD 5 AND SoRI TRAIN DATA (Top Port)
Sampling
Device
Acurex Method 5 high
volume stack sampler
SoRI 2 -eye lone train
with 2.5 inch backup
filter
Sampling
Location
(Inlet Duct)
All 9 points
Points 1,2,3
Volume of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
14.340
11.854
12.912
2.550
2.694
2.785
Particulate Mass
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
2.9119
3.6519
1.2294 ,
2.3575
2.8104
0.9740
TABLE 7. COMPARISON OF METHOD 5 AND SoRI'TRAIN DATA (Middle Port)
Sampling
Dev i ce
Acurex Method 5 high
volume stack sampler
>
SoRI 2-cyclone train
with 2.5 inch backup
filter
Sampling
Location
(Inlet Duct)
All 9 points
Points 4,5,6
Volume of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
14 .'5 14
14.154
13.960
2.679
2.651
2.749
Particulate Mass
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
0.7401
2.7798
0.6882
0.4496
2.6186
0.8102
125
-------
TABLE 8. COMPARISON OF METHOD 5 AND SoRI TRAIN DATA (Bottom Port)
Sampling
Device
Acurex Method 5 high
volume stack sampler
SoRI 2-cyclone train
with 2.5 inch backup
filter
Sampling
Location
(Inlet Duct)
All 9 points
Points 7,8,9
Volume of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
13.314
11.710
10.908
2.644
2.742
2.722
Participate Mass
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
2.4683
3.0181
3.2323
2.8942
2.9927
5.3917
TABLE 9. COMPARISON OF METHOD 5 AND ANDERSEN MARK III
IMPACTOR DATA (Stacks 2 and 5)
Sampling
Device
Acurex Method 5 high
volume stack sampler
Andersen Mark III
imp actor with 15 ym
cyclone precutter
Sampling
Location
(Outlet Stacks)
All 12 points
Average point
Volume of Gas
Sampled
(dscf)
65.909
75.296
47.718
51.900
57.159
57.355
5.868
6.030
6.265
5.435
6.249
5.983
Parti cul ate Mass
Concentration
(gr/dscf)
0.0073
0.0214
0.0109
0.0213
0.0048
0.0162
0.0078
0.0060
0.0054
0.0084
0.0044
0.0066
126
-------
considerably greater (average 50 percent) than corresponding impactor
concentrations: the volumetric flowrates through stacks 2 and 5 showed
very little difference, but the mass concentrations were significantly
different (stack 5 always greater than 2).
127
-------
DEMONSTRATION OF THE USE OF CHARGED FOG
IN CONTROLLING FUGITIVE DUST
FROM LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL SOURCES
by
Edward T. Brookman
Project Engineer
TRC-Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
ABSTRACT
A unique device for the control of particulate emissions works on the
principle that most industrial pollutants acquire an electrostatic charge
as they are dispersed into the air. If this charged airborne material is
exposed to an.oppositely charged water fog, the charges act to enhance the
contact between the particulates and the fog droplets, resulting in rapid
agglomeration and particle fallout. A device that generates charged fog
has now been substantially developed and is being offered commercially by
The Ritten Corporation.
TRC-Environmental Consultants, Inc. has been contracted by EPA/IERL/RTP
to test the Ritten Corporation's Fogger IV on several large-scale fugitive
dust sources. This paper discusses the initial test at a sand and gravel
operation and presents preliminary test results in terms of percent
reduction in TSP. The changes in fogger effectiveness due to variations in
operational parameters are discussed. The initial tests indicate overall
fogger efficiencies of approximately 70 percent.
129
-------
DEMONSTRATION OF THE USE OF CHARGED FOG
IN CONTROLLING FUGITIVE DUST
FROM LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL SOURCES
INTRODUCTION
A spray.of fine water droplets is a well-known means of airborne dust
removal. Various types of scrubbers rely on water droplets to sweep
particles from the inlet gasses and water sprays are often used in mining
and material handling for dust suppression. Unfortunately, water sprays
are not very efficient in removing dust from the ambient air.
One means of improving the efficiency of water sprays is by applying a
charge to the spray that is opposite in polarity to the charge of the dust
to be suppressed. It has been found that most industrial pollutants and
naturally occurring fugitive dusts acquire an electrostatic charge as they
are dispersed into the air. If this charged, airborne material is exposed
to an oppositely charged water spray there is enhanced contact between the
particulates and the water droplets. After contact is made, the wetted
particulates agglomerate rapidly and fall out of the atmosphere.
The charged sprays can be further improved by atomizing the water
droplets so that a fog is produced. The fineness of the particles enhances
the charge carrying capabilities in the spray. Furthermore, Hoenig
(1977)l has demonstrated that the greatest effectiveness is obtained when
the water droplets are of a similar size to the dust particles to be
controlled. Lastly, less water is required when fog is used, thus reducing
operating costs.
A device capable of producing this fine spray and applying a charge to
it is known as a charged fogger. A charged fogger uses a nozzle to produce
the fog, an induction ring to charge the fog as it leaves the nozzle, and a
fan to transport the fog to the dust source. The operation of the fogger
requires a water supply, a pressurized air supply, and power. There are
several such devices on the market, tailored to the size and type of
industrial application.
The charged fogger is intended primarily for fugitive dust sources that
cannot reasonably be controlled via conventional means such as hooding.
Such sources include materials handling operations (transfer points and
conveyors), truck and railroad car loading and unloading, front end
loaders, ship loading, grain silos, and mining operations. The charged fog
concept has been applied to operations as small as a hand grinder and as
large as a quarry.
Although the charged fog concept has been widely applied to industrial
souces of fugitive dust, little data is available regarding fogger control
efficiency. To obtain such data, the Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory of the Environmental Protection Agency at Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, (IERL/EPA/RTP) contracted TRC-Environmental
Consultants, Inc. (TRC) to conduct a full scale demonstration of a charged
130
-------
fogger on several appropriate industrial fugitive emission sources. In
particular/ IERL/EPA was interested in testing the largest fogger,
designated "Fogger IV", manufactured by the Ritten Corporation of Ardmore,
Pennsylvania, on several sources within the iron and steel and sand and
gravel industries.
The sources considered for testing included materials transfer,
conveying, grinding, crushing, and truck and railroad car loading and
unloading. The requirements for a test site included isolability from
other dust sources, availability of necessary utilities, relative
difficulty of control by other methods, representativeness to the general
industry, relatively continuous operation, and fairly heavy dust production
to facilitate sampling.
Following numerous visits to iron and steel and sand and gravel sites,
several suitable sources were selected for field testing the charged
fogger. The source chosen for the first test was the primary rock crusher
operation at a sand and gravel site in Connecticut.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SITE AND TEST EQUIPMENT
Figure 1 is a plot plan of the primary crusher operation showing the
locations and dimensions of the various structures. Descriptions of the
site and test equipment are given in the following subsections.
Test Site
The inital fogger test site was a primary rock crusher. Approximately
100 dump trucks per day, each carrying loads of approximately 45 Mg (50
tons) of quarry rock (basically basalt) mixed with dirt, back up to the
crushing pit to unload. Unloading times vary from 30-60 seconds, depending
on conditions in the pit. The pit itself is roughly 8 meters long and 6
meters wide. The crushing is done by a Superior 4265 gyrotory rock
crusher. There is a two story computer control building to the north side
of the crushing pit, a control shed to the east, and a large paved area to
the south side. All approach roads and areas around the buildings and pit
are paved and kept reasonably clean through frequent sweepings and
waterings.
Fugitive dust emissions result from the dumping and crushing
operations. The truck unloading is the primary source of dust with the
major portion coming from dust boil-up at the rear of the pit. There is
also dust at the rear of the truck during the dump. The crushing procedure
itself also produces dust, but to a much lesser degree than the unloading
process.
Charged Foggers
Two identical foggers were specially designed for TRC and EPA by the
Ritten Corporation of Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Ritten's standard Fogger III
was modified and upgraded in order to allow for variations of parameters.
The final configuration, designated "Fogger IV", is shown schematically in
Figure 2.
131
-------
/v
12m
COMPUTER
CONTROL
BUILDING
PRIMARY
CRUSHING
PIT
BREAKER ARM
PRIMARY
CRUSHER
DUMP
TRUCK
15m
CEMENT
BLOCKS
PAVED AREA
EDGE OF
EMBANKMENT
CRUSHER
CONTROL
SHED
CRANE FOR
DISLODGING
JAMS AND
REMOVING
OVERSIZE
MATERIAL
12m
Figure 1. Primary crusher plot plan.
132
-------
co
co
BELT GUARD
^JUNCTION BOX (MOTOR)
1OKI
22.9 cm
5HP MOTOR
BELT DRIVEN CENTAX1AL FAN
-48.3 cm
WEATHER-PROOF CONTROL
PANEL ENCLOSURE
CONTROL PANEL
15.2 cm INDUCTION RING
AIR ATOMIZING NOZZLE
NOSECONE
5 * \ WATER LINE
COMPRESSED AIR LINE
HIGH VOLTAGE LINE
UTILITY BASKET
ONTROL BOX
AIR AND WATER INPUT
CONNECTION PORTS
230 VAC RECEPTACLE
230 VAC MAIN
DISCONNECT SWITCH
CONTROL CABINET
f-LIFTING EYE FOR SKID JACK
Figure 2. Schematic of the Ritten Corporation's Fogger IV.
-------
In the generation of the charged fog by the Fogger IV, water is
atomized via a compressed air supply and ejected from a nozzle. As the fog
leaves the nozzle, it passes through an induction ring where either a
positive or negative charge, depending on the nature of the dust, is
applied to the spray. A flow of air around the nozzle, provided by a
centaxial fan, projects the fog towards the dust source. A control panel,
located on the back of the fogger, allows for fogger operation and
parameter variability. A schematic of the control panel is shown in
Figure 3.
The requirements for and capabilities of the operational parameters are
as follows:
• Air supply to nozzle - A compressed air supply of 5.6 - 8.8 kg/cm2
(80-125 PSI) is required. For the tests the air was supplied by a 2
hp compressor. The air flow through the nozzle is variable from 0 -
11.3 mVhr (0-400 SCFH).
• Water flow - The water supply to the fogger should be around 3.5
kg/cm2 (50 PSI) which is typical "shop" water pressure. The water
flow through the nozzle is variable from 0 - 151 1/hr (0-40 GPH).
• Power - The foggers require a power supply of 230 volts, single
phase, 60 Hz. The current requirements do not exceed 35 amps.
• Centaxial fan - The fan, driven by a 5 hp explosion-proof motor,
operates at a maximum of 79 m3/min (2800 SCFH). The maximum
output air velocity is approximately 3048 m/min (10,000 FPM). The
fan flow rate is variable from 0 - 100% of capacity.
9 Charge per drop - Assuming an average droplet size of approximately
60 ym, the average number of elementary charges per droplet was
calculated to be approximately 8 x 101* for 75 1/hr (20 GPH) water
flow.
• Flow spectra - Two different flow nozzles were used for the tests,
both manufactured by Delavan in Des Moines, Iowa. One nozzle
produced a conical spray of droplets estimated to be in the 50 - 70
ym size range . while the other had a heavier flow capacity and
produced a conical spray of droplets estimated to be in the 60 - 80
ym size range. A third type of nozzle, which produces a flat
spray, was not yet available for these tests, but will be used at
subsequent locations.
The two foggers were tested at various locations around the pit to
determine the arrangement for optimum dust control. Placement was also
dependent on wind direction. The exact positions are described in the next
section.
Sampling Equipment
The equipment used for particulate measurements included seven
hi-volume samplers and a wind recording system. The hi-vols were
manufactured by Misco Scientific and had automatic flow control. This
134
-------
01
21.6
cm
400
110 VAC YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHT-
230 VAC RED PUSHBUTTON SWITCH-
230 VAC BLACK PUSHBUTTON SWITCH-
-230 VAC GREEN INDICATOR LIGHT
GPH
WATER
40
| ON j OFF]
POWER
INDUCTION
RING
COMPRESSED
AIR
ON OFF
FAN POWER
ON { OFF
OFF
WATER
INDUCTION
RING
SHEAR
o
PIN
POWER
O
ON
FAN SPEED
A.C. VOLTS
76.2 cm
L
OHMS
VARIABLE
TRANSFORMER
INDICATION LIGHTS FOR THE
PARAMETRIC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER
Figure 3. Schematic of the Fogger IV control panel
-------
enabled the mass flow rate to be held constant irrespective of filter
loading, atmospheric conditions, and line voltage changes. Two of the
hi-vols were fitted with Anderson Model 7000 Size Selective Inlets (SSI's)
which are designed to remove all participates larger than 15 pm from the
sampled air before filtering the remaining participates onto a standard
hi-vol filter. Two other hi-vols were fitted with Sierra Instruments
Series 230 4-stage cascade impactors (CI's). By using the SSI's and CI's,
the charged fogger efficiency could be examined for various particle size
ranges.
The wind velocity and direction measurements were recorded using a
Climatronic Mark III Wind system. Wind speed is measured with a 3-cup
anemometer coupled to a light chopper. The chopper output is converted to
DC voltage and recorded on a chart. The wind direction is measured by a
wind vane coupled to a precision low-torque potentiometer. The wiper
voltage of the potentiometer is recorded on another chart.
The hi-vols were positioned at various locations and in various
combinations around the pit, depending on wind direction. The sampling
array for each test is described in the next section.
TEST PROGRAM AND PROCEDURE
The test program consisted of 32 runs during 6 days of testing. The
test conditions are presented in Table 1 and the equipment positions for
each set of runs are shown in Figure 4. Conditions at the crusher
prevented extensive parameter variations. Water was provided by a tank
with a small pump which limited nozzle flow to approximately 80 1/hr. Fan
speed was reduced to 80% of capacity to help reduce excessive dust
reentrainment in the pit.
The sampling procedure was essentially the same for each test. Upon
arrival at the test site the wind recording system was set up and the wind
direction determined. The hi-volume samplers were then positioned in a
sampling array downwind of the crushing pit. The foggers were positioned
to control the dust cloud while not spraying directly into the samplers.
Once the equipment was positioned, the pre-weighed hi-volume filters were
placed into the samplers. The samplers were then turned on simultaneously
just prior to the first truck dump of a predetermined sequence of trucks
(typically 8 trucks provided sufficient material for sampling purposes).
For the runs with the foggers in operation, the foggers were also turned on
at this time and adjusted to the predetermined fogger operational parameter
conditions. After the last truck of the sequence had dumped into the pit
and crushing was completed, the samplers and foggers were all stopped and
the filters removed. At the end of the day, all of the filters were
returned to TRC's chemistry laboratory where they were subsequently
desiccated and weighed.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The majority of the test runs at the primary crusher, numbers 7-31,
were completed before the final filter weights were available from the
chemistry laboratory. Upon examining the data, several important factors
came to light. in almost all cases, the TSP levels, as measured by the
various samplers, showed increases above the uncontrolled levels when
136
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Table 1. TEST CONDITlQMS - PRIMARY CRUSHER
Run Aabient
Designation Equipment • Temp.
No. Positions Date Time |°C)
7 Fig. 4a 10-13-80 0938-1000 9
8 j 1 1050-1129 10
9 1 1 1300-1381 13
10 1 \ 1326-1350 13
11 T t 1355-1434 13
12 Fig. 4b 10-14-80 0833-0915 6
13 II 0933-1005 6
1< || 1022-1050 7
IS 11 1059-1125 7
16 | 1 1245-1305 9
17 f| 1313-1346 10
18 Fig. 4c 10-15-80 0949-1026 9
19 1
20 \
22 Fig. 4d 10-1
23 ,
24
1-25 |
W 26
27 |
1039-1113 9
1116-1156 11
-80 0940-1003 12
1021-1038 12
1056-1127 16
1251-1314 20
1323-1345 20
1350-1412 20
28 Fig. 4e 10-17-80 0850-0927 21
29 1 1 0936-0927 21
30 1 1 1016-1045 21
31 T t 1105-1135 21
32 Fig. 4C 10-24-80 925- 943 4
33
34
35
36
37
38
39 t
950-1004 4
1010-1025 5
1027-1040 5
1045-1112 5
1120-1138 6
1244-1325 11
1334-1403 11
* Type Is low flow
Type 2: heavy flow
Fogger 803018
Relative
Htmldlty
Hind
Hind Speed Ho. of
(l| Direction (B/sec) Trucks
77
77
70
70.
70
72
72
72
72
72
72
36
36
36
57'
57
57
52
52
52
55
55
55
55
82
82
82
82
82
82
68
68
M-E 2-5 8
NNH 4
\ 1
8
8
8
Hater
Flow
(1/hrl
61
68
72
Air
Flow
<»3/hr )
4.2
4.2
4.0
Fan
Speed
(»)
80
80
80
Sign
of
Charge
<0)
<;'!
Hoi lie*
Type
1
1
1
Hater
Flow
U/hrJ
68
68
68
Pogger 803019
Air
Flow
(Bl/hr)
4.2
4.2
4.0
Fan
Speed
(»)
80
80
80
Sign
of
Charge
(«)
';'
Nozrle*
•type
i
l
1
HNH Vac . 8
Iw/gusts 8
to
1
\
9 a
18
8
a
60
57
53
53
2.3
2.3
2.7
2.4
80
80
80
80
(0)
(+1
(-)
<-)
1
1
1
1
68
72
64
61
2.3
1.6
1.8
1.4
80
80
80
80
lu)
(+)
(-)
(->
i
i
A
1
CalB CalB 10
t j
1 '°.
68
76
4.0
4.1
50
50
(0)
2
2
66
76
4.0
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50
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to!
2
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I 1
t \
4
a
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1
*
8
8
76
72
72
77
2.8
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2.6
2.7
80
80
80
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(*)
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(*)
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2
2
2
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76
76
72
77
4.4
2.6
3-1
2.8
80
80
80
80
(+i
<+j
(0)
2
2
2
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CalB CalB 8
I j
1 i
76
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76
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\
m-E
I
t ^
6
6
6
6
C
76
76
74
4.2
4.7
4.8
SE-S 1-2 10
SE-S 1-2 10
78
4.2
70
70
70
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
(OJ
(*>
(0)
(0)
(0)
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
76
80
76
74
76
78
78
4.0
2.8
2.8
4.2
4.4
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4.2
70
70
70
80
80
80
80
80
80
BO
80
(0)
(0)
(0)
to)
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
-------
CO
00
LEGEND
HI-VOLS-
• 7084 STANDARD
O 7112 STANDARD
O 71O6 STANDARD
A
A
7101 CASCADE
IMPACTOR
7094 CASCADE
IMPACTOR
7105 SIZE
SELECTIVE INLET
7092 SIZE
SELECTIVE INLET
FOGGERS-
• 803019
O 803018
Figure 4. Test equipment positions.
-------
uncharged fog was applied to the crushing operation. Although this result
was unexpected, further analysis soon found the problem. The fans in the
foggers which create the airflow that projects the fog toward the dust
source are so powerful that they were actually creating an artificial wind
effect. The uncontrolled dust plume was only subject to the ambient wind
whereas the controlled plume was being radically "directed" by the fogger
air jets. This discovery produced the need for a final series of tests
wherein the uncontrolled baseline TSP levels were recorded with the fans on
with no water added.
Another concern that developed was with the intermittent nature of the
truck dumps. In some cases, eight trucks would unload within twenty
minutes while at other times it would take thirty or forty minutes. The
data was therefore reduced on a per-truck basis since the unloading and
crushing times, the times when the vast majority of the dust is produced,
were essentially the same for all dumps. The data were also slightly
adjusted to account for deviations of the actual sampler flow rates from
the design flow of 1.1 m3/min (40 cfm).
While the data from runs 7-31 did not reveal information regarding
overall fogger efficiency, it did provide insight into the increase in
efficiency due to charging the fog versus uncharged fog. This efficiency
could be further examined with regards to particle size, distance from the
pit, and positive charge versus negative charge. Not all of the runs
produced usable data since the fog impinged on the samplers during some
tests.
The data from runs 32-39 were used to determine fogger efficiency with
respect to uncharged fog. The spacing of the samplers also allowed for the
examination of efficiency versus distance from the pit. This information
was then combined with the data from runs 7-31 to calculate overall fogger
efficiency.
Attempts were made at obtaining information on visibility improvement
via EPA Method 9 (visual determination of opacity), it was found that the
opacity of the fog was similar to the opacity of the uncontrolled dust
plume so that no real visibility improvement was noted.
Figure 5 presents the preliminary test results from the initial charged
fogger tests at the primary crusher site. The left side of the figure
shows the percent reduction in TSP levels when an uncharged water fog was
used to control the fugitive dust. The right side of the figure shows the
additional percent reduction in TSP levels when a charge was applied to the
fog. The data from this figure reveal several important results, as
discussed in the following subsections.
Uncharged Fog Efficiency
Based on the limited amount of data for fan only versus uncharged fog,
it appears that a water spray alone is approximately 30-40% efficient in
reducing the fugitive dust levels from the primary crusher. It also
appears that this efficiency is independent of particle size and the
distance from the pit.
139
-------
1OO
o
gso
Z uj
O C9
o<
si60
OC ^^f
^^^ f^M
gf ^j ^**
III ^
OL O
IL
20
O
_ i i ' t-
O STANDARD HI-VOL
A SIZE SELECTIVE INLET
^B
O -
_
H
^M
till
1 — -is 4 A. . io
100
O
u. 8O
O
III
oa
Pz
00 6O
•» •
Q (0
z2
K« *o
OQ
KUJ
UIO
ouoe
z
z 20
0
- O STANDARD1 HI-VOL ' '"
n CASCADE IMPACTOR -
U TOTAL LOADING
A SIZE SELECTIVE INLET
OPEN SYMBOLS: NEG. FOG
SOLID SYMBOLS: POS. FOG
a
o
i •
o ft . •
• A
A
^ ^^ ^
A
• 1 L
23 5 7.5 IO
•^•4«v & *i^»v> v»«%^ka I*I^P l~~.\
DISTANCE FROM PIT (m)
Figure 5. Percent reduction in TSP levels due to fogging of primary crusher.
-------
Efficiency Increase Due to Charging of Fog
By applying a charge to the water spray, the fugitive dust levels were
reduced 40-70% over the levels recorded using uncharged fog. There appears
to be a trend of increasing reduction with increasing distance from the
pit. This apparent phenomenon is not explainable at this time, but it may
have something to do with agglomeration and particle fallout. This
possible distance factor will be examined further in future tests.
Figure 5 also shows that TSP reduction due to charging is essentially
the same regardless of whether a positive or a negative charge is applied
to the spray. This indicates that the dust cloud contains a mixture of
part ides ^ some with negative charge and some with positive charge. This
is consistent with the findings of other researchers, namely Hoenig
(1977)l and Kunkel (1950)2.
TSP reduction appears to be the same for the respirable size range
(<_15um), as measured with the hi-vols with size selective inlets, as
for the size range sampled with the standard hi-vol (£ 30ym). it was
hoped that the use of the cascade impactors would provide additional
information on efficiency versus particle size, but the results proved
unusable. Almost all of the material collected by the hi-vols fitted with
the impactors was collected on the back-up filter. This indicates that
there was severe particle bounce between the impactor stages. Perhaps
tests at sources with finer dust will yield more useful information.
Overall Fogger Efficiency
By combining the results presented in Figure 5, it is possible to
calculate an overall collection efficiency for the charged foggers. Based
on the preliminary data, the use of charged fog can reduce the fugitive
dust levels that result from the primary rock crushing operation
approximately 65-75%. It is felt that this reduction could be even greater
through the use of additional foggers, wind baffles to reduce turbulence,
and increased water flow.
FUTURE WORK
The two foggers are currently being tested at the second source which
is a secondary rock crusher at another site in Connecticut. At this site,
fugitive dust results from the fall of the crushed material onto a conveyor
belt. This dust is released to the atmosphere through openings at the base
of the operation. The foggers have been positioned so as to blanket this
area with a cloud of charged fog. Testing should be completed at this
location by the end of November.
Following the tests at the secondary crusher, the next sources to be
tested will be within the iron and 'steel industry. Negotiations are
currently underway for testing at two different steel companies - one in
the eastern United States and one in Canada. At the one steel company,
there are two possible sources for testing the foggers. One source is a
sinter plant pug mill which mixes water with baghouse dust for dust
suppression before recycling the material back through the plant. Even
with the water addition there is a significant amount of fugitive dust
141
-------
around the source. The second source is the hot fume that results in a
cast house from the filling of a ladle car with molten iron from a cast.
At the other steel company/ a possible source for testing is a coke
screening operation. Coke is transferred from a conveyor belt onto a
shaker screen where it is sorted by size. The shaking results in copious
amounts of dust. There is also the possibility of testing some limestone
handling operations, such as transfer points and truck unloading, at this
location.
The steel company tests mentioned above will most likely be performed
in the winter and early spring. Following completion of all field tests, a
final report will be prepared for the EPA presenting the results.
142
-------
REFERENCES
1. Hoenig, S.A. Use o£ Electrostatically Charged Fog for Control ot
Fugitive Dust Emissions. Prepared for U.S. EPA. EPA-600/7-77-131.
November 1977.
2. Kunkel, W.B. The Static Electrification of Dust Particles on
Dispersion into a cloud. Journal of Applied Physics. Volume 21.
August 1950f pp. 820-832.
143
-------
A GRAVEL BED FILTER WITH FLUIDIZED-BED
DURING REVERSE CLEANING
By Yan Xingzhong
Vice chief Engineer
Wang Nengqin
Engineer
Safety Technology Research Institute
Ministry of Metallurgical Industry
Wuhan
People's Republic of China
ABSTRACT
In order to meet the needs for cleaning large quantity of high tem-
perature fume from iron and steel plants. Safety Technology Research
Institute of Metallurgical Industry Ministry of China has developed a
new type of gravel bed filter in which the gravel bed fluidizes during
reverse cleaning. Being designed on the principle of bulb forming and
fluidiaation, this kind of filter can clean dust remained in the filtrating
bed by fluidized backflushing without the rake stirring mechanism. This
helps the filter very much to be of the towery type with multilayers.
In this paper, through theoretical analysis and calculations the
authors provide necessary data of fluidizing the gravel bed. The appli-
cation of this filter in industry and the comparision of its technology
with that of ordinary gravel-bed filters and other types of efficient
dry filters have shown this filter is simple in structure and easy for
maintenance. It takes up less space and requires less capital cost as
well. To the present , -hls *yPe of *ilt«* with gas volume I20000m^/hr
has been run in practice and its performance of reverse cleaning is sa-
isfactory.
145
-------
A GRAVEL BED FILTER WITH FLUIDIZED-BED
DURING REVERSE CLEANING
INTRODUCTION
Since the 1960s the gravel bed filters have been used for removal of
dust from Oas stream in some industries, such as in clinker coolers, lime
kilns and sinter machines. The gravel bed filter uses solid granular
materials such as granular quartz, pebble-stone, etc. as its filtrating
medium that has following advantages: low cost, high temperature resistance,
good wear resistance and durability. In comparison with some efficient
dry filters, such as electrostatic precipitators and bag houses, the
gravel bed filter is simpler in construction and is easier for main-
tenance, its capital cost is comparatively low. So the gravel bed filter
is a kind of dust collector which promises well and will be further de-
veloped.
In iron and steel plants a large quantity of high temperature dust
laden gases must be cleaned. It is important to have an economic and
effective method to filtrate those dust laden gas. The gravel bed fil-
ter is especially suitable for cleaning the high temperature gases, there-
fore this method is well worth developing.
Safety Technology Research Institute has engaged in developing the
gravel bed filter since I974-. From the beginning of the research we tried
to suit this kind of filter to filtration of large quantity of high tem-
perature dust laden gases. Under such circumstance the principal method
is to place the filter layers on top of each other to form a filtrating
tower, which would occupy less space. In our first pilot test case pi$*B
were used as the shaft of turning the rake stirring device in each layer,
as shown in Figure I. In the second test a shaft was set at one side of the
towery filter to drive the rake stirring device in each layer with sprockets
and a roller chain, as shown in Figure 2. Both of tests failed because
it was too difficult to bring this construction into reality and we could
only overlap 3-5 layers of filter together at most. We carried on our
test, trying to construct a filter, every layer having its own motor,
reductor, sprocket and roller chain that would drive the rake stirring
146
-------
Figure I. Filter with case
pipes as shaft to drive
the rake stirring device
Figure 2. Filter with a
side shaft to drive the
rake stirring device
Figure 3. Filter with individual
motors to drive the rake stirring device
in each layer
147
-------
device separately, as shown in Figure 3» However, it was still impossible
for MS to build such a multilayer filter tower, for the intervals between
layers were too large.
Finally, by applying the principle of bulb forming and fluidization
in the gravel bed, we developed in 1977 a multi-layers gravel bed filter
of towery type which could clean dust remained in the filtrating bed by
fluidized backflushing, so that the rake stirring mechanism could be left
out. This kind of filter is much simpler in structure, easier for main-
tenance, occupying less space and requiring less capital cost. Now, a
gravel filter of this type with gas volume I20000m^/hr has been run in
practice and its performance of reverse cleaning is satisfactory.
PRINCIPLE AND ANALYSIS
During the backflushing of the gravel bed filter with stirring rake
devices, the rakes stir the granules and make them rub mutually. In this
process, the backflushing air separates the dust from granules and sends
the dust out of the filter layer. With the help of rake stirring, the
surface of filter layers may be kept plane*
For a gravel bed filter with fluidized bed during reverse cleaning,
the fluidization in the filter layer can get the same effect as the rake
stirring. During the period of backflushing, the reverse cleaning air
will reach a definite velocity and the filter layer will be fluidized.
In the fluidized bed the granules will move up and down and rub mutually
as boiling water does. In such case, dust which adheres to the granular
surface may be separated and brought away by the flushing air.
To achieve ideal effect, the reverse cleaning process should be con-
trolled as follows:
I. The bulb forming must be uniformly distributed in the whole area
of the gravel bed layer, there must not be any dead corners or local
blowing-off.
2. After reverse blowing, the filtrating layer must have a plane sur-
face, on which there must be no hills, no cavities or no uneven area.
Therefore the filter can achieve good filtrating effect.
148
-------
3. The parts which can meet the above-mentioned requirements should
be simple in construction, easy for maintenance and hare high reliability
and low pressure drop*
filter layer possesses a good appearance, as shown in Figure 4 and
Figure 5. In Figure 4 the filter layer is in a state of reverse cleaning.
The granules move up and down uniformly as the boiling water does. Figure
5 shows that after reverse cleaning the surface of the layer of the gravel
filter is quite plane*
The forming of fluidization and good reverse cleaning are determined
by the size of granules, the properties of dust, the velocity of reverse
'air blowing, the pressure drop as well as the interval time of reverse
blowing.
The Diameter of Granules
In the gravel bed filter, it is important to choose granules of pro-
per sizes. The diameter of granules has direct influence on the effi-
ciancy of dust collection and reverse blowing. In general the finer the
filtrating granules, the higher the dust collection efficiency and more
easily the fluidization will be formed. But there are some limits to
the fineness of the filtrating granules. If the granules are too fine,
they would drop through the screen.
It is impossible for all the granules to have same diameter. For
the purpose of denoting the size of granules, the "average equivalent
diameter" Dp (mm.) is used.
Dp is determined from the following equation:
I = 2-2L-
Dp di
Where xi = the percentage of the weight of the granules whose diameter
is di (mm.)
The granules are generally of irregular shape. The average equivalent
diameter must be multiplied by a form coefficient pn to get "calculating
average equivalent diameter " Do (mm.) which is expressed as
149
-------
Figure 4-. Filter layer in bulb
forming and fluidization
Figure 5. Filter layer after
backflushing
150
-------
DO = #s ' DP
The form coefficient is the root square of the ratio of spherical
surface area Sg to irregular surface area S^, It applies
*
Generally, the form coefficient of the granular quartz is close to
0.5 and 1.3-2.2 mnu of the average equivalent diameter of granules is
used.
Properties of Dust
The properties of dust, especially the adhesion, affect the result
of backflushing. It is easy to blow off the dust deposited on the sur-
face of the filtrating layer. But to blow off the dust adhering to the
surface of the granules requires some specific conditions. To elutriate
this kind of fine dust there must be a greater blowing-off velocity and
every granule must be brought into touch with the backflushing air jet.
Nowadays it has succeeded in blowing off some low adhesive dusts which
adhere to the surface of the granules. But some of dust of metal oxides
cannot be wholly blown off from the filter layer due to its large cohesive
force.
The size of dust which can be blown off during reverse cleaning has
a close connection with the velocity of reverse blowing and the density
of dust itself. It may be considered that the reverse blowing velocity
must be larger than the terminal settling velocity of dust particles.
Only on this condition can the dust particles be blown off from the filter
layer during reverse cleaning. For example, when the average reverse
blowing velocity is Im/sec, only the dust whose diameter is less than
0.15 mm. can be blown off from the filter layer, and the dust larger than
0.13 mm. must be deposited in the settling chamber beforehand.
Critical Fluidized Velocity
When the volume of reverse cleaning air flowing through the filtrating
layer is very small, the air will flow through the small porosity and the
151
-------
granules remain steady. This kind of filtrating layer is called steady
bed. When this velocity increases, the granules begin to lift by the
air. This is called primary fluidized bed. If the velocity would in-
crease continuously, air bulb and violent stirring will occur in the fil-
trating filter. That is called bulbing or fluidized bed. The minimum
reverse cleaning velocity which changes the filtrating bed from steady
state into fluidized state is called critical fluidized velocity.
The critical fluidized velocity can be calculated by using the fol-
lowing equation [ij:
Vfo B Jl_ . Ar
Where V - kinematic viscosity (m2/sec)
Do = calculated average diameter of granules (ra)
£ n porosity of granules layer
Ar = Archimedes number
;
For the porosity of granules, the following equation applies
Vr - Yb
Yr
Where Yb = bulk specific gravity
Yr = real specific gravity of granules
The Archimedes number applies
•
Ar
V2 «Ya
Where g = gravitational acceleration (m/sec2)
Yr = real specific gravity of granules
Ya = specific gravity of air
V = kinematic viscosity (m/sec)
Do s calculated average diameter of granules (m)
While the average equivalent diameter of granular quartz is within
the range of i.3-2.2 mm., the critical fluidized velocity will be 0.68-
I.I9m/sec.
152
-------
The Maximum Reverse Blowing Velocity
When the reverse blowing velocity is larger than the critical flui-
dized velocity, the bulbing effect will be intensive and the backflushing
will achieve good cleaning result. But if the velocity of reverse blowing
is too large, the granules may be blown off from the filter bed. Then
there should be the maximum permissible reverse blowing velocity.
In the steady air the granules dropping due to the gravitational
force has a terminal velocity. When air flow reaches this velocity, the
resistance of air acting on the granules equals the gravitational force.
The dropping velocity of granules would not increase further. In the
field of air flow, the granules would be blown off if the velocity of air
flow exceeds the terminal velocity of falling granules. So there should
be the maximum reverse blowing velocity Wt(m/sec) (2) , which can be found
from the relationship:
— Do3(rr -ra) =
6
g
Do
wy
4 2g
In the form, £g is related to the Reynolds number Re =
Do
When Re < 0.4
24
Re
Then
wt =
18 rav
Do'
When 0.4 < Re < 500
10
Then
Wt =
• Re
4
225
0.5
C'r
•
- ra)2g2
r 2v
Do
When 500 < Re < 200000
8 f 3.1g (*r - ra)
Then
Wt =
Do
si
2
For granular quart* its average equivalent diameter is 1.3-2.2 mm.
153
-------
Wt = 5.4-8.76m/sec
The Resistance of Reverse Bloving
When the reverse cleaning air keeps a low flow rate, the resistance
of air flow is proportional to the air flow velocity. When the velocity
of reverse cleaning air rises to the fluidizing condition, the granules
will be blown up and will float in the air. The resistance of reverse
blowing will be a constant. It will not increase even if the velocity
of reverse blowing rises further*
In the fluidizing condition the resistance of reverse blowing "P"
is close to the weight of the granular filtrating layer in unit area(l).
It is of the form
P s
-------
CONSTRUCTION
A typical multilayer gravel bed filter with fluidized-bed during re-
verse cleaning is shown in Figure 6.
In Figure 6, the raw dust laden gas enters the settling chamber (2)
from the inlet duct (I) to remove the coarse dust. The dust not deposited
in the settling chamber will go into the filtrating chamber (3) with the
gas, where the gas flows through the filter layer (4) and the remaining
dust is removed. Filtrated gas then will enter the clean gas outlet duct
(9) through the screen (5) and the exhaust port. The process described
above continues until the filtrating bed is fully laden with dust. Then
a new cleaning cycle begins. At this time the layer of filter is isolated
from the cleaned gas stream by actuation of the backflushing control valve
(10) driven by the valve cylinder. Then this layer has come into the bed
cleaning or backflushing period.
In the lower filtrating layer in Figure 6, fresh air enters the unit
through the backflushing air inlet (8) and is carried upward and runs
through tfie filtrating layer (4-). During this period the gravel bed is
fluidized so that stirring bulbs are formed. The dust is removed from
the filter medium. Some of the agglomerated dust particles which are
significantly larger than the original fine dust will be led down to the
settling chamber and some other dust is reintroduced to the filtrating
layer together with the raw dust laden gas.
The backflushing valves are powered by the double-acting compressed
air cylinders, which are controlled by an adjustable interval timer.
A section of filter layer consists of two filtrating areas (A.B) se-
parated by an insulating board (II). A1J the layers are of the same con-
struction. Consequently it is easy to place one layer over another.
Generally 4 layers are combined to be a set, and a multilayer towery type
gravel bed filter consists of several sets.
The chief advantages of the gravel bed filter with fluidized-bed over
the ordinary gravel bed filters are as follows:
155
-------
Section I—I
I. inlet duct
2. settling chamber
3. filtrating chamber
4. filter layer
5. screen
6. dust chamber
7. dust outlet
8. back flush air inlet
9. clean gas duct
10, back flush control
valve
II, insulating board
•A.B filtrating area
Figure 6. Schematic diagram of multilayer gravel bed filter
with fluidized bed during reverse cleaning
156
-------
Due to the omission of the rake stirring mechanism the construction
of the filter is simplified and the height of every layer is effectively
reduced. Then it is easy to build the towery type of gravel bed filter.
In the filtrating chamber, the temperature resistivity is improved and
the maintenance needs less labour. Now the principal part of a filter
with gas filtrating volume 30000mVhr onlY occupies an area of I6m2, and
only costs RMB 1200 Yuan per 1000 cubic meters of dust laden gas an hour.
APPLICATIONS
The gravel bed filters with fluidized bed during reverse cleaning have
been installed in the following areas.
Sintering Plant
The first gravel bed filter of this type was installed in a sintering
plant in 1979, as is shown in Figure 7. This filter is used to filtrate
the dust laden gas in an agglomerat transportating and lifting system.
There are altogether 10 filtrating layers. This filter can treat 15000
cubic meters of dust laden gas an hour. For the dust of agglomerat 75?6
of which was less than 400 in diameter, the filter can have 95-97.8
percent filtrating efficiency. The temperature of raw gas was I30-I80°C.
The pressure drop of the filter is about 80mm* water.
The second set of this type filter installed in 1980 is used for con-
trolling the smoke of a sintering machine, Figure 8. It has 22 filtrating
layers and can treat 25000-30000 cubic metqrs of duct laden gas an hour.
For the dust 72.8$ of which is less than 40n in diameter, the filter can
have 96 percent collection efficiency. The temperature of raw gas is
I50-I70°C. The pressure drop of the filter is about 80-90 mm. water.
Steel Heating Furnace
In October 1978, a filter of this 'type with 18 layers was installed
in a steel heating furnace. In April 1979 three more filters of the same
type were installed at the same place, as is shown in Figure 9. The total
volume of dust laden gas filtrated by these four filters is I20000m^/hr.
For the dust 9I.2# of which is less than 40// in diameter, 95 percent col-
157
-------
Figure 7. Filter installed in
an agglomerat transportation
and lifting system
Figure 8. Filter installed
in a sintering machine
Figure 9. Filter installed
in a steel heating furnace
Figure iu. Filter installed
ir. -^ clay drying machine
158
-------
lection efficiency can be reached. The temperature of raw gas is 2I?C.
The filtrating medium is granular quartz. The filter layer is IIO-I50
mm* high. The pressure drop during filtration is 70mm. water.
Clay Drying Machine
A gravel bed filter of fluidized backflushing with 10 layers was in-
stalled in a clay drying machine in 1978, as is shown in Figure 10. The
gas volume of this filter is I5000nrVhr. The collection efficiency is
98-98.5$.
CONCLUSION
From the experiments and practical operation of the gravel bed filter
with fluidized-bed during reverse cleaning, the authors have come to the
following conclusions:
I. When the velocity of backflushing is slightly greater than the
critical fluidizing velocity, air bulbs and violent stirring take place
in the granular filtrating layer. After backflushing the surface of fil-
trating layer can keep plane and the dust which sticks to the granular
surface can be removed. The primary pressure drop of the filter recovers.
2. By applying the theory of fluidization to backflushing, the gravel
bed filter can be constructed without the rake stirring mechanism. It
is easy for this kind of gravel bed filter to be of multilayer towery type,
more applicable to the filtration of large quantity of high temperature
dust laden gas in iron and steel smelting plants.
3. Compared with the conventional gravel bed filters, the gravel bed
filter with fluidized-bed during reverse cleaning is much simpler, re-
iuires less capital cost and occupies less space. It is easier for main-
tenance and owns good heat resistance.
To raise the dust collection efficiency and to filtrate adhesive
dust with this kind of filter, wj still have much to do.
159
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REFERENCES
* . 10.
Daizo Kunii and Octave Levenspiel: "Fluidization Engineering"
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1969
1976.3.
The End
160
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FINE PARTICLE CONTROL AT HIGH GAS TEMPERATURE
Michael A. Shackleton
Acurex Corporation
485 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View, California 94042
ABSTRACT
A new filter media made from ceramic fibers offers the potential for
fine particulate control at gas temperatures up to 1,000°C (1,800°F).
These filter media represent an emerging technology under development for
application to hot gas cleaning in pressurized fludized bed combustion.
However, the ability to control particles at extreme temperatures will
offer benefits to other industries as well. For example, the 1,000°C
filter will reduce the need to dilute hot gas streams in the iron and
steel industry prior to particle removal. The resulting clean hot gas can
then be used in a heat recovery system to offset the cost of pollution
control. Progress to date in the development of this new filtration
device is reviewed in this paper.
161
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FINE PARTICLE CONTROL AT HIGH GAS TEMPERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Pressurized fluidized bed combustion and some other advanced coal
utilization processes contain particle laden hot gas streams (800°C).
Before energy can be extracted from these gas streams, the particles must
be removed to protect the energy extraction equipment — usually a
turbine. Because of their simplicity, cyclones are a preferred device to
accomplish this particle removal and up to three cyclones in series have
been used with promising results on cascade erosion tests. But, cyclones
do not remove fine particles (<5 ym) which are a potential health hazard
and will need to be removed before release to the atmosphere. In
addition, potentially corrosive alkali metals are concentrated in the fine
particle fraction of the dust distribution and could damage metal turbine
components through deposition on the blading. Thus, if it were economical
to do so, there are technical advantages to removing all particles,
including fine particles, from the hot gas stream. The ceramic fiber
filter media under development at Acurex offers the potential to
accomplish this needed fine particle control at high temperatures.
The ceramic filter represents a system approach to filter design.
That is, it is not simply a material substitution of ceramic fibers for
conventional fibers. The entire filter unit including media support and
cleaning techniques are designed for the unique properties of the ceramic
fibers. This approach maximizes the advantages of ceramic fibers while
minimizing the effects of their weaknesses. The media employs fine
diameter fibers (3 ym nominal) which provide improved collection
efficiency. Fibers are arranged in a mat having a low solidity so that
they can move relative to one another. This prevents breaking of
individual fibers during cleaning. A loosely woven ceramic cloth on the
inner and outer surfaces of the media provides a strengthening screen
which contains the filtration layer of fine fibers. Because the media is
inherently more efficient than conventional media, dust tends to deposit
and form a cake on its surface where it is most easily removed. It can
also collect particles at relatively high face velocity 10 cm/sec
(20 ft/min). Operation at high face velocity requires offline cleaning to
prevent reintrainment of the dust removed by the cleaningipulse. Cleaning
offline also provides the most effective cleaning at minimum energy. To
provide continuous filtration only a portion of the filter unit is cleaned
at a given time.
Significant features of the ceramic filter are:
• Operation at high temperatures and pressures (800°C nominal, up
to 10 atm or more pressure)
t High efficiency collection of fine and submicron particles offers
potential for alkali removal
• High face velocity operation offers potential for compact size
and lower costs
• Pressure drop is determined primarily by dust cake properties and
face velocity
162
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The Acurex ceramic filter has been shown to be a promising concept for hot
gas cleaning in a series of feasibility tests sponsored by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The results of those tests are
briefly reviewed in this paper.
THEORY DISCUSSION
The equations predicting filter performance show that fiber diameter
is an important parameter. Small diameter (3 ym) fibers improve
performance but, except for very high efficiency filters as used in
biological applications, fine fibers have generally not been used in
filter media design. The principle reason is that fine fibers are not
commercially available as readily as coarser (20 to 50 ym) fibers, such as
cotton or cellulose. Since the textile industry dominates the use of
fibers, most artificial fibers have been made to simulate natural ones.
Also small fibers are more expensive to produce and existing fibers
perform satisfactorily in most cases. So, even though seldom used, fiber
diameter is a powerful tool to manipulate filter media performance.
Space limitations do not permit a complete analytical discussion of
temperature and pressure effects upon filter performance and of how these
effects can be overcome in the design of a filter media. These analyses
have been made, however, and the results are summarized below.
Because of the increased viscosity of gases at high temperatures,
particle collection by inertial impaction is reduced 10 to 15 percent for
the particle size range of 0.5 to 5.0ym. Thus, an inertial device
collecting 2.0 ym particles at 90 percent efficiency in a room ambient
test may collect the same particles at only 75 percent efficiency at
high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions.
Filters employ inertial "impaction, direct interception, and diffusion
mechanisms in collecting particles. High-temperature and pressure
influence collection by diffusion only slightly and may, in fact, improve
performance. Direct interception is not a function of temperature and
pressure. All three of these particle collection mechanisms, however, are
strong functions of fiber diameter. If the predicted performance of a
fiber bed composed of 20ym diameter fibers is compared with an equal
weight per unit area of 3.0 ym diameter fibers, collection efficiency will
significantly improve. This improvement in performance will be much
larger than the adverse effects resulting from operation at high
temperatures. For example, such a change in fiber diameter will improve
collection of 0.5 ym particles from 20 percent using 20 ym fibers, to
almost 90 percent using 3.0 ym fibers, Filters achieving 20 percent
collection of 0.5 ym particles are typical of those in commercial use and
their adequate performance can be attributed to the additional filtration
efficiency of the dust cake which forms on the filter surface. Thus by
using small fibers and by relying upon dust cake filtration, it is
possible to make a filter media which will give good performance at
viscosity conditions similar to those at high temperatures.
Fortunately ceramic fibers are available which have diameters of
3.0ym. Figure 1 presents the performance predicted for a bed of 3.0ym
163
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3.0*1 m OIA FIBERS
2.8 g/cm3 FIBER DENSITY
0.5 u m DIA PARTICLE
1.5 g/cm3
815°C
10 ATM
90
O
i
o
O
o
70
60
50
40
20
0
(5 ft/min)
2.54 cm/sec J
(25 ft/min)
12.7 cm/sec
Typical 16 oz felt.
20 ym fibers
(16 oz/yd=)
540 g/m2
a _ Fiber volume
Bed volume
J_
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
BASIS WEIGHT, g/m2
Figure 1. Calculated performance of a ceramic fiber bed composed
of 3.0 vim diameter fibers.
164
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ceramic fibers and 16-ounce felt collecting 0.5 ym particles under HTHP
conditions. The felt is a conventional filtration media with 20 ym
fibers. It is apparent that an equal weight of fine fibers causes
dramatic improvement in collection efficiency.
Some other useful observations can be made from Figure 1. The effect
of filter face velocity and filter media solidity on efficiency are small
compared to the effects of the change in fiber diameter. In other words,
a filter composed of 3.0 ym fibers could have higher collection efficiency
than currently used commercial filter media, even if operated at filter
face velocity as high as 25 ft/min and if only 2 percent of the bed were
occupied by fibers (98 percent open area). The figure also shows that
collection efficiency can be increased by adding fibers (increasing the
basis weight). This is, in effect, what happens when a dust cake is
formed — the dust cake gets thicker and collection efficiency and
pressure drop increase.
In summary, currently available fiber filtration models show that
fine fibers employed in a mat filter will be able to achieve high
efficiency collection of fine particles under high-temperature and
pressure conditions. Further, that a low solidity (fluffy) bed of these
fibers can achieve high efficiency fine particle collection even at filter
face velocities as high as 25 or 30 ft/min. Our test programs have
verified these theoretical results.
This discussion has only addressed particle collection. Other
important questions concerning operating pressure drop, durability, and
cleanability are best examined by experiment and are discussed in the
following section.
SUMMARY OF TEST EXPERIENCE
Four categories of feasibility tests have been performed:
• Room ambient tests — These tests confirmed the theoretical
analysis and examined a broad spectrum of ceramic filter media
candidates
0 High-temperature and pressure mechanical durability tests —
These tests determined that the ceramic filter media candidates
could survive the mechanical stresses associated with 50,000
cleaning pulses (about 1 year of service)
• High-temperature and pressure filtration tests — These tests
measure the filtration characteristics of the filter media in
200-hour dust feeding tests
• Slipstream tests at PFBC — These tests showed high collection
efficiency and cleanability of a ceramic fiber filter in tests at
the EPA/Exxon Miniplant using as-generated PFBC flyash which
passed the secondary cleanup cyclone
165
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Room Ambient Filter Media Tests
A large number of ceramic fiber filter media candidates were
subjected to a series of filtration tests at room ambient conditions.
These tests included some examples of conventional filter media for
comparison. The type of tests performed were:
• Dioctylphtalate (OOP) smoke penetration as a function of airflow
velocity
• Determination of maximum pore size (in micrometers)
• Measurement of permeability
• Flat-sheet dust loading tests using AC fine test dust (a standard
0 to 80 ym classified Arizona road dust). Overall collection
efficiency and dust loading required to develop 3.7 kPa
(15 inches H20) pressure drop are determined from this test
which is run at 10 cm/sec (20 ft/min) face velocity.
The test data revealed which of the available ceramic media
candidates would most likely provide good filtration performance. These
data are shown in detail in EPA-600/7-78-194. A summary of findings from
these tests follows:
• Several of the ceramic paper and felt materials are capable of
removing fine particles at high efficiency without excessive
filter basis weights. OOP tests tended to confirm the
performance predicted by analysis as shown in Figure 1.
• The ceramic paper and felt materials have filtration
characteristics and performed similarly to paper and felt
commercial filter media in a series of filter media tests
• The ceramic woven materials were characterized by large pores and
low collection efficiency in the dust loading tests. The range
of parameters exhibited by the various woven materials indicates
that an acceptable woven ceramic filter media can probably be
fabricated. However, acceptable performance would only occur at
low air-to-cloth ratios.
• "Blanket" ceramic fiber materials (felts) consisting of small
diameter fibers (3.0 ym) appear to be the most promising
materials for high temperature and pressure tests because of
their combination of good filtration performance and relatively
high strength
High-Temperature and Pressure Mechanical Durability Tests
The mechanical durability tests answered the following questions:
• How durable are ceramic fiber structures when subjected to
environmental conditions associated with filtration applications?
• How well do ceramic fibers perform as filters in the HTHP
environment?
Concerning the first question, three ceramic filter media
configurations survived a test during which the filter elements were
subjected to 50,000 cleaning pulses. The objective of these tests was to
166
-------
simulate approximately 1 year of operation of mechanical cleaning loads on
the media at high-temperature and pressure. These tests showed that the
low solidity, fine-fiber filters were undamaged by pulse cleaning loads.
They also showed that the flyash dust cake was deposited mostly on the
surface of the media. Details of these tests were also reported earlier
and in EPA-600/7-78-194.
High-Temperature and Pressure Filtration Tests
Filter performance at high temperatures and pressure was tested for a
period of 200 hours. The filter media configuration which was selected as
most promising consists of an approximately 1 cm thick layer of Saffil
alumina blanket insulation material. This ceramic material was contained
between two layers of knit 304 stainless steel screen and provided a basis
weight of approximately 500 g/mz. Tests were performed at three airflow
velocities to determine performance as a function of both time and filter
media face velocity. Reintrained flyash from the EPA/Exxon Miniplant was
used as the test dust. Figure 2 presents average outlet concentration as
a function of time for the three tests which were performed. The
designation "Turbine Limit" corresponds to the turbine tolerance of
0.002 gr/scf reported by Sverdrup in EPA-600/9-78-004. During the three
tests, between 40 and 100 kg of dust was fed to each test filter. Each
test filter contained only 1.5 ft2 of filter media area, so dust loading
was considerably higher than that expected from the second stage cyclone
of a typical PFBC. During these tests, cleaning pulses occurred about
once every 10 minutes and pressure drop was maintained at less than
10 inches of water. The test conducted at 2.5 cm/sec airflow velocity
showed an increased rate of penetration after about 50 hours of
operation. This condition evidently was caused by a defect in the filter
media although subsequent visual examination could not positively locate
this defect.
Outlet concentration as a function of face velocity (air-to-cloth
ratio) is plotted on Figure 3 for three time periods of 50, 100, and
200 hours. If we assume the filter used in the first test at 2.5 cm/sec
developed a leak and extrapolate expected performance (dotted lines), it
is apparent that outlet concentration is reduced as a function of time at
all velocities. This result is similar to that of using conventional
filter media in a room ambient dust feeding test.
Overall particle collection efficiency is plotted as a function of
face velocity (air-to-cloth ratio) on Figure 4 for three time periods of
50, 100, and 200 hours. Again, if the two discrepant data points are
ignored, collection efficiency is essentially independent of face velocity
in the range tested. This is consistent with a hypothesis which holds
that filter penetration occurs primarily during cleaning. The filter was
cleaned at zero forward flow in all three tests (offline).
Slipstream Tests at the EPA/Exxon Miniplant
A 1.5 ft2 ceramic bag filter was evaluated/at the EPA/Exxon
Miniplant PFBC. The results summarized below were reported in the
January 1979 Monthly Progress Report No. 107 for EPA Contract 68-02-1312,
under which Exxon Research and Engineering Company operated the miniplant
test rig.
167
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Exxon miniplant fly ash
air-to-cloth ratio:
G 2.5 cm/sec
^4.8 cm/sec
Q 9.0 cm/sec
800°C
10 atm
'0
50 TOO
Time -- hours
150
200
Figure 2. Average outlet concentration.
168
-------
0 50 hours
Q 100 hours
200 hours
Filter face velocity cm/sec
(air-to-cloth' ratio)
Figure 3. Outlet concentration as a function of face velocity.
169
-------
® 50 hours
Q100 hours
0200 hours
100
OJ
(J
OJ
Q.
0)
(J
•P*
H-
«4-
C
•i— «/>
(J E
99.99
99.98
99.97
99.96
468
Filter face velocity cm/sec
(air-to-cloth ratio)
10
Figure 4. Collection efficiency as a function of face velocity.
170
-------
The pressure drop across the filter bags varied with time in the
classical manner for fabric filters Figure 5 which demonstrates that the
bags could be cleaned. The effect of coal type on cleanability seemed to
be fairly small, and could not be determined from the relatively few tests
completed at the miniplant.
Filtration efficiencies for the Acurex ceramic bag filter were all
over 90 percent, generally ranging from 96 to 99.5 percent. An exact
filtration efficiency was difficult to determine because of problems in
measuring the filter inlet particle concentration. Filter inlet
particulate concentrations were measured or calculated by three methods:
(1) Balston total filter catch on an extracted sample, (2) mass balance
around the third miniplant cyclone, (3) mass balance around the ceramic
bag filter.
The bag filter outlet particulate concentration was determined by
passing the entire filtered gas flow through a large Balston total
filter. The total particulate concentration was obtained by weighing the
filter before and after collection. A particle size distribution could
not be obtained. The concentration of particles on the total filter was
so low that insufficient material was available as a filter cake for
Coulter Counter analysis. The filters were washed off with a solvent
(Isoton II) in an attempt to remove particles without mechanical
brushing. This method allowed enough Balston filter material to be washed
into solution to completely obscure the flyash particulates. A clean
Balston total filter, not exposed to any flyash but also washed with
Isoton II gave a sample which had a size distribution similar to that
obtained from a used filter.
During the tests at the miniplant, one double and eight
single-thickness bags were exposed to PFBC conditions. Most bags were
exposed for 6 hours or more. By averaging the face velocity and exit
particulate concentration over the first 6 hours of new bag exposure a
plot of velocity against loading yield points closely clustered around a
line Figure 6. The effect of coal type on outlet loading was
insignificant.
The outlet particulate loading tended to decrease with increasing
exposure time. Figure 7 shows the change in outlet loading with time.
Along with the decrease in filter particulate outlet loading, baseline
pressure drop increased from 0.1 to 3.0 kPa as expected. The filter cake,
which was not completely removed with cleaning, caused both the lower
outlet loading and the higher pressure drop.
Bag cleaning at ambient conditions after a run was not a problem.
Several of the filter elements were cleaned by passing a vacuum hose over
a strip of the element. This strip had the appearance of a virtually new
bag, indicating very little dust penetration through the bag fibers.
171
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o
CM
O.
O
-------
0.025
u
V)
o>
C7>
s
(O
i-
-------
Bag No. 5 paniculate penetration history
0.015
^_^
f>
E
en
O
S o.oio
c
OJ
O
^
O
O
01
HJ
•g 0.005
0
t
"^^ *"•—•—•*
^
t 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 f f 1 1 1
t
X
t*
y
*
5 10
Bag Age (Hours)
Run 90
pun 91 .l|
Run 91.2
15
Run 91.3
Figure 7. Acurex ceramic bag filter
penetration history.
— bag no. 5 particulate
174
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At its conclusion, the Exxon report said:
"Based on these preliminary tests, high-temperature, high-pressure
ceramic bag filtration appears to be feasible. Pressure drops of under
2 kPa have been maintained for over 6 hours at face velocities of
4.6 m/min with efficiencies of 95 to 99 percent. The short evaluation
tests have yielded results far superior to granular bed filtration which
never achieved efficiencies greater than 95 percent and which also had
baseline pressure drops in excess of 14 kPa. Further testing is required
to determine maximum economic face velocity, and bag life under optimum
cleaning conditions."
A larger ceramic filter test unit containing five filter elements
each 1.5 m (5 ft) long and having 2.3 m2 (50 ft2) of filter area has
been built for testing at Westinghouse under an EPRI-sponsored test
program. Results of this testing will be reported at a future date.
Through the cooperation of the EPRI, a swatch of the ceramic filter
media was exposed to the hot dusty gas from the PFBC at the CURL facility
in Leatherhead, England during a 1,000-hour test there. While this was
not a filtration test, subsequent examination of the fibers revealed that
no damage resulted from 1,000 hours of exposure to the chemical products
of combustion of coal.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Through a series of tests conducted at laboratory bench-scale and on
a slipstream of gas at the EPA/Exxon Miniplant, the Acurex ceramic fiber
filter has continued to show that a cleanable filter capable of operation
at up to 800°C (1,500°F) can be developed to commercial scale.
Evidence in support of this conclusion includes:
• A theoretical basis exists for it
• Room ambient tests showed high efficiency collection of fine
particles
• Room ambient tests showed dust cake formation and dust loading
characteristics similar to conventional media
• Accelerated pulse cleaning tests showed the media could survive
mechanical flexing associated with 50,000 cleaning pulses at
800°C (1.5000F)
• Dust loading tests at high temperature and pressure with flyash
showed that high collection efficiency and good cleanability
(control of pressure drop) could be maintained for 200 hours at
face velocity up to 10 cm/sec (20 ft/min)
• Tests on a slipstream of gas at the EPA/Exxon PFBC miniplant
showed the filter could perform satisfactorily in removing
particles of flyash from an as generated gas stream
• 1,000 hours of exposure to hot PFBC gas and dust showed the media
could survive the chemical environment of the PFBC exhaust
Continued development of the ceramic filter is planned under a
DOE-sponsored program which will culminate in a subpilot-scale
175
-------
demonstration at the experimental PFBC operated by Curtiss Wright
Corporation in Woodridge, New Jersey. Successful completion of this
program will provide a capability to control particles including fine
particles at temperatures of 800° to 900°C (1,500° to 1,650°F) and
pressures of atmospheric to over 10 atmospheres. This will provide
protection for gas turbines in PFBC applications and may eliminate the
need for further cleanup of the effluent gas stream and result in lower
total installation and operating costs. In addition, the filter should
find application in heat recovery and in industrial processes for
high-temperature particle control.
176
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EOF AND Q-BOP HOT METAL CHARGING EMISSION COMPARISON
C. W. Westbrook
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, N. C,
ABSTRACT
Fumes generated during hot metal charging of a EOF and a Q-BOP were
sampled and analyzed for total particulates, particulate mass in four size
ranges, and inorganic and organic compounds. The data indicate that the Q-
BOP generates three times as much particulate and 15 times as much organic
matter per megagram of hot metal charged as does the EOF. Polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA) were found in the Q-BOP fume but not in the EOF
fume. No carcinogenic PNAs were detected.
The differences found are probably due to the additional time required
to charge hot metal into the Q-BOP at the particular plant sampled as com-
pared to the EOF (2.2 minutes for the Q-BOP versus 1.0 minutes for the EOF)
and to blowing of nitrogen gas into the bottom of the Q-BOP during the
charging operations.
177
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EOF AND Q-BOP HOT METAL CHARGING EMISSION COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION
1 2
This paper summarizes results obtained in two studies ' of fumes gene-
rated during hot metal charging of basic oxygen furnaces. Two types of
vessels were tested. One, referred to herein as the BOF, is of typical
design in that oxygen is introduced during the "blow" period through a lance
suspended above the metal. In the second vessel, referred to as the Q-BOP,
oxygen is blown into the vessel through tuyeres in the bottom of the vessel.
A gas, usually nitrogen, is blown into the vessel through the tuyeres at all
other times to prevent their plugging.
The purpose of the testing was to determine if, and in what amounts, a
wide variety of inorganic and organic materials might be generated during the
hot metal charging and to determine if there is a significant difference
between vessel types. Although both furnaces tested do have equipment ope-
rating to collect and control the emission of these fumes, no testing was
done on the outlets from the control equipment. All testing was of the
uncontrolled fume going to the emission control equipment.
Samples of the fume generated during hot metal charging were collected
using the Source Assessment Sampling System (SASS). This system, shown in
Figure 1, collects particulate matter in four size fractions (>10 pm, 3-10 ym,
1-3 um, and <1 urn). It also traps organic vapors with an organic resin (this
section of the train is referred to as the organic module) and certain metals
(mercury, antimony, and arsenic), that may be in the vapor phase, using a
series of impingers.
I will first briefly discuss the two vessels and the testing conducted
on each. A direct comparison of the results obtained will then be presented.
Q-BOP TESTING
The Q-BOP shop tested contains two vessels each rated at 225 tons/heat.
Six to eight heats can normally be completed in an eight hour shift. Shown
in Figure 2 is a schematic of the Q-BOP vessel and ancillary equipment. The
Q-BOP vessel differs from the conventional BOF in that oxygen is introduced
through tuyeres in the bottom of the vessel rather than through, a lance above
the charged metal. When the vessel is being charged nitrogen gas is blown
178
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FILTER
GAS COOLER
COHVECTION OVEN
GAS
TEMPERATURE
T.C.
SORBEMT
CARTRIDGE
IMP/COOLER
TRACE ELEMENT
COLLECTOR
COMPENSATE
COLLECTOR
DRY 6AS METER ORIFICE METER
CENTRALIZED TEMPERATURE
AND PRESSURE READOUT
CONTROL MODULE
TWO IHrVmi. VACUUM PUMPS
Figure 1. Source assessment sampling system.
-------
BUMPER
CO
o
SECONDARY HOOD
HOT METAL CHARGING LADLE
FURNACE CHARGING DOORS
(RETRACTABLE)
SLAG POT
WATER COOLED HOOD
HOOD TRANSFER CAR
ADJUSTABLE SKIRT
TAPPING EMISSIONS DUCT
SEAL RING
FURNACE ENCLOSURE
OPERATING
FLOOR
TEEMING
LADLE
SHOP AIR IN DRAFT
DURING SLAGGING
AND TAPPING
Figure 2. Schematic of Q-BOP vessel.
-------
through the tuyeres to prevent their becoming plugged. The nitrogen flow
rate is higher during hot metal charging than during scrap charging.
Shown in Figure 3 is a schematic of the fume control systems. The
entire vessel and the fume collecting hoods are in an enclosure (referred
to as a "doghouse"). The bottom side of the enclosure is open to allow
tapping and slag dumping. All fumes generated during the oxygen blow are
collected with the primary hood. When the vessel is tilted more than 20°
(during charging, for example) the secondary hood collection system is
automatically actuated and the primary system decreased to about 10 to 20
percent of full capacity (by damper adjustments). Design flow rates under
this condition with both fans in operation is 10,600 m /min through the
3
secondary hood system and 1,250 m /min through the primary system.
Testing was done on this furnace only during the periods that hot
metal was being charged into the vessel. Two ladles of hot metal are
charged for each heat. The average time of hot metal addition (2 ladles)
during testing was 2.2 minutes. Sampling was in the secondary fume control
duct just before the downcomer to the quencher (refer to Figure 3). Eight
separate periods of hot metal addition (4 heats) were sampled in three
hours. The overall sampling rate was near isokinetic (104 percent)—
single point, no duct traverse. Gas volume collected was 1.027 dry stand-
3
ard cubic meters. Throughout this text the symbol Nm is used to mean a
cubic meter corrected to 20°C, 76.0 cm Hg, and 0% moisture.
Given in Table 1 are the pertinent process and sampling data. The
scrap and hot metal figures are the sums for the four heats. Scrap is
about 20 percent of the total metallics charged. The results obtained will
be presented later.
BOF TESTING
The BOF shop in which the testing was conducted contains two vessels,
each rated at about 250 tons/heat. Normally 6 to 8 heats can be completed
on each vessel in an eight hour period." Shown in Figure 4 is a schematic
of one of the vessels in the shop. Although this schematic is very similar
to that for the Q-BOP, some important differences should be noted. First,
and most important, there is no injection of gases (oxygen or nitrogen)
through the vessel bottom. Thus, during scrap and hot metal charging, no
gas (nitrogenl is blown into the metal. You will also note that secondary
181
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0 BOP NO. 1 FURNACE ENCLOSURE
SECONDARY HOOD NO. 1
0-IOP NO. 2
FURNACE ENCLOSURE
FAN NO. I
(ELL VALVE NO. 2
SHUTOFF NO. 2 CLOSED
STACK NO. 1
STACK NO. 2
FAN NO. 2
SCRUBBER NO. 2
Figure 3. Gas collection system for Q-BOP.
-------
TABLE 1. PROCESS AND SAMPLING DATA, Q-BOP
Charging Data
Scrap, tons (Mg) Hot Metal, tons (Mg)
Total, 4 heats 206.5 (187.3) 822.7 (746.3)
Average/heat 51.6 (46.8) 205.7 (186.6)
Sampling Data
Volume Gas Sampled 1.027 Nm
Stack Gas, Temperature 66.5°C
Stack Gas, Velocity 31.9 m/s
3
Stack Gas, Flow Rate 11,491 Nm /mln
Sampling Rate, % Isokinetic 104
183
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I
CHARGING FUME HOOD
HOT METAL CHARGING LADLE
FURNACE CHARGING DOORS
(RETRACTABLE)
SLAG POT
TAPPING FUME HOOD
FURNACE ENCLOSURE
WATER COOLED PRIMARY HOOD
OPERATING FLOOR
TEEMING LADLE
Figure 4. Schematic of BOF vessel.
-------
fume collection hoods are on both the charging and on the tapping side of the
enclosure.
Shown in Figure 5 is a schematic of the secondary fume collection system.
Interlocks in the system prevent suction on the tapping hood or primary hood
during the charging operations. Also, suction at the hot metal transfer and
reladling station and on the charging fume hoods of the second vessel is pre-
vented during charging the test vessel. During the tests, the second vessel
was not in operation. Thus, only hot metal charging fumes were contained in
the gas sampled.
Testing was conducted only during periods of hot metal charging. At
this plant all hot metal needed for the heat is charged using only one ladle.
Average time required for hot metal charging during the testing was 1.0
minutes. In order to obtain sufficient sample, sampling was carried out
during 24 heats over a five day period. The sampling system was sealed
between test periods. Only the second and third impinger solutions (which
contain unstable reagents) were recovered each day. Therefore, data for
individual heats are not available. Shown in Figure 5 is the sampling point
for these tests. The overall sampling rate was 115.5 percent isokinetic.
Total gas collected was 2.795 dry standard cubic meters.
Given in Table 2 are the pertinent process and sampling data. Both the
total amount of scrap and hot metal charged for the 24 heats and the average
amount per heat are given. The scrap charge for individual heats did not
vary from the average by more than ± 19 percent. Hot metal charge for indi-
vidual heats did not vary from the average by more than ± 7 percent. Scrap
accounted for about 26 percent of total metallics charged.
For the sampling data, note that samples were taken from only one of the
two charging fume collection ducts. The gas flow rate in each duct was
measured and found to be essentially the same. Therefore, to calculate total
flow rate and particulate mass, the results obtained were multipled by two.
DATA COMPARISONS
Particulates
In both tests the total particulate concentration in the gas was deter-
mined using the SASS train. The SASS train collects the particulate in four
size fractions as given earlier. Additional particulate, probably containing
165
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ENCLOSURE
\ CON
TAPPING AND SLAGGING FUME
CONTROL HOODS
r
ENCLOSURE
RELADLIMG
HOT METAL
TRANSFER
DAM
DAMPER
L
IPERS
\
V
1
oc
a
*
1
Jl
.
\ J
^ 7^
CHARGING FUME
EONTROL HOODS
f
DAMPER
Y
X
I
*
J
IT
a
*
\
DAMPER
Y
A
X J.
\ /
CHARGING FUME
CONTROL HOODS
cc
^
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
TO BAGHOUSE
Figure 5. BOF shop ncondary fume control tystam.
-------
TABLE 2. PROCESS AND SAMPLING DATA, EOF
Charging Data
Scrap, tons (Mg) Hot Metal, tons
Total, 24 heats 1598 (1450) 4494 (4077)
Average/heat 66.6 (60.4) 187.2 (169.8)
Sampling Data
Number of Heats Sampled 24
3
Gas Volume Sampled 2.795 Nm
Stack Gas, Temperature 85.3°C
Stack Gas, Velocity 26.5 m/s
Stack Gas, Flow Rate—Total Both Ducts 11,509 Nm3/min
Sampling Rate, % Isokinetic 115.5
187
-------
some of all size fractions, is trapped in the probe. Given in Table 3 are
the total particulate and size fraction data.
The particulate concentration in the gas from the Q-BOP was substantially
higher than from the EOF (1298 versus 788 mg/Nro3). There is also a signifi-
cant difference in the particulate size distribution. For the ROF, 27
percent of the particulate was less than 3 ym in size versus 16 percent of
the Q-BOP particulate in this size range. About 70 percent of the Q-BOP
particulate was larger than 10 ym whereas only 35 percent of the EOF partic-
ulate fell in this size range.
Shown in Table 4 is the mass of particulate generated in each size
range per ton (or megagram) of hot raetal charged. The important point to
consider is that the Q-BOP appears to generate about three times as much
particulate as does the EOF (per unit of mass of hot metal charged). Thus,
about 17.6 kg of particulate is generated by the Q-BOP per 100 Mg of hot
metal (35 lb/100 tons hot metal) versus about 5.3 kg of particulate per 100
Mg hot metal (10.6 lb/100 tons hot metal) generated by the EOF.
Inorganics
Given in Table 5 are the concentrations of a number of elements in the
uncontrolled fume from the two vessels and the amount generated per megagram
(1.1 tons) of hot metal added. There appears to be no substantial difference
in the amounts of the elements contained in the fume. The calculations for
the BOF are clouded somewhat since some of the analyses for individual SASS
train components were reported only as MC (Major Components). For the BOF
data, a > (greater than) symbol indicates that at least one of the SASS
component samples was analyzed as a major component. MC indicates that the
element was a major component in all SASS samples.
For the Q-BOP, nickel, iron, chromium, calcium, arsenic, lead, and
possibly sulfur and phosphorous are at sufficiently high concentrations that
the fume should not be emitted uncontrolled. For the EOF, the concentrations
of barium, cadmium, selenium, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and possibly lead,
calcium, and iron are sufficiently high that fume control is needed. Both
plants tested do control the fume from hot metal charging. No testing was.
done on the outlet from the control device.
188
-------
TABLE 3. PARTICULATE SIZE DATA FOR EOF AND Q-BOP
EOF 3
Size Range mg/Nm
<1 y 85
1-3 y 124
3-10 y 206
>10 y 274
Probe, Cyclone Washes 99
Totals: 788
%
11
16
26
35
12
100
Q-BOP-
mg/Nm
26
182
69
892
129
1298
%
2
14
5
69
10
100
189
-------
TABLE 4. PARTICULATE MASS DATA FOR EOF AND Q-BOP*
EOF
Size Range Ib/ton
<1 pm 11.6
1-3 ym 16.8
3-10 vm 28.0
>10 ym 37.0
Probe, Cyclone Washes 13.4
Totals: 10.6
x IO"3
x 10~3
x 10~3
x 10" 3
x 10~3
x IO"2
5.
8.
14.
18.
6.
5.
kg/Mg
8 x
4 x
0 x
5 x
7 x
3 x
io-3
io-3
10'3
io-3
io-3
IO-2
7
49
18
242
35
35
Q-BOP
Ib/ton
.0
.4
.6
x
.0
.2
x 10
x 10
x 10
10"3
x 10
x 10
-3
-3
-3
-3
-2
3
24
9
121
17
17
kg/Mg
.5
.7
.3
x
.5
.6
x 10"3
x 10"3
x 10"3
ID'3
x 10~3
x 10"2
*Calculated on the basis of hot metal added.
190
-------
TABLE 5. SELECTED INORGANICS IN EOF AND Q-BOP FUME
Element
Aluminum
Antimony
Arsenic
Barium
Bismuth
Cadmium
Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury
Nickel
Phosphorous
Selenium
Silicon
Strontium
Sulfur
Zinc
BOF
Concentration
In Gas
MC
0.006
50.05
>0.11
0.003
0.077
MC
0.84
0.18
>2.7
>0.02
>0.55
>0.11
0.0008
0.31
MC
0.087
>1.1
0.016
>0.06
MC
Total Generated
mg/Mg Hot Metal
0.4
£3.4
>7.4
0.2
0.47
57
12
>183
>1.4
>37
>7.4
0.05
21
5.9
>74
1.1
>4
Q-BOP
Concentration Total Generated
+
In Gas mg/Mg Hot Metal
0.43
<0.001
<0.02
0.02
<0.0007
0.002
64
0.26
0.1
85.3
0.41
2.3
3.8
>0.0031
0.18
0.53
<0.033
4.2
<0.056
7.9
0.14
58
0.14
<2.7
2.7
0.09
0.27
8671
35
14
11,557
56
312
5]5
0.42
24
72
4.5
569
7.6
1070
19
Concentrations in mg/Nm .
191
-------
Organics
Given in Table 6 are the total organics generated during hot metal
charging of the EOF and Q-BOP. Note that the total organics generated per
megagram of hot metal added is about 15 times higher for the Q-BOP than for
the BOF. Also note that about 2/3 of the Q-BOP organic is adsorbed on the
particulate matter but less than 10 percent of the organic from the BOF is
adsorbed on the particulate.
Shown in Table 7 is a breakdown of this organic matter into the major
organic compound categories. The major categories for BOF organics are
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and esters. Note that no evidence for
fused aromatics—polynuclear—was found for the BOF. For the Q-BOP, the
major categories are aliphatic hydrocarbons and fused (or polynuclear)
aromatics. A variety of compound types are found in the Q-BOP organic.
A low resolution mass spectrographic analysis of the Q-BOP organic
indicated the presence of organics with masses equivalent to the masses of
known carcinogens. The sample was further analyzed by GC/MS. No carcino-
genic organic compounds were found in this analysis.
CONCLUSION
In this paper a comparison has been made for the fumes generated during
hot metal charging of a BOF and a Q-BOP. The data indicate that particulate
generated in this operation is substantially greater for the Q-BOP than for
the BOF. This is probably directly related to blowing gas into the bottom
of the Q-BOP and through the metal charged. Data have been presented to
show that there is not a significant difference in the types of inorganics
in the fume.
The data also indicate that the fume from the Q-BOP contains substanti-
ally more, and significantly different types, of organic matter than fume
from the BOF during hot metal charging. Although fume from the Q-BOP does
contain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and none of these materials was
found in fume from the BOF, no evidence of carcinogenic organic compounds
was found.
192
-------
TABLE 6. TOTAL ORGANICS IN BOF AND Q-BOP FUME
BOF
Q-BOP
In SASS Participates, mg/Nm
+>
In SASS Organic Module, mg/Nm"
3
Total Organic, mg/Nm
kg Organic/Mg Hot Metal
Ib Organic/ton Hot Metal
kg Organic/heat
Ib Organic/heat
0.7
7.9
8.6
5.8 x 10
11.6 x 10
9.9 x 10
19.8 x 10
-4
-4
-2
-2
43.6
20.5
64.1
8.7 x 10
17.4 x 10
1.62
3.24
-3
193
-------
TABLE 7. MAJOR ORGANIC COMPOUND CATEGORIES
CONCENTRATIONS IN UNCONTROLLED FUME, mg/Nm3
EOF Q-BOP
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 0.3 7.7
Aromatic Hydrocarbons 0.2 1.4
Fused Aromatics 0 4.9
Alcohols 0 2.6
Amines 0 1.3
Amides 0 1.3
Esters 0.9 2.6
Carboxylic Acids 0 3.0
194
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, N. C.
under EPA Contracts 68-02-2630 and 68-02-3152. Mr. R. V. Hendriks and Mr.
R. C. McCrillis were the EPA Project Officers for the Q-BQP and EOF studies,
respectively.
195
-------
REFEENCES
1. Westbrook, C. W. Level 1 Assessment of Uncontrolled Q-BOP Emissions.
EPA-600/2-79-190, September 1979, 85 pp.
2. Westbrook, C. W. Hot Metal Desulfurization, EOF Charging and Oxygen
Blowing: Level 1 Environmental Assessment, October 1980. In pre-
paration for publication.
196
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FIELD EVALUATION OF FUGITIVE
EMISSIONS FROM EOF STEELMAKING SHOPS
Prepared by:
Peter D. Spawn, Thomas J. Nunno and Stephen G. Piper
GCA/Technology Division
213 Burlington Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
and
Larry F. Kertcher
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the findings of week-long field evaluations of
emission controls of six (6) EOF steelmaking shops. The field evaluations
included shops with complete furnace enclosure, Gaw damper plates, and tap-
side enclosures. For each evaluation, process engineers stationed inside
the furnace control room and on the operating floor carefully documented
process operations. Simultaneous with in-shop process evaluation, outside
observers recorded visible emissions from the shop roof monitors in accordance
with EPA Method 9. FM radio contact between in-shop and outside observers
enabled documentation of the source of all roof monitor emissions. Perfor-
mance of each control system is presented on the basis of average roof monitor
opacity for each furnace operation, i.e., charge, oxygen blow, tap, etc. Also
investigated were the potential causes of roof monitor emissions such as
variations in steelmaking procedures and/or emission control operational
vn-ri flfil oa
variables.
197
-------
FIELD EVALUATIONS OF FUGITIVE EMISSIONS FROM EOF STEELMAKING SHOPS
INTRODUCTION
GCA is conducting field evaluations of secondary emission controls at
EOF shops for EPA Region V. The primary objective is to document the opacity
of roof monitor visible emissions (RMVE) for each vessel operation; i.e.,
scrap charge, hot metal charge (HMC), oxygen blow and reblow, turndowns and
tapping. A secondary objective is to evaluate all process data that describes
how the vessels and the emission control systems were operated in order to
achieve the performance levels observed. This second objective has become
an important aspect of the program since operational practice has such a
strong impact on emissions that escape capture and are emitted from shop roof
monitors.
This paper summarizes the highlights of six (6) EOF studies conducted
between June 1979 and August 1980. When reviewing these data, the reader
should recognize that the control system and emissions data describe the sys-
tem performance observed by GCA during the week(s) of testing. The final
reports prepared for each field test contain a complete record of steelmaking
process variables and emission control operation during testing. Evaluations
of other EOF shops are currently in progress.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
Field evaluations are conducted by GCA engineers familiar with EOF shop
operations. Each team member is certified to observe visible emissions (VEs)
in accordance with EPA Method 9. RMVEs are continuously recorded by outside
observers while inshop observers document shop operations. Continuous FM
radio contact between all observers enables determination of the origin of
each RMVE. This approach is discussed further below.
Visible Emissions Observations
VE data are collected in accordance with EPA Reference Method 9 as pub-
lished in the Federal Register, 40 CFR Part 60.275, Appendix A. Ground level
positions are normally used to evaluate emissions against the sky. Occasion-
ally, RMVE are blown horizontally across the length of a shop roof monitor.
As directed by Method 9, these emissions are observed against the best avail-
able contrasting background which is usually the roof monitor area. Normally,
however, VE observers are able to view emissions at a point just above the
roof monitor. This approach avoids the possibility of inaccurate measurements
in the event the plume travels horizontally for a brief period before rising
upwards. The densest portion of the plume is observed, as specified in
Method 9.
Constant FM radio contact enables precise documentation of which shop
operation caused each visible emission. By receiving instant radio confirma-
tion of what process is occurring, VE observers know when emissions of no
interest occur; i.e., hot metal transfer, skimming, and teeming.
198
-------
Inshop Process Observations
Process observers are stationed at strategic locations within the shop
to allow observation of all emission-causing operations. An engineer is
assigned to each operating furnace to record process data and the precise
time each operation occurs - scrap charge, HMC, oxygen blow, turndowns, etc.
This observer closely monitors the control room instrumentation and documents
the steelmaking techniques in use. He also observes each vessel operation from
the working floor and estimates the approximate magnitude of emissions that
escape capture. Constant radio contact with outside VE observers enables
determination of the origin of each RMVE. Process data collected in the con-
trol room generally consists of: oxygen blow rates and net quantity blown,
lance height, at each interval, tons of steel and scrap charged, hot metal (and
tap) temperature and chemistry, time of flux additions, etc.
Emissions escaping capture at the furnace are evaluated by one of two
techniques. When the uncontrolled emission can be observed, a percent capture
is estimated. If the total uncontrolled emission is not visible, the observer
records the magnitude of emissions escaping capture by the following criteria:
light, 5 to 25 percent opacity, (as viewed within the shop); moderate, 30 to
60 percent opacity; and heavy, 65 to 100 percent opacity. Also recorded are
the duration of each vessel operation and any unusual operating practices.
When necessary, another process engineer records process data at the gas
cleaning device, to document control system operation and the exhaust flow
rate applied to the furnaces. Often, these data are available in the EOF con-
trol room, or continuously recorded at the gas cleaning device.
In some shops, observer(s) are required to document the precise time of
non-furnace operations such as teeming, hot metal transfer, or skimming.
Often, emissions from these operations can be observed by one of the furnace
observers.
Data Handling and Assessment
After each day, observers review their data sheets for clarity and con-
sistency. The Lead Engineer collects all data and reviews them once again.
VE data sheets are handled by the chain-of-custody technique and kept in a
secure area at GCA until the final reports are submitted to EPA.
In the office, the average opacity for each vessel operation is calcu-
lated. If requested, compliance with the applicable opacity standard is also
determined. When multiple shop or furnace operations occurred, the corres-
ponding VE observations are not included in the summary tables. Only the
HMVE whose origin can be absolutely determined by the radio communication
technique are used to compile the data presented in this paper.
BOF SHOP AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS
The six (6) BOF shops and their control systems are briefly described
below. Additional data is available in the GCA report for each shop and also
in the open literature.
199
-------
Republic Steel, South Chicago, Illinois
The two 204-m ton* (225-ton) Q-BOP furnaces at RSC/Chicago replaced four
204-m ton (225-ton) open hearth furnaces in 1977 and operate within the old
open hearth shop. The eight Q-BOPs currently operating in the U.S. represent
more than half the number of basic oxygen pjrocess furnaces entering service
in the last 7 years. The six other Q-BOPs are operated by US Steel, three
apiece at Fairfield and Gary.
The Q-BOP differs from the conventional BOF in that instead of top
blowing oxygen through a water-cooled retractable lance, oxygen and fluxes
are blown through the bath via tuyeres in the furnace bottom. Because the
vessel is bottom blown, the Q-BOP has some unique emission control problems
when compared to a conventional BOF.
Primary emissions generated during the oxygen blow are captured by a
retractable water-cooled skirt that is lowered over the mouth of the furnace,
acting as a conventional, suppressed combustion hood. Furnace off-gases are
cooled to 1093°C (2000°F) in water-cooled ductwork before entering the
quenchers. The quenchers consist of two parallel Venturis followed by impact
separators that cool the gas stream to 80°C (175°F). Cooled gases pass
through the venturi scrubbers which operate at a pressure drop of 150 mm Hg
(80 in. W.C.) during the oxygen blow. Particulate entrained in the water
droplets exit the venturi section and enter a fixed vane separator before the
exhaust passes through the induced draft (ID) fan and stack.
At RSC, only one furnace is normally on-line since the enclosure system
is designed so the fan on the down furnace supplements the operating furnace's
fan for more draft during charging and tapping. Captured secondary emissions
are exhausted to two venturi scrubber systems that operate in parallel.
However, the quenchers are bypassed since the secondary exhaust stream is
much cooler than the primary exhaust.
All secondary emissions are captured through a charge side hood located
inside the enclosure. During scrap and hot metal charges, the enclosure door
opening is minimized, and an exhaust flow rate of about 170 m3/sec (360,000
acfm) is provided to the charge-side hood by both fans. During a tap, the
charge-side doors remain closed, and the charge-side hood operates at 170 m3/
sec (360,000 acfm). Total exhaust is reduced to about 144 m3/sec (305,000
acfm), during turndowns for sampling. During idle periods; i.e., waiting for
the chemistry analysis, the system operates at about 106 m3/sec (225,000 acfm).
Republic Steel, Gadsden, Alabama
Primary emissions generated during the oxygen blow are captured by a
water-cooled, full combustion hood located 0.75 m (2-% ft) above the vessel
mouth. Before entering the ESP, furnace exhaust gases are cooled by a cas-
'cade-type evaporative chamber which also improves particle resistivity for
better collection. Full system draft of approximately 30 mm Hg (283 m3/sec or
600,000 acfm measured at the stack) is used during the HMC and oxygen blow.
Partial draft of approximately 18.7 mm Hg (165 m3/sec or 350,000 acfm measured
at the stack) is used during scrap charging, turndowns, tapping, and slagging.
Lance hole covers were present on one vessel during GCA's evaluation.
*Metric ton.
200
-------
The Gaw damper (closure plate) is a water-cooled steel plate which slides
in a horizontal plane across the opening of the primary hood. The damper re-
duces the hood opening and increases the capture velocity of the primary ex-
haust system. The Gaw damper was designed to close off 75 to 80 percent of
the hood opening during the HMC according to design data. The damper is de-
signed for a furnace tilt angle not exceeding 45 degrees from vertical.
The first Gaw damper was retrofit to the No. 1 vessel in June 1977 at a
cost of $350,000 according to RSC. The leading edge of the plate warped badly
after 6 to 9 months of operation, and water cooling was installed on this
edge of the plate. The maintenance cost of the water system proved less than
the replacement cost of the plate, and a similar, water-cooled Gaw damper was
installed on the No. 2 vessel in November 1978 at a reported cost of $425,000.
During tapping, the rotation of the vessel places the mouth of the furnace
a considerable distance from the hood opening. To help contain tapping emis-
sions and divert them into the primary hood, a tap-side enclosure was construc-
ted on each furnace. The Gaw damper is not used for tapping emissions control
because the necessary I-beam supports would interfere with charging at the
other side of the furnace.
U.S. Steel, Gary No. 1 BOF
This shop is an open hearth conversion and the three 195-m ton (215-ton)
vessels entered service in 1965. Annual production capacity of carbon and
alloy steels is 4.0 MM m tons (4.4 million tons) for the three vessels
combined.
U.S. Steel considers this shop a "one-and-a-half" vessel operation. Norm-
ally, two furnaces are available for.steel production, with the third either
on standby or down for reline. One vessel normally operates at maximum pro-
duction to supply the continuous caster, producing 9 to 10 heats per 8-hour
turn. The second vessel usually operates in a manner not interfering with the
principal vessel, and produces 5 to 10 heats per turn. Normal shop production
is 51 heats per 24-hour period.
Primary emissions are collected by conventional water-cooled, full com-
bustion hoods at each of the three vessels. Each hood discharges into a com-
mon exhaust manifold that leads to the scrubber system. Isolation dampers close
off the off-line furnace(s).
The gas cleaning system consists of two identical scrubbers operating in
parallel. Furnace exhausts pass through a variable throat venturi, through
a flooded elbow, and into a separation tower. Exiting the tower, gases pass
through a 4100 kW (5500 hp) fan (at -103 to -150 mm Hg or -55 to -80 in. W.G.
static pressure) and into a final separator.
The emission control system was designed for two furnaces on oxygen blow
and one furnace on HMC, with a total exhaust flow of 307 m3/sec (650,000
scfm), sat. Induced draft fans operate in three distinct modes, drawing 1800,
2400 or 3800 kVa (each). Fan load is mainly controlled by upstream louvers
201
-------
which operate at 50, 80, and 100 percent open for the three modes. Fan loads
are also a function of the automatic control of the variable throat Venturis.
Exhaust flow rates applied to each furnace depend on the isolation damper
position, the fan load and venturi pressure drop, and the number of furnaces
on-line. The flow rates at each furnace are measured in terms of static pres-
sure in the quench section and recorded on continuous strip charts. The isola-
tion damper set points are 20 percent open for scrap charging, turndowns and
tapping, and 100 percent open for HMC and oxygen blows.
The Gaw dampers at Gary were designed to close off 70 percent of the hood
opening during HMCs, according to design data. The damper is not used for
scrap charging control because of possible damage from large scrap pieces, and
because the furnace mouth is tilted too far away from the exhaust hood.
Furnace tilt during HMC is limited to 35° from vertical. Charging ladle
spout extensions enable positioning of the ladle well into the furnace, bring-
ing the point of emissions closer to the primary hood. Sheet metal curtain
walls constructed above the furnace and Gaw damper, on the charge side, help
minimize adverse effects of cross-drafts. The crane operator has instructions
to slow or stop pouring should HMC emissions escape capture.
Total installed cost of the three Gaw damper systems in late 1978 and
early 1979 was $750,000 according to U.S. Steel engineers. To date, there
have been no major operation or maintenance problems with the dampers. The
plates are constructed of one-quarter inch carbon steel and have not become
warped. Only the rails supporting the wheels upon which the plate rides into
position are water-cooled. The original wheel design had to be modified to
avoid binding from build-up of dusts in the rails. The damper is installed
6-inches below the primary exhaust hood because of the proximity of a major
structural beam.
To help contain tap fumes and direct them into the primary exhaust hood,
a tap-side enclosure was installed in 1977 on each furnace. The furnace iso-
lation damper is automatically set at .20 percent open during tapping. The
Gaw damper is not used. No significant maintenance or operational problems
exist with the current enclosures according to U.S. Steel engineers.
National Steel, Great Lakes Steel Division
Primary emissions generated during the oxygen blow are captured by full
combustion hoods located directly over each furnace mouth. Air is pumped into
the hood system, approximately 0.33 m (10 feet) above the hood mouth, at a rate
of 28.3 m3/sec (60,000 scfm) to help combust carbon monoxide. Temperature
activated water sprays in the exhaust hood ducting control moisture and temp-
erature. The oxygen lance opening in the primary exhaust hood is fitted with
a sliding disk seal to reduce the escape of emissions and loss of draft.
To help contain tapping emissions, doors (referred to as garage doors)
were installed on the tap-side of the furnace. The doors retain tap emissions
long enough to allow fumes to be carried into the primary exhaust hood.
202
-------
Inland Steel, No. 4 EOF Shop
Inland Steel operates two basic oxygen furnace (EOF) shops at the Indiana
Harbor Works. Two 231-tn ton (255-ton) top blown furnaces at the No. 4 shop
entered service in July 1966, and presently have an annual rated capacity ex-
ceeding 3.6 million m tons (4.0 million tons) of steel.
Primary emissions generated during the oxygen blow are captured by a full
combustion-type hood over each furnace. No secondary emission controls are pre-
sent for charging, turndowns, tapping, or slagging. Steam rings located on the
circumference of the lance holes above each combustion hood, help to control
the escape of oxygen blow emissions.
Furnace exhaust passes from the primary exhaust hood through the spark
box for water spray cooling, and into a quench tower. The gas stream is then
spilt into four identical Buell venturi scrubbers operating in parallel. Water
laden gas enters a moisture separator prior to the four parallel, 1300 kW
(1750 hp) ID fans. The four streams are combined and discharged through a
single stack.
The emissions control system is designed to operate with one furnace on
oxygen blow. Guillotine dampers isolate the off-line vessel. According to
stack tests performed in 1974, the exhaust flow through the scrubbers is
229 mVsec (484,500 acfm), at 58°C (128°F).
Ford Steel Division EOF Shop, River Rouge Plant
The two 227-m ton (250-ton) top blown BOFs, installed in 1964, have com-
bined annual production capacity of 2.7 million m tons (3 million tons) per
year. The shop produces primarily low carbon sheet for use in automobile
manufacturing.
The scrap charge, composed of home and purchased scrap, is predominantly
clean No. 1 bundles from nearby auto stamping facilities. The two BOFs employ
a three-holed lance with an oxygen blow rate of 10.4 m3/sec (22,000 scfm).
Primary emissions are captured by a full combustion, water-cooled hood.
Exhaust gases.are cooled in a cascade-type evaporative chamber prior to
entering an ESP. Steam injection at the evaporator chamber improves particle
resistivity. An isolation damper regulates exhaust rates during various fur-
nace operations. The ESP is equipped with four fans, dividing the gas flow
among eight ESP banks with four fields per bank. The pressure drop measured
across all compartments is about 5.6 mm Hg (3 in. W.C.).
Secondary emissions during HMC are controlled by Gaw damper plates in-
tailed in 1973. GCA observed the plate to close off approximately 50 percent
of the primary hood opening. The vessel is tilted 30° from vertical at the
beginning of the HMC and lowered to 45° from vertical at the end of the HMC.
Since GCA's evaluation, Ford has removed the Gaw damper and is experimenting
with a modified doghouse enclosure to control secondary emissions,
203
-------
ANALYSIS OF FUGITIVE EMISSIONS FROM EOF SHOP OPERATIONS
The following section characterizes the performance of six EOF secondary
emissions control system relative to the following EOF process operations:
• Scrap Charge (SC) • Turn Down (TD)
• Hot Metal Charge (HMC) • Tapping
• Oxygen Blow (02 Elow) • Slagging
Note that the findings presented herein are based on detailed analyses of pro-
cess information available for six BOF studies. In some cases, the analyses
are somewhat limited by the extent of process data supplied to GCA, and monetary
constraints imposed by each project.
For comparison of RMVEs between shops, the authors employed an analysis
tool termed the opacity-duration product. The opacity-duration product is de-
fined as the product of: (1) the percentage (in fractional form) of operations
showing RMVEs greater than zero percent opacity; times (2) the average opacity"
of RMVEs greater than zero; times (3) the average duration of those RMVEs. The
opacity-duration product essentially represents an average visible emissions
flux for each furnace operation.
Scrap Charge
Each heat begins with the addition of cold scrap to the empty vessel.
Many of the shops evaluated were equipped with hydraulic (Calderon type) scrap
charging systems although only GLS and Inland regularly used their systems.
RSC/Gadsden and GLS employed two scrap charges while the other shops charged
scrap in a single operation.
RMVEs from scrap charging represented a relatively small portion of BOF
secondary emissions in these shops. SC emissions resulted from Ignition of
oily material and other combustibles as the scrap contacts the hot vessel.
Control of SC emissions was minimal at the shops evaluated except at the
RSC/Q-BOP where SC emissions are captured by the secondary hood within the
enclosure. At most of the BOF shops, primary exhaust drafts were dampered off
to between 10 to 30 percent open, during the SC. Gaw Dampers are not designed
to control SC emissions since they are not effective in controlling scrap
charge emissions. Also dampers could be damaged by large pieces of scrap.
Table 1 summarizes the RMVE data collected (for SC) at the six BOF shops.
GLS/Ecorse and the RSC/Q-BOP showed the lowest RMVEs for scrap charging. Note
that while the estimated capture of SC emissions at the RSC/Q-BOP was 90 per-
cent, GLS/Ecorse showed zero RMVEs with reduced hood capture of about 50 percent.
The data indicate that other factors such as scrap composition and quality can
play an Important role in reducing SC emissions.
Five process parameters typically evaluated for their relationship with
scrap charge RMVEs were: (1) scrap composition and quality; (2) scrap quan-
tity; (3) duration of scrap charge; (4) quantity of slag in vessel; and (5)
temperature of vessel.
204
-------
TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF SCRAP CHARGE DATA FOR SIX BOF SHOPS
tn
BOF shop
RSC/Chlcago
Q-BOP
RSC/Gadsden
(Avg. of 2
vessels)
USSC/Gary
No. 1 BOF
(Avg. of 3
vessels)
Inland Steel
No. 4 BOF
GLS/Ecorse
No. 2 BOF
Ford Steel
SC
emission
control
Doghouse
enclosure
w/ local
hood
None
None
None
None
None
Uncontrolled
magnitude8
Light
Moderate
to heavy
Light
Moderate
V. light
Light
Percent
of scrap
charges
showing Average Average
Estimated KMVE > 0 opacity of duration of Peafe RMVEs
capture (Z) KHVE* > 0 RMVEs > 0 (Z opacity)
90 18 6 15 10
50 48 8 62 40
10 11 15 50 40
0-10 13 5.0 45 5.0
~50 0000
~50 20 14 95 50
Opacity-
duration
productb
(Z opacity-
seconds)
17
230
83
29
0
270
Comments
Very clean scrap, minimal fines,
mostly ingots, butte and reclaim.
Dolomite sprayed on scrap prior to
charging.
Two scrap charges by transfer crane.
Hone scrap and No. 1 and No. 2 pur-
chased scrap charged.
Vessel isolation dampers closed to
20Z open during SC. 60 to 70Z clean
scrap, ~10T bundles, 12Z pit, —I 23
misc. Generally low oil, clean scrap.
Medium quality scrap, few bundles,
sotae oil in scrap.
Two scrap charges, clean bundled scrap,
probably stampings from auto mfg.
Mostly purchased scrap.
Clean bundled scrap, probably stampings
from auto mfg. Home and purchased
scrap .
lilght - 5 to 25 percent opacity for emissions escaping the vessel, observed inside the shop.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent opacity for emissions escaping the vessel, observed inside.
Heavy • greater than 60 percent opacity for emissions escaping the vessel, observed Inside.
Product " portion of SC showing emissions z average opacity x average duration of emissions.
-------
At one shop, correlations between scrap composition and RMVEs from scrap
charging were reflected in the data as shown in Table 2. Generally, clean home
scrap (Grade 1) from the Gadsden mills generated somewhat lower RMVEs compared
to purchased scrap (No. 2 heavy melt, consisting of recycled machinery).
TABLE 2. SCRAP COMPOSITION AND EMISSIONS GENERATED DURING SCRAP
CHARGING AT RSC/GADSDEN EOF SHOP
Scrap type
Scrap
composition
RMVEs**
range of
(% opacity)
Home Scrap
Clean home scrap
Blooming mill scrap
Rotary shear scrap
Teeming mold scrap
Medium grade scrap Strip mill scrap
Galvanized scrap Galvanized sheet metal
Iron bearing BOF slag
Reclaim
Purchased Scrap
No. 1 heavy melt
No. 2 heavy melt
Recycled machinery
(clean)
Recycled machinery
(low quality, with oil)
0 to 5
0 to 5
5 to 10
0 to 35
0 to 5
5 to 40
aFor all heats* both vessels, measured at BOF shop roof
monitor.
At RSC/Gadsden, strip mill scrap appeared to contain the greatest amount
of oil, while blooming mill scrap (low oil content), charged alone, generated
almost no emissions. Cha-fging of galvanized metal generated white zinc oxide
RMVE ranging from 5 to 10 percent opacity. Reclaim, a low quality scrap, often
generated fine-sized particulate emissions during charging. Emissions from
purchased scrap (No. 1 and No. 2 heavy melt) are attributable to foreign, non-
ferrous material present in the scrap.
Hot Metal Charging
In all shops evaluated, hot metal is charged to the vessel by overhead
cranes. The slowest HMC rate was 63.6 m tons/min (70 tons/min) at RSC/Gadsden
while the highest was 319 m tons/min (351 tons/min) at GLS/Ecorse. At the
RSC/Chicago Q-BOP, two HMCs were required per heat because of the small shop
ladle size (91 m ton). All other shops used one HMC per heat. Furnace tilt
angles ranged from 30° to 45° from vertical. In most cases, cranemen tried to
keep the charging ladle as close as possible inside the vessel mouth.
206
-------
In many shops, RMVEs from HMCs represent a major portion of emissions from
BOF process operations. As shown in Table 3, four of the shops showed RMVEs in
the moderate to heavy range (roughly 50 to 70 percent opacity, observed inside
the shop) while two of the shops generated very heavy HMC emissions (always
100 percent opacity as seen inside the shop). These differences in uncontrolled
emissions may be due to scrap quality arid hot metal charge rates, as discussed
later.
HMC controls assessed included two shops with no controls, three shops
with retrofit Gaw dampers, and one shop with an enclosed and secondary hood.
Republic Steel's Gadsden BOF and the Chicago Q-BOP, which employed substantially
higher evacuation rates, showed the best capture of HMC emissions. USSC/Gary's
No. 1 BOF, employing a lower design HMC evacuation rate (GCA engineers believe
that actual rates were much higher) showed generally lower HMC emissions cap-
ture. However, capture did vary at Gary, generally increasing as the number
of vessels on-line decreased. HMC evacuation rates at the remaining shops were
not available, but were thought to be lower as reflected by in-shop observations.
GCA observers noted that the evacuation system at Inland appeared to be inopera-
tive during HMC's. (Recall that there were no secondary controls at Inland's
No. 4 BOF shop.)
A comparison of RMVE data in Table 3 clearly shows that the Republic Steel
Chicago Q-BOP and Gadsden BOF produced the lowest RMVE during HMC of all the
shops evaluated. The USSC/Gary No. 1 BOF also showed relatively low HMC emis-
sions, while the Ford BOF and the two uncontrolled shops showed substantially
higher emissions. Note that at RSC/Gadsden and USSC/Gary, exhaust drafts may
have been increased to improve HMC capture (these steps may have reduced gas
cleaning efficiency). The other shops operated exhaust flows under standard
procedures. The RMVE analysis suggest that properly designed and operated re-
trofit Gaw dampers can approach the degree of HMC emissions control provided by a
secondary hood and enclosure.
The following process variables which might effect HMC emissions were
evaluated: (1) scrap quality; (2) ladle handling and positioning; (3) hot
metal charge rate; (4) hot metal temperature and chemistry; and (5) hot metal/
scrap charge ratio. In general, the minimal variations of these process param-
eters within a single shop did not provide adequate data to show any substan-
tial correlations with RMVEs. Also, the masking effect of other process varia-
tions further complicated the analyses, A data base on the order of 100 heats
per operating vessel would likely be required to conduct an in-depth evalua-
tion employing multiple regression analysis techniques.
General trends noted at RSC/Gadsden indicated that low quality reclaim,
No. 2 heavy melt, and medium quality strip mill scrap produced the highest
HMC emissions at that shop. High quality home scrap (blooming mill scrap and
'.ngots) showed no RMVEs during HMC. The above trends were exactly reversed
for data collected at USSC/Gary. Similar contradictions were noted for shop
ladle handling practices. At Gadsden, nine cases of poor ladle handling re-
sulted in only one case of RMVEs greater than 0. However, at USSC/Gary, where
HMC emissions abatement procedures required attenuation of the HMC pour rate
when emissions were heavy, in-shop observers noted decreased emissions when
ladles were carefully poured.
207
-------
TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF HOT METAL CHARGE (HMC) DATA FOR SIX EOF SHOPS
ro
o
00
Control
system
Percent
evacuation of HMCs
Secondary Uncontrolled Estimated
BOF
shop
RSC/Chicago
Q-BOP
RSC/Gadsden
BOF
USSC/Gary
No. 1 BOF
Inland Steel
No. 4 BOF
GLS/Ecorse
No. 2 BOF
Ford Steel
BOF
^ight • 5 to 25
Moderate - 30 to
Heavy " greater
Tf assured during
emission emissions
control magnitude
Doghouse Moderate
enclosure
w/local
hood
Gav damper Moderate
Caw damper Moderate
to heavy
None Moderate
to. heavy
None Very heavy
Gav damper" Very heavy
capture
(t)
90
80
40-100
0-10
-30-40
-30-40
percent opacity for emissions escaping
60 percent opacity for
than 60. percent opacity
stack tests.
rate
m'Vsec
(dscfm)
156 b
(330,900)°
230 c
(490, 000) c
44 d
(94,000)d
-Oe
C
NAf
NAf
the vessel,
showing
RMVE >0
(Z)
57
59
53
90
100
100
observed
Average
opacity
of
RMVE >0
(Z
opacity)
8
7
15
34
53
31
inside the
emissions escaping the vessel, observed inside
for emissions
escaping the
Average
duration
of
RMVEs >0
(seconds) (Z
42
54
81
112
132
143
shop.
the shop.
Peak
RMVEs
opacity)
25
30
75
90
100
95
vessel, observed inside the shop.
From data collected at shop.
A • _______
Flow rate provided by USSC design drawings, generally thought to be higher as observed by GCA.
Control system appeared inoperative.
£Not available.
*A representative from Ford indicated that the Gaw Damper system at Ford has been removed in order
to experiment with "Dog House" enclosures for collection of secondary emissions.
-------
Evaluation of HMC pour rates for individual EOF shops showed no substan-
tial correlations with RMVEs. However, a collective evaluation of HMC data
for all six EOF shops, presented in Table 4, clearly shows that shops employ-
ing higher HMC pour rates produced substantially greater RMVEs. Note that
the masking effect of process variations is minimized in Table 4 because the
data base represents over 200 heats of data. Deviations from the general
trend are attributable to differences in secondary emissions controls at each
shop.
TABLE 4. COMPARISON OF HMC POUR RATES AND RMVEs
Shop
Secondary
emissions
control
HMC
pour rate
(t/min)b
(1)
Percent of
HMCs
showing
RMVEs >0
(2)
Average
opacity
of RMVEs
>0
(3)
Duration
of RMVEs
>0
(seconds)
Opacity-
duration
product3
RSC/Chicago Secondary
hood 92
RSC/Gadsden Gaw
damper 70
57
59
42
54
190
220
USSC/Gary
Inland
Ford
GLS
Gaw
damper
None
Gaw damper
None
190
184
216
351
53
90
100
100
15
34
31
53
81
112
143
132
640
3400
4400
7000
Product of columns labeled (1) (2) and (3) showing relative magnitude of RMVEs.
m tons/min can be obtained by multiplying t/min by 0.908.
Oxygen Blow
The basic oxygen process converts a charge of molten iron and scrap to
steel by blowing large quantities of oxygen through the charge. The oxida-
tion process lowers carbon and silicon content and provides heat for melting
the scrap. Supplementary fuel sources such as silicon carbide were added to
the vessel in some of the six shops. Oxygen blow rates ranged from 15,000 to
24,000 scfm at the six shops evaluated. Hot metal to scrap charge ratios
ranged from 1.8 to 3.6. Oxygen blows at the EOF shops evaluated ranged from
13 to 22 minutes in duration. For the top blown vessels, fluxes are charged
through overhead chutes after ignition of the off gases has been achieved.
Fluxes are charged to the Q-BOP through the center tuyeres.
209
-------
Origin of RMVE During Oxygen Blows. At many EOF shops, oxygen blow emis-
sions are a major contributor to RMVEs. The heaviest KMVEs generally occur
towards the middle of the oxygen blow (approximately 12 to 13 minutes into
the blow) when a critical period is reached as the scrap becomes suspended in
the bath and melts completely. During this period, the scrap overturns and
the bath erupts violently, occasionally splashing hot metal from the vessel.
At this point, carbon and silicon are oxidized at the greatest rate, increasing
fume generation and the potential of fume escape from primary hoods.
RMVEs from the oxygen blow at the top blown BOF shops originated from
three main sources; (1) leakage from cracks and expansion gaps in the primary
hood and exhaust ductwork; (2) leakage from the lance hole in the primary hood;
(3) fumes escaping capture at the vessel mouth.
The five top blown BOF shops employed open, full combustion primary hoods.
The vessels at three of the top blown BOF shops were fitted with lance hole
covers or steam rings at. the lance hole to contain oxygen blow emissions. On
vessels with lance hole emission control, emissions from the lance hole area
were significantly reduced. The reduction of oxygen blow RMVEs through the
use of lance hole covers is illustrated in Table 5 which shows RMVEs from
Vessel 1 (no lance hole cover) and Vessel 2 (with lance hole cover) at
RSC/Gadsden.
Oxygen blow emissions originating from cracks and gaps in the primary
hood and ductwork are largely related to the level of maintenance of the
primary emission control system at each shop. This point is illustrated in
Table 5 by comparing oxygen blow RMVEs from Inland's No. 4 shop to RMVEs
from other shops evaluated. In-shbp engineers noted that lance hole emis-
sions were minimal, due to the steam ring controls, but holes and gaps, in
the primary control system ductwork were responsible for most of the RMVEs
at Inland. Conversely, the doghouse enclosure and ducting at the Q-BOP showed
no signs of leaks, and RMVE were 0 for all oxygen blows. Oxygen blow RMVEs
from the other top blown BOF shops, where primary exhaust, ducting was better
maintained, were significantly reduced.
Primary Emissions Control of Oxygen Blow Emissions. Data presented in
Table 5 shows that the Q-BOP with suppressed combustion and wet scrubber
emission controls showed the lowest oxygen blow RMVEs (0 opacity) of all shops
evaluated. The Q-BOP also employed the lowest control system exhaust i-ates
(primary and secondary combined) in part due to the use of suppressed combus-
tion system. The remaining top-blown shops all employed full combustion hoods
with either ESP or wet scrubber controls. Lack of correlation between;oxygen
blow RMVEs and control system exhaust rates is likely due to the effect; of
quencher and scrubber spray additions which effect the actual exhaust rate
at the hood. However, Ford's BOF shop, which produced the lowest oxygen blow
RMVEs among the top-blown shops, employed the highest exhaust rate per operating
vessel of all top-blown shops.
210
-------
TABLE 5. SUMMARY OF OXYGEN BLOW DATA FOR SIX BOF SHOPS
BOF jjhop am)
vessel I.D.
KSC/CHICMIO
Q-BOP
2 Vessel «
RSC/GADSDEN
BOF
No. 1 Vessel
No. 2 Vessel
USSC/GARY
NO. 1 EOF
Msry
Evelyn
Delay
INLAND/ !ND.
IHKBOR
NO. 4 BOT
Vessel 50
Vessel 60
6LS/ECORSE
(2 V«»»«ls)
FORD STEEL
BOF
(2 Vessels)
Control ay»ta» Oxygen
Emissions control evacuation rate blowret*
system mVssc 254 (540,000) 7.1 (15,000)
W/lance hoi* covers 1
Full coBbustlon to
quenchers and wet
scrubbere
\
} 307d (650,000) 9,4 < 20, 000)
1
Full combustion to
wet ucTubbers
steam ring on
Lance hole* an |
poth vessels 228* (484,000) 12.3(26,000)
Full conbuitlon to HA* 9.* (20,000)
f.EP. W/ Lance hole
coven. Both
veeaela)
Full conbuaclon to 2208 (465,000) 11.3 (24,000)
ESP
Percent
of heats
Hot n»tal showing Avenge
to scrap RHVE opacity ot
charj* > OX 1HVE> > 0
ratio (t) (X opacity)
3.6 0 0
94 18
1,8
68 7.6
57 24
2.7 45 20
63 28
100 30
2'9 100 19
HA 100 14.3
2.0 69 8.0
Avairage
duration
of Peak
RHVla > 0 RHVZe (S
and atmospheric pressure.
Measured at ESP stack (saturated) at 163°C (325°F> and ataniphcrlc pressure.
dlnstall«d (an c.paclty for all three vesesls »t scrubb« outltt (saturatad) -146 ooHg (-78 in. U.C.) at 110°F.
'Stack flow measurements «t wt scrubber outlets {.aturlt«i « 53°C (128°F) and at^apheric pnuura.
Reliable estimates not available.
^assured at outlet (tack (dacFn) March 1979.
i «ad opacity of
Process Observations and Oxygen Blow RMVEs. Even though the comparison
of primary exhaust flow rates for all shops did not show strong correlations
with oxygen blow RMVEs, it is generally accepted that higher exhaust rates
should produce lower RMVEs in most situations. At USSC/Gary, the No. 1 BOF
control system is shared by three vessels labled Daisy, Mary and Evelyn.
During oxygen blow periods on Daisy, the isolation damper opened to only
85 percent of maximum. The lower exhaust flow on yessel Daisy corresponded
to increased oxygen blow RMVEs compared to the other two vessels as shown
in Table 6.
Spray Patching Impacts on Oxygen Blow RMVEs. RMVEs were observed to
increase significantly when a vessel was spray patched prior to a heat. For
example, RMVEs from the oxygen blow on one vessel at Gary that had just been
extensively patched were two to three times higher in opacity and duration as
compared to nonpatched heats. At Gadsden, the lining on No. 1 vessel was
nearing the end of its campaign and was frequently patched. More oxygen was
211
-------
blown to account for the greater heat loss through the worn lining. However,
lack of lance hole covers on this vessel caused heavy oxygen blow emissions,
masking an increase that may have been attributable to patching.
TABLE 6. COMPARISON OF PRIMARY EXHAUST HOOD DRAFT WITH
OXYGEN BLOW RMVEs AT USSC GARY No. 1 BOF
Average Opacity -
hood drafta duration product^
Vessel (in. HaO) (% opacity-sec)
Daisy
Mary
Evelyn
6.2
8.2
8.3
5,045
3,450
1,904
Q
For all heats with available data; static pressure
measured in quench section.
Opacity - duration product is the product of the
percent of oxygen blows showing emissions >0 times.
the average opacity and average duration of emissions
from those oxygen blows.
Effect of Steel Chemistry. Oxygen blow RMVE may also be affected by the
final steel chemistry. For example, high carbon steel heats at Gary showed
RMVE for 80 percent of all oxygen blows, compared to the shop average of
50 percent of all heats. Conversely, low carbon heats produced the lowest
RMVE. The oxygen flowrates were about the same for both high and low carbon
heats, but the blow duration was less for the high carbon heats. One would
almost expect higher emissions for heats where more carbon was oxidized
(i.e., low carbon heats), but the exact opposite was observed at Gary;
Hot Metal to Scrap Ratios. Several BOF operating personnel have commented
that high hot metal to scrap ratios generally cause more bath turbulence and
fume escape during a blow. However, a review of process data for individual
heats within each shop, and comparison of each shop to the others found no
correlations. ;
Manual versus Automatic Control of Blow Rate and Lance Height. Manual
control of lance height and oxygen blow rates was observed to significantly
reduce bath turbulence and fume escape at Gadsden. All of the other shops
relied on the normal operating procedure of automatic control, regardless
of hood capture efficiencies. At Gadsden, increased turbulence during the
critical period contributed substantially to oxygen blow RMVEs. On several
occasions the melter reduced emissions during the critical period by decreasing
the oxygen blow rate and raising the lance to retard the reaction rate in the
vessel. When these emissions abatement practices were employed, GCA visible
emissions observers verified substantial decreases in RMVEs by radio contact
with in-shop observers. RSC/Gadsden indicated^ that oxygen blow rates ^t
that shop can be reduced to approximately 12,000 scfm without causing Exces-
sive cooling of the bath.
212
-------
Vessel Turndowns
After the oxygen blow, vessels are turned down for sampling of tempera-
ture and bath chemistry. Additives are sometimes placed in the slag layer
of the bath to retard slag foaming and make sampling easier. Slag-conditioning
addititives at various shops included: (1) blocks of green wood, (2) "Slag-
Mag" cartridges, and (3) elemental sulphur. After sampling, vessels return to
the vertical position for: (1) reblow if the bath temperature is low and/or
the carbon is too high, (2) vessel rocking if the temperature is too high,
or (3) idle mode awaiting return of the chemistry analysis. The TD duration
was usually limited to 2 to 3 minutes at the six shops, although some IDs
lasted over 15 minutes.
At the five top-blown EOF shops, TD emissions control was limited to use
of the primary hood systems (often dampered to 20 to 30 percent open). Only
the Q-BOP employed full exhaust rates and use of a secondary collection hobd
during TD. For all six shops, capture of TD emissions was less than 50 per-
cent, and in most cases, zero capture was observed.
Turndown RMVE data in Table 7 indicates greatest TD emissions at USSC/
Gary and Inland's No. 4 shop. The lowest turndown RMVEs were observed at RSC/
Gadsden. At Gadsden, RMVE occurred for only 1 TD of 60 observed. Turndown
RMVEs from the Q-BOP were moderate as compared to the other shops. Increased
TD emissions capture at the Q-BOP was offset by increased emissions created
by purge gases (nitrogen, oxygen and natural gas) blown through the tuyeres.
RSC reports that nitrogen is normally used as a purge gas, but oxygen and
natural gas were blown for 24 of 33 TDs observed. The data in Table 7 indi-
cate that TD: RMVEs were heavier when oxygen and natural gas were used.
TABLE 7. VESSEL TURNDOWN DATA AT SIX BOF SHOPS
BOF
shop
RSC/Chlcago
Q-BOP
RSC/Gadsden
BOF
USSC/Gary
No. 1 BOF
Inland Steel
No. 4 BOF
GI.S/Ecnrse
No. 2 BOF
Ford/Dearborn
BOF
Emissions
control during
turndown
Primary and
secondary
hoods operating
Primary hood
only
Primary hood
only
Primary hood
only
Primary hood
only
Primary hood
only
Percent of
turndowns
showing
RMVEs > 0
W
78
83
1.7
73
67
21
33
Average
opacity of
RMVEs > 0
(X opacity)
13
17
5
18
18
16
10
Average
duration
of RMVEs
> 0
(seconds)
42
43
30
98
142
73
83
Peak
RMVE
(X opacity)
30
65
10
75
65
100
20
Opacity
duration
product*
(X opacity-sec) Cements
440 Nitrogen blown through tuyeres.
620 Oxygen and natural gac b:owr EhnMi^.
tuyeres.
2.5 Wood blocks added.
1300 Slag-mag added.
1700
250 Elemental sulphur added.
270
"opacity duration product Is the product of the percent of turndowns with RMVEs > 0 and the average opacity and duration
of those RMVE«. '"
213
-------
A review of process variations which might affect turndown RMVEs included
the following; (1) vessel additions; (2) turndown duration; (3) slag condi-
tioning additives. No correlations were evident between turndown RMVEs and
vessel additions or TD duration.
A moderate correlation between slag conditioning additives and turndown
RMVEs was observed from data collected at USSC/Gary. The slag conditioning
additives used at the Gary No. 1 shop were a mixture of rock salt, sawdust
and sulfur, called "Slag-Mag." In-shop observers counted the number of car-
tridges thrown into the vessel for several TDs. Figure 1 shows the duration
of RMVE as a function of "Slag-Mag" cartridge additions, indicating that RMVE
durations increased with increased "Slag-Mag" additions. It was not clear,
however, whether the Slag-Mag reduces flames and foaming thereby creating
heavier (smoke) emissions, or whether more cartridges are added to TDs with
heavier emissions.
4.0
3.3
E
3.0
O - Itt TO
A - 2nd TO
O O
m
in
-------
Tapping emissions control at the six shops include two shops with no con-
trols, three shops with tap-side enclosures, and the Q-BOP which employs the
charge-side hood for tapping control. The data in Table 8 show the highest
RMVE for shops with no tap-side enclosures, and the Q-BOP. Fume capture is
reduced at Ford and Inland because control systems operate at reduced draft
and the lack of tap-side enclosures or other containment devices. Capture of
tapping emissions at the Q-BOP was somewhat reduced because the single secondary
hood is located on the charging side. Tapping fumes escaped through a loose
fitting door on the tap-side of the doghouse enclosure in spite of an exhaust
rate of nearly 123 m3/sec or 260,000 scfm. Recent designs of doghouse enclo-
sures include tap-side hoods to improve tap control.
The data in Table 8 indicate that the three top-blown EOF shops with tap-
side encloFures showed the lowest tapping RMVEs. RSC/Gadsden produced the
lowest RMVEs, probably because of the relatively high exhaust rates (47.7 m3/
sec or 101,000 scfm). RMVE at USSC/Gary and GLS/Ecorse resulted from the
escape of emissions out the charge side of the vessel. Increased exhaust rates
may increase tapping control at these latter two shops. However, engineers
at Gary indicated that introduction of cold air would adversely affect emis-
sions capture at other online vessels.
TABLE 8. TAPPING DATA FOR SIX BOF SHOPS
BOF shop
DSC/CHICAGO
Q-BOP
RSC/GADSDEN
USSC/CARY
NO. 1 BOF
INLAND STEEL
NO. 4 BOF
CLS/ECORSE
NO. 1 BOP
FORD/DEARBORN
BOF
Enlsslona control
during tapping
Secondary hood
only
Prlnary hood w/
tapaide enclosure
Primary hood w/
tapslda encloaure
Primary hood only
Primary hood w/
garage door tsp-
alda encloaura
Primary hood only
Estimated
emissions
capture
U>
0-50
65
0-80
0-20
50-70
<50
Tap ladle
of tapa
showing
additions RMVEa > 0
Kg (Ib) (X)
3350 (7*00)
2450 (5400)
620 (1350)
HA*
NA
1600 (3530)
75
10
74
100
58
83
opacity
of
RMVEa > 0
0
(seconds)
368
116
175
223
174
275
Peak
Opacity*
duration
product
RMVE (Z opaclty-
(X opacity) seconds) Cements
85
20
60
50
60
70
2700
68
1800
3600
1400
2500
Deaulfex ladle additive
N; gas blown through tuyeres
Exhaust rate 60-701 of MX.
Isolation damper 20X open
Minimal or zero exhauat
Isolation daBper 301 open
"opacity duration product la the product of the percent of turndowns with RMVEs > 0 and the average opacity «nd duration of those RMVEa.
bNot available.
Factors that may affect tapping emissions were assessed at three of the
shops. Tapping emissions at RSC/Gadsden and USSC/Gary showed no strong cor-
relations between RMVEs and the following process parameters: (1) total tap
duration; (2) tap ladle additions; (3) steel temperature; (4) quantity of
steel tapped.
For the Q-BOP, the analysis showed a strong correlation between tapping
RMVEs and the addition of a desulfurizing compound to the tap ladle. Tapping
RMVEs reached 85 percent opacity and averaged 20 percent opacity, for heats
receiving this compound. By comparison, tapping RMVEs averaged less than
5 percent opacity for heats not receiving this ladle additive.
215
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Slagging
After tapping, furnaces are rotated back to the charge side to dump slag
Into pots located below the charging floor. Slagging generally lasted about
1 minute. Occasionally, the vessel was rocked back and forth to coat the
vessel lining if linings were thin.
Control of slagging emissions is difficult because the vessel mouth is
directed away from the primary hood. At the top-blown BOFs., almost zero
capture of slagging emissions was observed. Emissions capture was more sub-
stantial at the Q-BOP because the vessel remains Inside the doghouse. Table 9
summarizes the slagging RMVE data, showing the lowest emissions (0 opacity)
were observed for the Q-BOP.
The following were assessed for possible relationships to slag RMVE:
(1) slag duration; (2) steel tap temperature; and (3) quantity and type of
flux additions. No significant correlations between slagging RMVEs and these
process parameters were observed.
TABLE 9. SLAGGING DATA FOR SIX BOF SHOPS
BOF shop
RSC/Chicago
Q-BOP
RSC/Gadsden
BOF
USSC/Gary
No. 1 BOF
Inland Steel
No. 4 BOF
GLS/Ecorse
No. 2 BOF
Ford/Dearborn
BOF
Secondary
emissions
control
during
s lagging
Primary and
secondary hood
None
None
None
None
None
Percent
of slags
showing
RMVE > 0
(%)
0
10
33
100
13
5
Average
opacity of
RMVEs > 0
(^
opacity)
0
5.9
16
14
20
5
Average
duration of
RMVEs > 0
(seconds)
0
55
85
56
113
30
Peak
RMVE
(X
opacity)
0
15
50
45
50
5
Opacity
duration
product8
(% opacity-
sec)
0
34.2
449
7B4
294
7.5
30pacity duration product is the product of the percent of slags with RMVEs > 0
and the average opacity and duration of those RMVEs.
216
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STATUS OF CASTHOUSE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND
WEST GERMANY IN 1980
Prepared by:
Peter D. Spawn
GCA/Technology Division
213 Burlington Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
Thomas J. Maslany
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sixth and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
and
Richard Craig
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an up to date review of recent developments in blast
furnace casthouse control technology in the U.S. Six casthouse control sys-
tems were installed in the U.S. on a permanent basis by the fall of 1980.
Three additional continuous-service casthouse control systems are operating
in Canada. A number of prototype systems are under development and demonstra-
tion in the U.S. At this time the U.S. steel industry has made committments
to install controls on at least 41 casthouses. The paper discusses current
trends in the U.S. and also describes operating control systems in this
country, Canada, and West Germany.
217
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STATUS OF CASTHOUSE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND
WEST GERMANY IN 1980
INTRODUCTION
Casthouse emission control systems are installed on a permanent basis
at nine North American blast furnaces as of the fall of 1980. Demonstration
tests at four other casthouses are being conducted in order to obtain EPA
approval of proposed systems. By the fall of 1980, the steel industry has
made committments to EPA to retrofit controls to at least 41 furnaces, and
discussions are presently being concluded on controls for another 17 furnaces.
This paper provides the current status of casthouse controls in the U.S. and
also discusses controls in Canada and West Germany. Descriptions of Japanese
casthouse controls have appeared elsewhere in the literature.1
The principal problem with casthouse control technology, as stated by
the industry, is the retrofit of existing furnaces. At this time, seven con-
ventional furnaces in North America have retrofit control systems—DOFASCO's
Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and four Bethlehem Steel furnaces. DOFASCO uses total build-
ing evacuation (TE) for three of their furnaces, but is planning to convert
Nos. 2 and 3 to a local hood (LH) system. The Bethlehem B, C, D and E furnace
have large canopy-type hoods in the roof trusses above the taphole and runners.
All existing systems in North America use baghouses for gas cleaning.
Industry's main concern with retrofitting TE technology center around
the costs of moving large air volumes, the difficulty in completely sealing
a casthouse to prevent fume escape, and the need to structurally reinforce
the roof. The LH option relies on relatively manageable air volumes, but the
difficulty of fitting local hoods and routing ductwork within the confines of
an existing casthouse varies from casthouse to casthouse. A secondary concern
with the LH option is achieving efficient capture of casting emissions from
the numerous potential sources, i.e., notch and troughs, runners, ladles, slag
spouts, and slag pits or pots.
A number of experimental LH systems have been tried in the past at U.S.
casthouses. This fall, several prototype systems are being demonstrated at
the Edgar Thomson Works of U.S. Steel (LH), Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel,
Monessen Works (LH) and at three J&L Steel plants—Aliquippa, Indiana Harbor
Works and Cleveland (noncapture shrouding technique). These systems are all
retrofit to existing furnaces. The J&L technology is of interest nationwide,
because it does not use exhaust fans or gas cleaning devices.
The two newest blast furnaces in the U.S. were designed with emissions
control as one objective. Bethlehem's L furnace at Sparrows Point and.the
No. 7 at Inland represent the state-of-the-art of both iron-making and .emis-
sions control. Both furnaces have evacuated, covered runners, local hoods .
over the trough and iron spouts, and a baghouse. These new furnace controls
are similar in concept to the casthouse controls developed in Japan and also
used in West Germany. Certain design aspects of these large furnaces -
218
-------
multiple tapholes, tilting Iron runners, and ductwork running underneath the
casthouse floor—are Instrumental In achieving gbod control performance.
These features are not present on most furnaces in the U.S. and could be added
only during a major rebuild.
TOTAL CASTHOUSE EVACUATION (TE)
The first continuous-service TE control system on a basic iron-producing
furnace in North America was retrofit to the DOFASCO No, 1 casthouse in 1975.
A similar system entered service on DOFASCO's Nos. 2 and 3 casthouses in 1978.
A ferromanganese-producing blast furnace operated by Bethlehem Steel in Johns-
town, PA was fitted with a 400,000 acfm TE system in the mid-seventies. How-
ever, this furnace has been out of service since 1977.
U.S. Steel was committed to six TE systems in the Monongahela Valley (PA).
However, the company has recently proposed local hoods instead, for these six
blast furnaces. At DOFASCO, the Nos. 2 and 3 TE systems are being converted
to the LH option. However, the conversion from TE is primarily to better
utilize the existing 400,000 acfm baghouse which is shared by the two furnaces.
At Bethlehem's Bethlehem, PA plant, partial evacuation systems were installed
on four furnaces in the summer of 1980.
Although the current trend seems to favor the LH option, the TE concept
may still be a favored alternative for smaller casthouses, as evidenced by
DOFASCO's TE system on No. 1 furnace and the four Bethlehem partial evacuation
systems. DOFASCO reports they are satisfied with their 5 years experience
with the No. 1 TE system, and several U.S. companies are considering options
for TE or partial evacuation at this time.
Existing TE Systems: DOFASCO Nos. 1, 2, and 3
The only online North American casthouses employing total evacuation are
DOFASCO's Nos. 1, 2, and 3 furnaces. Table 1 provides a quick summary of cast-
house size and evacuation rates.
TABLE 1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DOFASCO CASTHOUSES AND
CONTROL SYSTEMS2
Furnace
number
1
2
3
Rated
capacity,
nthm
per day
2,140
2,015
2,150
Casthouse
floor
dimensions
(ft)
62 x 65
91 x 100
91 x 67
Total
enclosed
volume
(ft3)
150,000
350,000
365,000
Design
evacuation
rate
(acfm)
300,000
400,000
400,000
Air
changes
per
minute
2.00
1.14
1.10
DOFASCO began experimenting with the No. 1 casthouse in 1975 with a TE
exhaust rate of 250,000 acfm. A progression of improvements to increase per-
formance were summarized as follows:2
219
-------
• Improved sealing between the furnace and the bustle pipe to
make the curtain wall separating the casthouse from the
furnace shell fully effective.
• Sliding cover at the scrap hole opening over the railroad
tracks to prevent short circuiting by air entry at this
point.
• Sliding doors over the slag pit openings.
• Counterweighted panels along the western (prevailing wind)
casthouse wall to allow closure of sidewall openings
during casting.
• Considerable flashing to seal the building and prevent
fume leakage.
• Increasing the fan exhaust flow rate to 300,000 acfm (flow
rate was measured at 340,000 acfm, maximum in 19761).
Before the above steps were implemented, DOFASCO reported that the bag-
house catch averaged 0.3 Ib/ton of iron cast. After the casthouse was
"tightened up," DOFASCO measured 0.6 Ib/ton (5-month average).2 Method 5
testing conducted for EPA in 1976 measured 0.6 Ib/ton at the baghouse inlet
on No. 1 furnace.1
Maximum temperature on the cast floor during casting ranges from 37° to
48°C, a level acceptable to DOFASCO.3 A study of personnel exposure to res-
pirable suspended particulate ( 5 microns), total suspended particulate, sulfur
dioxide, and carbon monoxide found that the casthouse control system on fur-
naces Nos. lt 2, and 3 did not change exposure levels, compared to the
uncontrolled casthouses.2
The No. 1 baghouse is a single compartment, positive pressure unit with
a design air-to-cloth ratio of 2.5:1 at 250,000 acfm. It has 2,160 polyester
bags measuring 8 inches in diameter and 22.5 feet in length. A bypass stack
between the fan and the baghouse protects bags in case of excessive inlet
temperatues, and also provides the exhaust during bag cleaning.
After the No. 1 TE system was completed, a similar IE system was installed
at the Nos. 2 and 3 blast furnaces in 1978. DOFASCO anticipated that casting
could be sequenced so only one furnace was casting at any one time. Thus,
one baghouse and fan serves both furnaces as shown in Figure 1. The Nos. 2
and 3 control systems are similar to the No. 1 furnace, with minor differences
noted below.
At the No. 3 casthouse, the curtain wall, roof plenum and roof reinforce-
ment were installed during a furnace reline period, in a fashion similar to
the No. 1 casthouse. However, construction of the No. 2 system was simplified
over Nos. 1 and 3, and completed while No. 2 furnace was in service. The No. 2
system has a lighter roof load and lighter weight curtain wall. This weight
220
-------
FAN
Figure 1. Plan view of No. 2 and No. 3 casthouse
fume control system.2
reduction, and corresponding cost reduction, was accomplished by the following
des ign changes:2
• Supporting the 10-foot diameter exhaust duct from a structural
steel bridge spanning the slag pit, as opposed to laying the
duct on the casthouse roof as was done on Nos. 1 and 3. This
reduced the extent of additional roof reinforcement.
• The roof plenum intake duct on No. 2 was kept as small as
possible and fabricated from 1/4-inch plate to eliminate
additional structural support steel on the casthouse roof.
• The curtain wall on No. 2 was constructed of prefabricated
framing panels that were presteeled with corrugated stain-
less steel prior to installation. Curtain walls on Nos. 1 and
3 were framed in placed and covered with 1/4-inch plate.
The above weight reduction steps also reduced No. 2 furnace shutdown require-
ments to 21 8-hour days, compared to 46 8-hour shutdowns which would have been
required to construct a TE system identical to Nos. 1 and 3.
The single compartment, positive pressure baghouse serving Nos. 2 and 3
casthouses has an air-to-cloth ratio of 3.3:1 at 400,000 acfm. The 1,360
polyester bags each measure 11-3/4 inches in diameter and 30 feet 7 inches
in length. The exhaust fan is designed for 400,000 acfm at a static pressure
of 16 in. W.G., using a 2,500 hp, 900 rpm direct drive motor. When not cast-
ing, the fan idles with dampers partially closed.
The Nos. 2 and 3 casthouse control system entered service in November
1978. DOFASCO's data for 28 February 1979 to 18 March 1979 shows the average
baghouse catch was 0.702 Ib per ton of hot metal.2
Existing Partial Evacuation Systems: Bethlehem's B, C, D, and E Furnaces
A partial evacuation (PE) control system was installed in the summer of
1980 at blast furnaces B, C, D, and E at Bethlehem Steel's Bethlehem PA plant.
Each PE system consists of a single canopy hood located in the roof trusses
above the iron notch, trough, and runner areas. The system design is based
on experiments conducted in 1977 on Bethlehem's E furnace. The first genera-
tion collection hood installed on the E furnace in 1976 proved unworkable.k
221
-------
A second generation collection hood installed in early 1977 and tested in late
1977 provided the basis for the current control system.
The capture hoods at the four furnaces consist of a 21 x 56-foot hood
in the roof-truss bay, directly above the taphole, main trough, skimmer, and
upper slag runner. Permanent closure of selected openings in casthouse side
walls controls cross drafts which could reduce hood capture.
A single baghouse provides gas cleaning for all four furnaces. When one
furnace is casting, a single fan provides the design evacuation rate of 390,000
acfm. The other three furnaces are dampered off. When two furnaces are cast-
ing, two fans provide a design evacuation rate of 330,000 acfm per furnace.
A backup fan of 200,000 acfm was also installed. Normal hot metal production
is as follows: B - 2,900 tpd, C - 2,700 tpd, D - 3,200 tpd, and E - 2,150 tpd.
LOCAL HOODS RETROFIT TO CONVENTIONAL FURNACES
Interest in local hoods (LH) has stemmed from the premise that exhaust
flowrates (and, thus, capital and operating costs) would be considerably less
than for the TE option. This is especially important for larger casthouses that
inay require above half a million acfm to provide the number of casthouse air
changes thought to be necessary for adequate control (i.e., 1.1 to 2.0 air
changes per minute as at DOFASCO). The primary industry concerns with retro-
fit LH systems are ductwork routing within the available space, interference
with casthouse operations (drilling, mudgun, working of runners, runnesr main-
tenance), decreased capture efficiency because of cross drafts, and possible
lack of space for adequately-sized hoods and/or ductwork.
At present, no retrofit LH systems are operating in the U.S. on a continu-
ous basis. However, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel's Monessen plant has a planned
start-up date of November 1980 with local hoods on one furnace. In addition,
several steel companies are committed to retrofitting LH on a number of casthouses.
Planned LH Systems: Wheeling-Pittsburgh, Monessen, PA
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel will be demonstrating a LH system at the Monessen
plant, the proposal calls for local hoods over the iron trough area and four
local hoods above each of the four iron spouts. The hoods will be evacuated to
a 130,000 4cfm baghouse. A demonstration-type system is scheduled to-start up
in November 1980 on the No. 3 blast furnace and will be evaluated by EPA at that
C " ' ' '' "
time. If;approved, this system will be retrofit to all three Wheeling-
Pittsburgh facilities.
Proposed LH Systems: U..S. Steel
U.S. Steel is proposing to retrofit LH controls with noncapture•techniques
on a number of their casthouses. The control plan is to retrofit LH to seven
plants in the Monongahela Valley and to three furnaces at the Geneva, UT plant.
Discussions with EPA for'LH controls at other U.S. Steel plants are currently
underway.
222
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In the Monongahela Valley complex, U.S. Steel has proposed to use LH
instead of TE for seven casthouses. The company is currently experimenting
with a local hood at the Edgar - Thomson No. 1 blast furnace. The proposed
system consists of a notch-area hood under the bustle pipe, extending over
most of the iron trough. A blower system is planned to help direct trough-area
emissions into the hood. Noncapture techniques are being proposed for con-
trolling the rest of the casthouse. Total exhaust flowrate for the trough
area hood is presently 140,000 acfm, with one baghouse per furnace. EPA is
presently evaluating the proposed hood at the Edgar Thomson plant.
Other Proposed or Planned LH Systems
National Steel is proposing to use local hoods above the iron spouts and a
trough area enclosure for controlling casthouses at the Weirton, Granite City
and Great Lakes plants. Additional information is not available at this time.6
American Air Filter recently announced receipt of a turnkey order from
U.S. Steel to install a LH control system on the No. 8 blast furnace at
Fairfield, Alabama. Local hoods and runner covers will be installed on this
two-taphole furnace. Total evacuation rate is reportedly 300,000 acfm. An
off-line cleaned baghouse designed for an outlet grain loading of 0.010 gr/ft3
will be used.7
DOFASCO's Conversion of Nos. 2 and 3 to LH from TE
DOFASCO is studying the conversion of the Nos. 2 and 3 TE systems to an LH
system to avoid the occasional operation of an uncontrolled furnace. As men-
tioned previously, Nos. 2 and 3 furnaces share a baghouse. The original plan
was to stagger casting schedules so only one furnace was cast at any one time.
Casts overlap to some extent, and whichever furnace is cast second operates
uncontrolled.
DOFASCO is planning to use LH over the taphole and torpedo cars with
a net evacuation rate of 200,000 acfm per furnace. This would allow the
400,000 acfm baghouse, originally designed to handle one furnace with TE con-
trol, to handle both furnaces simultaneously. Hooding is currently being
installed on the No. 2 furnace which is down for reline (Fall 1980). Both
furnaces will be converted to two-taphole runner systems.
Stelco's Experience with LH
Stelco operates four blast furnaces at the Hilton Works in Hamilton,
Ontario. A prototype system was recently installed on one furnace, consisting
of an iron trough hood and baghouse. Stelco is committed to installing con-
trols on the remaining three furnaces, although there is no installation
chedule at present.
Stelco's Lake Erie plant has one new, 5500 tpd blast furnace with local
hoods over the iron trough and iron spouts, with runner covers. Apparently,
the casthouse is considered in compliance with applicable regulations, although
formal compliance tests have not yet been conducted.8
223
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LOCAL HOODS ON NEW FURNACES AND LARGE RETROFIT FURNACES
Although this paper primarily discusses casthouse control technology in
the U.S., Canada, and West Germany, brief mention will be made of other
country's experiences. Virtually 100 percent of all Japanese blast furnaces
have casthouse controls, of Which some are retrofit and some are new fur-
naces .x»9 Four large furnaces in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany were re-
trofit with LH and evacuated runner cover controls in the late seventies.
Two other furnaces also have control systems. The same type of technology
was employed at the two newest blast furnaces in the U.S.—the L furnace at
Sparrows Point, and the No. 7 furnace at Inland. DOFASCO is installing sim-
ilar systems on their 4,000 tpd No. 4 furnace. The newer Japanese systems
differ somewhat from the West Germany and new U.S. furnaces in that the new
Japanese systems control drilling and plugging emissions by a scavenger hood
with curtains that lower around the taphole area.
Casthouse controls are also being developed in France, Italy, England
and Sweden; at least one controlled casthouse operates in each country.
Italsider in Taranto, Italy operates a system consisting of side draft hoods
on the iron notch area, runner covers, and iron spout hoods. The British
Steel Corporation operates a control system at the Middleboro plant consist-
ing of runner covers and iron spout hoods, complemented with curtains. In
France, the Usinor-Dunkerque plant is also installing casthouse controls.6
The new and retrofit LH systems on the large blast furnaces in the U.S.,
West Germany, Canada, and Japan operate in relatively large casthouses which
generally have adequate internal space for hoods and ductwork. These cast-
houses have several features not generally present on older U.S. furnaces;
i.e., multiple tapholes, tilting iron and slag runners, and casthouse floors
suspended on columns which allow for ductwork routing underneath the floor.
Applicability of these LH systems to older U.S. casthouses may be limited
without extensive rebuild. Applicability must be judged on an individual
basis.
New Furnace Control in the U.S. - Sparrows Point and Inland
The two newest blast furnaces in the U.S. recently entered service with
casthouse controls consisting of local hoods and evacuated runner covers.
Bethlehem's L furnace at Sparrows Point and Inland's No. 7 furnace differ
from older furnaces in the U.S. in production capacity, charging and casting
methods, and top pressure. Where older furnaces are rated at about 1000 to
2000 tons/day of hot metal, the new furnaces produce about 10,000 tons/day.
Most older furnaces have one taphole located in a single casthouse, while the
new approach is four tapholes located within two casthouses.
The new furnaces are cast almost continuously, rotating hour-long casts
between tapholes. The fourth runner system is usually off-line for relining
or maintenance. The new furnaces operate under a top pressure of several
atmospheres. Iron is cast into multiple ladles through tilting iron runners.
Burden is charged continuously through a bell-less top via a belt conveyor.
224
-------
The new furnace's emission control systems are similar in concept to the
West German plants, described below. Troughs and runners are covered, and
interconnected to exhaust hoods located at key points: taphole, skimmer/dam,
and tilting iron runners. The exhaust ducts pass from hoods directly down-
wards through the casthouse floor, and join common ducts leading to the bag-
houses. The casthouse floors rest on columns, and torpedo cars travel under-
neath. This contrasts to some older furnaces where the casthouse is back-
filled; i.e., there is no open space underneath the floor.
The iron runners are fairly deep at the new furnaces. This allows for
flat runner covers, with an arched section used on the trough and/or spouts.
The arched section is removed for drilling and plugging. The total exhaust
flowrates are reportedly 300,000 acfm at Sparrow's Point, and at Inland's
No. 7 furnace, 320,000 acfm.
Retrofit LH Systems in West Germany
All of the six controlled casthouses operating in the Rhine-Ruhr region
of West Germany use the LH option. Only the larger furnaces (5,000 to 10,000
tonnes/day) are controlled. The six controlled furnaces represent 25 percent
of West Germany's iron production.
GCA observed four of the six controlled casthouses. The two controlled
furnaces not observed are operated by Thyssen; one produces ferromanganese,
while the other has a control system not yet completed. Table 2 provides an
overview comparison of the four casthouses of interest. It is important to
note that all four furnaces observed in West Germany are the pressure-type;
i.e., the top pressures are 2+ atmospheres. Highlights of the plant visits
appear below.
Krupp-Rheinhausen No. 1 Furnace. This retrofit casthouse has side draft
hoods on the taphole and the torpedo car. A hinged taphole hood extension
lowered over the iron pool is raised for drilling and plugging. The slag
runner, slag pots, skimmer/dam area, and the iron runner are uncontrolled.
This furnace has two tapholes and two casthouses.
According to regulatory officials, about 80 percent total capture is
normally obtained with this system. Regulatory officials feel this is the
least effective design in the region because of the following factors:
• Low exhaust flowrate.
• No control of skimmer and end of iron pool.
• Uncovered iron and slag runners.
• No slag pot control.
• Casthouse sides are open and cross drafts tend to
reduce capture efficiency.
225
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TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF WEST GERMAN CASTHOUSE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Firm
Plant
Year
Daily Year control
•production, furnace system No. of
metric entered entered Ho. of cast-
tpd service service tapholes houses
Capture system
Total
exhaust
applied
to hood
leaning system capture
system m*/hrp efficiency"1
Gas to hood Estimated
cleaning system capture
Krupp Rheinhausen
5,000 1976 1977
Thyssen
Thyssen
Hamborn No. 4
5,000
Schwelgern No. 1 10.000
1964*
(1975)
1973
1978
1975
ro
N9
cr»
Kannesaann No. A
6,000 1973 1978
Side-draft hood, both sides
of taphole. Side-draft hood,
both sides of torpedo car.
No control for slag runner,
iron runner or skimmer. Mo
runner covers.
Three hoods, over taphole,
dam and skimmer, and tilt-
Ing iron runner. No slag
runner or slag pot control.
No runner covers.
Hoods above taphole and
iron pool. Hood over dam,
skimmer, tilting iron
runner. Iron runner covers.
No control of slag runner.
Runner covers over iron and
slag runners and iron pool.
Covers connected to three
hoods, at dam/skimmer,
tilting iron runner, and
tilting slag pot runner.
Scavenger offtakes in roof
canopy above cast floor.
Scrubber1- 320,000
80
Baghouse 580,000
Baghouse 700,000
ESP
716,000
80
95
99+
"Conflicting data.
b"Normal." standard m'/hr.
°Scrubber reportedly selected over baghouse or ESP due to space restrictions and availability of excess sludge handling capacity.
Estimates based regulatory officials' assessment of normal operation, supplemented by GCA's observations.
-------
Thyssen - No. 4 Hamborn Furnace. This furnace has two relatively small
casthouses, and both the regulatory authorities and Thyssen feel the system
is the best achievable due to retrofit problems. Thyssen would prefer to in-
crease the taphole flowrate, but space restrictions limit the ductwork diam-
eter. Observation of one cast found the following. The tilting iron runner
and the skimmer/dam hood both showed 95+ percent capture. The slag runner,
slag pot and iron runner were uncontrolled, but showed only light emissions
of 10 to 20 percent opacity as observed inside the casthouse. Most of the
emissions escaped from the taphole area. Regulatory officials feel that this
system normally provides capture of about 80 percent of total casting emissions.
Thyssen-Schwelgern No. 1 Furnace. Considered the second-best control
system in the region, this furnace is controlled by local hoods above the tap-
holes, the dams and skimmers, and the tilting iron runners. Refractory-lined
covers completely enclose the iron runners and connect with the three hoods.
The slag runner is uncontrolled. The system layout appears in Figure 2.
CROSS-SECTIOH
TO
BAGHOUSE
PLAN VIEW
Figure 2. Emission control system of Thyssen-Schwelgern No. 1 casthouse.
227
-------
Regulatory officials reported that capture efficiency is normally 95+
percent, but there are usually some small leaks in the hood system. Thyssen
would like to increase the total exhaust from 700,000 N m^/hr to about
1.0 x 10G to improve taphole control, and use Mannesmann-type SiC runners to
decrease runner maintenance. The runner material currently used at Schwelgern
requires relining once per week. Other than these modifications, both Thyssen
and the regulatory authorities are satisfied with the system.
Mannesmann A Furnace. This retrofit system is the best-performing cast-
house control system in West Germany according to regulatory officials. Obser-
vation of one complete cast, tap to plug, found almost no visible emissions
escaping the runners or taphole, as viewed inside the casthouse. The only
emissions that escaped the control system were as follows:
• One to two minutes of emissions when the iron trough cover
was removed for a drill, redrill or plug.
• Minor puffs that occur infrequently through joints in the
runner covers. Puffs rapidly dissipated to 0 opacity
within the casthouse, or were immediately drawn back into
the system.
Figure 3 shows the Mannesmann system of arched, refractory-lined covers
on all portions of the iron pool, iron runner and slag runner. Casting emis-
sions are contained by the runner covers and drawn off by three hoods, one
each over the tilting iron runner, the skimmer area and the tilting slag
runner. There is no taphole hood, and no visible emissions escaped the tap-
hole area during normal operation. Should any emission escape the system,
the exhaust flow can be manually diverted to three or four scavenger ducts
located in an overhead canopy formed by steel sheeting on the roof trusses.
Mannesmann reported they will use an almost identical control system when the
B furnace is built.
An important feature of the Mannesmann system is the precast SiC iron
and slag runners which last for 200,000 tonnes of hot metal before replacement.
Runner covers are moved weekly for runner maintenance. Slag buildup on the
SiC runners is reportedly lessened compared to conventional silica sand lining
material. Excessive downtime during reline is avoided because the precast
runners are removed in sections, and replaced with new sections.
DOFASCO No. 4 LH System
The No. 4 blast furnace has two tapholes within a single casthouse that
has a much larger volume than Nos. 1, 2, or 3. DOFASCO reported that the TE
option would require a 600,000 acfm system and would likely cause crossflow
of fumes from the casting runner to the furnace crew cleaning the other
runner.2
228
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IRON TROUGH COVER
EMERGENCY IRON SPOUT
TILTING IRON RUNNER
TILTING SLAG RUNNER
EMERGENCY SLAG SPOUT
Figure 3. Plan view of the controlled casthouses at
the Mannesmann "A" furnace.
DOFASCO selected a system of localized hoods over the two tapholes and
the two tilting runners as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. These four hoods
will be connected to a common duct leading to a fan and a baghouse when the
system is completed in 1981. The original concept called for an air curtain
to push iron trough emissions into the taphole hood. DOFASCO's current plan
(Fall 1980) is to use covers for iron runner control.
The tilting runner design allows for a shorter iron runner length com-
pared to a fixed runner design. DOFASCO reports that without the tilting
runner, total iron runner length would be 75 feet per taphole compared to
24 feet per taphole with the use of the tilting runners. The shorter runners
theoretically reduce fume generation by reducing hot metal exposure to air.
Runner maintenance is also reduced. A captive locomotive was necessary to
place the additional torpedo car under one side of the tilting runner. The
locomotive normally used for casting positions ladles on the other side of the
•unner.
DOFASCO reports several advantages with the LH approach in a large cast-
house, compared to TE; i.e.:
• Fumes are collected at the source and better working conditions
are achieved.
229
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FUMBMOOO
TAPMOUMQOO
Figure 4. No. 4 blast furnace casthouse fume collection.
WINCH
CYLINDER
HIAT SHICLD
CASTHOUSE FLOOR
HOT MCTAL CAR
Figure 5. Tilting runner-No. 4 blast furnace.
TUVCMC
IRON
NOTCH
Figure 6. Local taphole and air curtain on No. 4 blast furnace.
230
-------
• The fume collection system is smaller, with respect to gas
volume and capital construction costs.
• There is minimal interference with furnace operation.
DOFASCO indicated that efforts to reduce generation of iron pool emissions
have included the consideration of reducing the taphole angle from 18 degrees
to 12 or 15 degrees (measured from the horizontal) and to reduce the drill bit
size to 1-7/8 inches. Both of these modifications would tend to reduce iron
pool turbulence and theoretically reduce uncontrolled emissions.
NONCAPTURE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATED BY J&L STEEL
J&L Steel is presently demonstrating a proprietary technology involving
suppression of casting emissions by noncapture shrouding techniques. EPA
contractors are presently evaluating emissions control performance of this
technology at three J&L plants—Aliquippa, Indiana Harbor Works, and at
Cleveland (Fall of 1980). All three systems were retrofit. The technology
has generated interest because it does not rely on evacuation fans or gas
cleaning devices. No further discussion is provided because the system design
and operation details are considered proprietary.
SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE EMISSIONS DATA
Visible emissions (VE) data are available to describe the control per-
formance of DOFASCO's three TE systems, and J&L's prototype systems. Limited
VE data are available for the Bethlehem E furnace during demonstration tests.
More VE data will become available as additional retrofit control systems come
online in 1981-82. Mass emissions data describing the uncontrolled emission
rates are available from DOFASCO, the Bethlehem E furnace and four West German
casthouses.
Visible Emissions Data
Table 3 summarizes VE data for DOFASCO, Bethlehem E, and the three J&L
casthouses. A more detailed emissions breakdown will be provided in the field
test report for each plant. ' *
The 31 casts at DOFASCO were observed by test teams consisting of three
environmental engineers, all certified to record VE by EPA Reference Method 9
(40 CFR 60.275 Part A). One engineer stationed inside the casthouse documented
the origin and magnitude of all emissions generated during the entire cast.
A second engineer recorded VE escaping the casthouse in accordance with
Method 9. The third test team member continuously walked around the casthouse,
searching for VE that may not be visible to the main VE observer. Constant FM
radio contact enabled the test teams to document whether the Method 9 observer
was viewing the greatest emissions.
For all casts observed at DOFASCO's Nos. 1, 2 and 3 furnaces, the hot
metal sulfur averaged 0.054 percent by weight, ranging from 0.030 to 0.088.
More detailed process data and emissions assessment appear in the Final Report.11
231
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TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF VISIBLE EMISSIONS DATA FOR CONTROLLED CASTHOUSES
Percent of total Method 9
Casthouse
DOFASCO No. I3
DOFASCO No. 2a
DOFASCO No. 3a
Bethlehem E
J&L-Indiana Harbor
J&L-Clevelandf
J&L-Aliquippa
Test
date
5/80
5/80
5/80
10/77C
10/77d
10/766
9/80
10/80
11/80
Nn of
li O » OH
casts
observed
10
9
12
2
1
6
30
50
21
0-15%
opacity
93
95
74
90
8
39
94
95
97
20-60%
opacity
7
5
26
10
88
58
5
5
3
observations
>60%
opacity
0
0
0
0
4
3
0.5
0.03
0.1
*he DOFASCO data provided here excludes the last 5 minutes of each cast due
to heavy plugging emissions that escaped capture. VE escaping the casthouses
during plugging were > 20 percent opacity for about 60 percent of all casts
observed.
Method 9 observations recorded at 15-second intervals.
CAt ~300,000 acfm.
dAt ~150,000 acfm.
n
Experimental notch area hood, roof monitor emissions read by one observer.
Results of preliminary data assessment. About 75 percent of emissions
>60 percent opacity occurred during plugging and/or abnormal operations.
The J&L VE data were collected in a fashion similar to the DOFASCO data.
The process data are considered confidential and are not available at this
time.
Mass Emissions Data
Table 4 summarizes available mass emissions data for uncontrolled cast-
house emissions that were captured by each control system. The DOFASCO data
are based on several months of weighing the baghouse catch and is considered
representative of their operation. The DOFASCO IE systems have been observed
by GCA to capture on the order of 95+ percent of the total casting emissions.
A testing program on the No. 3 casthouse is underway in November 1980 to obtain
additional uncontrolled mass data and inhalable particulate data.
232
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TABLE 4. MASS EMISSIONS DATA FOR UNCONTROLLED CASTHOUSE EMISSIONS CAPTURED
BY CONTROL DEVICES
Date of Measurement Uncontrolled emission rate,
Plant measurement technique Ib/ton of hot metal
DOFASCO No. 1
DOFASCO No. 1
DOFASCO Nos. 2 & 3
DOFASCO No. 3
Bethlehem E
Four West
.German Plants6
1977
1976
1979
1980
1976
1978-79
fl.
Baghouse catch
Method 5
Baghouse catch
Method 5, IP
Method 5
VDI, mass
balance
0.60
0.60
0.70
c
0.24
2.0
aFive-month measurement; Reference 2.
bNineteen-day measurement; Reference 2.
CMethod 5 and inhalable particulate tests conducted in November 1980; data
not yet available.
Tlood capture unknown; see text.
eData for large, pressurized furnaces, which likely generate more emissons
than conventional furnaces; see text. VDI method is West Germany's standard
mass emissions measurement technique.
The mass emissions data shown for Bethlehem's E furnace are the average
of nine Method 5 tests on the duct serving the partial evacuation canopy
hoods. The exhaust flowrates were varied from 175,000 acfm to 358,000 acfm
during these tests. It cannot be determined what percent of total casthouse
emissions were captured and sampled because the Bethlehem partial evacuation
systems are not designed to capture emissions from all casthouse emission
sources. VE data provided previously in Table 3 indicate some emissions
escape this system and are emitted to the atmosphere.
The data from West Germany was obtained by direct sampling of inlets to
control devices for three plants, and by measurement of scrubber solids for
the fourth plant. The West Germans consider these data unrepresentative of a
smaller, 2000 tpd plant for two reasons: (1) the data represent large (6,000
to 10,000 tpd) furnaces operating with a top pressure of several atmospheres,
and these furnaces are considered to generate more notch area emissions than
furnaces with about one atmosphere of top pressure; and (2) the high exhaust
flowrate applied to the local hoods and covered runners is felt to increase
"he^ncon^olled emission rate by increasing hot metal/air mixing.>°
Not included in Table 4 are results of testing for uncontrolled casthouse
emissions by using high volume samplers suspended in roof monitors. Because of
several uncertainties associated with the accuracy of this test method, it is
quite difficult to determine whether this technique can develop an accurate
uncontrolled emission factor.
233
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CONCLUDING COMMENTS
The diversity of concepts being evaluated by DOFASCO, J&L, U.S. Steel,
National Steel, Bethlehem Steel and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel indicate there
are many options for solving blast furnace casthouse problems, and that emis-
sions controls may not be limited to only a few options. Furthermore, dis-
cussions with workers and operating personnel at DOFASCO, U.S. Steel and J&L
indicate that a problem of worker and operator acceptance of control apparatus
may not exist.
Future trends in iron-making are likely to change emissions characteristics
of blast furnaces in the U.S. Large new furnaces, along with changes in
smaller, existing furnaces such as use of external desulfurization, modest
increases in hearth diameter during reline, improvements in burden and fuels,
installing second tapholes and increasing the wind, will increase the potential
casting emissions from individual furnaces. The decrease in total number of
blast furnaces, and the associated increase in productivity per furnace,
coupled with the industry's research of new control techniques, has resulted
in a crucial economic turn-around in the cost of controls per ton of hot metal.
REFERENCES
1. May, William P. Blast Furnace Casthouse Emission Control Technology
Assessment. Betz Environmental Engineers, Inc. EPA Publication No.
600/2-77-231. November 1977.
2. Samson, D. H. Dominion Foundries and Steel, Limited. Hamilton, Ontario.
Blast Furnace Casthouse Emission Control. Paper from DOFASCO, Hamilton,
Ontario. July 1979.
3. Private communcation. Peter Spawn, GCA Technology Division to DOFASCO.
October 1980.
4. Application for Plan Approval to construct a blast furnace casthouse
particulate emissions control system for the Bethlehem Plants Blast
Furnaces B, C, D and E. Bethlehem Steel to Pennsylvania DER. June 16,
1978.
5. Application for Installation of an Air Cleaning Device/Operating Permit
for the Blast Furnace No. 3 Casthouse. Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.
to Pennsylvania DER. September 28, 1979.
6. Private communication. Tom Maslany, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 3, to Peter Spawn, GCA/Technology Division.
7. Announcement by American Air Filter, as published in the Mcllvaine Fabric
Filter Newsletter, October 10, 1980.
8. Private communication. Richard Craig, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 2, to Stelco.
9. Maslany, Thomas J. Japan Trip Report. Spring 1979.
234
-------
10. Spawn, Peter D. West Germany Trip Report. GCA for U.S. EPA.
June 1980.
11. Spawn, Peter and Stephen Piper. DOFASCO, Hamilton, Ontario. Blast
Furnace Casthouses—Visible Emission Assessment. GCA Draft Final
Report No. TR-80-55-G. Volume 1. July 1980. Final Report due
December 1980.
12. Field evaluation of demonstration tests at J&L Indiana Harbor Works and
Cleveland. GCA/Technology Division. September-October 1980. Report due
December 1980.
13. Field evaluation of demonstration tests at J&L Aliquippa. JACA Corp.
.November 1980. Report due December 1980.
235
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EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL DUST CONTROL SYSTEM
FOR ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE
by: Leon Hutten-Czapski, M.Sc. P. Eng.
Technical Assistant to the Director of Engineering
Sidbec-Dosco, Usine de Contrecoeur,
C.P. 1000, Contrecoeur, Que\
Canada JOL ICO
Tel: (514) 587-2091 ext. 363
ABSTRACT
The total efficiency of a dust control system is a product
of collecting and filtering efficiencies. Most of existing dust
control systems for electrical arc furnaces have inefficient collect-
ing and very efficient filtering components. The poor efficiency of
collecting hoods is a result of their distance from the source, exist-
ing cross wind in the melt shop and lack of sufficient exhaust capacity
even at very high gas flow rate.
The only rational and economic solution is to capture the fumes
at or close to the source. The system installed in Sidbec-Dosco Contre-
coeur melt shop is employing retractable collecting hoods located close
to the ladle. It achieves high collecting efficiency at low exhaust
rate of gas flow without interference with operation of the overhead
crane.
The paper in question provides technical and economical ana-
lysis of several alternative solutions of dust collecting system for
electric arc furnaces in steel making plants.
237
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EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL DUST CONTROL SYSTEM
FOR ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE
During its operating cycle the modern high powered electric
arc furnace releases about 1% of the weight of the molten steel as fume
and dust.
This emission contains a variety of metal oxides including
heavy metals.
For health reasons of the workers employed in the melt shop and
the general population living around the plant, the emissions must be
limited to a degree balanced between the cost of control and social bene-
fits resulting from this control.
At the present time legislature and regulations in North America
and Europe require that approximately 94 to 96% of all emissions from the
electric arc furnace operation are to be captured. Only 4 to 6% can be
allowed to exit to the atmosphere.
There are also health regulations in force, which limit the
dust concentration inside the plant.
The task of the project engineer is to provide control systems
which will satisfy the regulations at minimum investment and operational
costs.
In order to find the best solution, it is necessary to quantify
the emissions from the furnace for each phase of the operating cycle. The
average of data obtained are shown in table # 1.
ACTION:
INSPECTION AND FETTLING
CHARGING
MELTING AND REFINING
TAPPING AND DEOXIDIZING
SLAGGING
TOTAL EMISSION
WEIGHT OF NON
CONTROLLED
EMISSION
KG /TONNE
0.06
0.24
9. 25
0.40
0.05
TIME OF DURATION
OF EMISSION
IN MINUTES
3 TO 20
1.5 TO 3
120 TO 150
5 TO 11
3 TO 5
10.0 KG/TONNE OF MOLTEN STEEL
TABLE 1 WEIGHT AND DURATION OF DUST EMISSION
238
-------
A survey of available data shows a large spread of specific
weight of uncontrolled emissions ranging from 6 to 24 kg per tonne of
molten steel.
The factors influencing the high rate of particulate emission
are shown in table # 2,
OILY SCRAP
LIGHT GAUGE SCRAP
PAINTED SCRAP
ZINC COATED SCRAP
PNEUMATIC FEED OF LIME AND DOLOMITE
MORE THAN ONE BUCKET CHARGE
DOORS OF THE FURNACE OPEN
LEAKY LINTEL AROUND THE ROOF OF THE FURNACE
WORN OUT REFRACTORY REQUIRING REPAIR
ACCIDENTS LIKE: BROKEN ELECTRODES
INTERRUPTION OF POWER SUPPLY
TABLE 2 - FACTORS INCREASING THE PARTICULATE EMISSIONS
OF FUME AND DUST FROM THE ELECTRICAL ARC FURNACE
Beside the particulate emission there is also an emission of
gasses: carbon dioxide C02, carbon monoxide CO, nitrogen oxides NO ,
hydrogen H2, water vapour HpO and a vast variety of hydrocarbons aftd
other inorganic and organic compounds.
Of particular interest for the project engineer are emissions
of combustible gasses since they may cause explotions. In order to reduce
teh chances of such an accident, additional air, necessary for combustion,
is introduced into the ducts, and appropriate dilution is added to remove
the mixture of gasses and air from the explosive range.
Another cause of explosions is: closed vessels containing gasses
and liquids, for instance: hydraulic cylinders, pumps and valves. They
burst during heating, suddenly releasing their content, which expands, or
ignites instantly. In winter months, there is a danger of explosion by
ice frozen into crevices of the scrap. Contact of water and molten metal
dissociates water into hydrogen and oxygen which recombine again with
explosive force.
239
-------
The rate of participate and gasous emissions varies in a wide
range during the cycle of operation of the electric arc furnace.
The total efficiency of a dust control system is a product of
collecting and filtering efficiencies. Most of existing dust control
systems for electrical arc furnaces have inefficient collecting and
very efficient filtering components. The poor efficiency of collecting
hoods is a result of their distance from the source, existing cross wind
in the melt shop and lack of sufficient exhaust capacity even at very high
gas flow rate.
flfiURE 1 : COIVWTIOHA1.0UJT COITHOLJTJTU
The new cycle of operation begins with inspection of the refractory.
The electrodes and the roof are raised and moved off the furnace. Since
the furnace is nearly empty, there is very little particulate emission. If
the refractory needs repair, a procedure called fettling is performed. A
plastic refractory is blown, or thrown by centrifugal pump toward the places
needing repair. The moisture of the plastic refractory evaporates quickly
and takes some of the refractory into a column of raising vapour. This
first emission is partially captured by an exhaust hood located at the roof
truss level in the charging bay. The second part of the emission falls
down mostly along the walls of the building. The third part exits by
the roof ventilation into the ambient atmosphere.
When the refractory of the furnace is in good condition, there is
no need for inspection and fettling. The cycle begins with charging: the
roof of the furnace is opened, the charging bucket filled with scrap carried
by the overhead crane arrives, centers with the axis of the electric arc
240
-------
furnace and releases its load into the furnace. In order to save wear
of the refractory at the bottom of the furnace the charging bucket is
loaded first with light scrap, and next, with heavy scrap. Light scrap
has a large surface to volume ratio, and is more contaminated than heavy
scrap. The sudden contact of the light scrap with hot refractory heats
the thin scrap layer rapidly, evaporating water first, and hydrocarbons
(oil, plastics, rubber) second. The vapours of hydrocarbons ignite within
few seconds.
The intensity of the flame depends on the hydrocarbon content in
the scrap. Shavings contain up to 5% of oil by weight. Large amounts of
oily scrap in the charge may result in flames up to 20 meter high reaching
the roof of the building. In these conditions, gas emissions rate may be
more than 15 m /sec. for each square meter of the furnace hearth area.
With limited content of oily scrap in the charging bucket the gas emission
rate is about 5 m /sec. for each square meter of furnace hearth horizontal
projection.
The total charging operation can be performed by skilled operators
in less than 90 seconds. The large volume of gas and fume released is
normally beyond the capturing capacity of the exhaust system located over
the furnace.
The result is a visible emission escaping by the melt shop roof
ventilators into the atmosphere.
After charging the melting opeartion begins. Three electrodes
are lowered into the furnace and electric power is applied gradually until
full power is reached. The cold scrap is therefore heated simultaneously
from outside by the walls, bottom and roof of the furnace and from inside,
by radiant heat developped by the electric arc. The process of: vapori-
zation melting and sublimation reaches throughout the total scrap mass.
Since the temperature in different parts of the charge is not uniform, a
mixture of vapours and gasses escapes from the furnace.
In the present state of technology, the common method used to
capture emissions issued during the melting process is direct evacuation.
This is done by applying sufficient suction at the 4th hole (3 holes for
electrodes) in the roof of the furnace. The practice shows, that the
exhaust rate of 0.14 kg/sec, of gas for each Megawatt of the main trans-
former rating is sufficient for normal conditions. Since the temperature
of the gaseous emissions rises up to 1875 C during the melting period the
gasses are cooled first in a water cooled duct reaching the roof of the
melt shop and diluted to provide 100% of excess air for combustion of CO
and H« and later diluted for protection of the ducts with air drawn from
the hoods located over the furnace.
In some installations, an additional cooling of gasses is performed
in a radiant cooled consisting of a series of tubes exposed to the ambient
air.
241
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GAS
WATER
COOLED
DUCT J
EMERGENCY
DILUTION
AIR
LARGE
PARTICLES
SMALL
PARTICLES
FIGURE 2
ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE ECONOMY DUST CONTROL SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
(WHEN CHARGING)
The gas dilution factor is about 8. It means that about 1.12
kg/sec, of gas and air per each Megawatt of the furnaces main transformer
rating reaches the dust collector, which is normally a bag house. The
temperature in the baghouse should not exceed 135 C for Dacron bags.
New materials for bags allow for higher operating temperature, which in
turn reduces the quantity of dilution air, power drawn by fans, dimensions
and cost of installation.
The gas pressure in the furnace should be kept slightly negative
for the melting of carbon steel and slightly positive for the melting of
alloy steels.
This control of pressure is necessary to avoid excess infiltration
of ambient air into the furnace since the excess air increases burn out
of the electrodes, increases emissions and increases electric power consunipt-
tion. The positive pressure in the furnace results in emission around
electrode holes in the roof. The fugitive emissions can be captured by
the hood over the furnace but at the cost of drawing a large quantity of
infiltrated ambient air into the column of rising gas.
The gas velocity in the ducts carrying dust is set at 15 m/sec.
for each meter of duct diameter, and shall not be less than 15 m/sec. for
small dia. ducts. The common operating problems with direct evacuation
systems are: burning of holes in the bags by incandescent material, build-
up of cake on the bag surface, erosion of fan blades and occasional explos-
ions.
242
-------
Due to the short gas transfer time from the furnace to the bag-
house (about 5 to 9 seconds) some incandescent particles may reach the
bags resulting in a burning of holes. In order to avoid the transfer
of large particles, a cyclone or a plenum chamber with reduced gas velocity
should be provided to eliminate particles larger than 0.5 mm of diameter.
Build-up of cake on the bags is a result of excessive moisture
content in the gas at the start of the operation and of moisture entering
the baghouse after the end of the operation. The captured dust contains
large amounts of burnt lime, which remains as a fine, submicron size, powder
when it is dry. In the presence of moisture this burnt lime becomes a
mortar and clogs the fine passages between the yarns of the woven fabric
of the bags. Shaking or back flow of gas used as a means to clean up the
bags may be not fully effective to dislodge this mortar.
In time the layer of mortar builds and the resistance to the
flow of gasses increases. The stresses due to increased pressure may
rupture the bags. Keeping the bags dry between operations by applying
external heating seems to be too expensive, but operation of the direct
evacuation system for a half an hour after stopping of operation will
dislodge most of the lime from the bags, thus at least partially preventing
the cake build-up.
In the Sidbec-Dosco steel making practice, when the first charge
is partially melted, an addition of continuously fed pre-reduced iron
pellets begins. The rate of feed is adjusted to the quantity of the
electrical power supplied to the electrodes in order to maintain constant
temperature of the molten bath. Burnt lime and/or dolomite and alloys are
fed with pre-reduced pellets, into the furnace from the bins located on
the roof of the melt shop. All continuously fed materials enter through
a stainless tube through the 5th hole in the roof of the furnace. The
downward motion of the falling material creates movement of the air in
the feeding duct directed toward the furnace. An opposite movement of
the hot gas from the furnace counteracts this movement of air. As a
result of these two actions, an escape of gas from the furnace through
the feeding,duct is observed.
The emission through the feeding pipe can be controlled by reducing
its diameter, and by applying suction at the funnel where the stationary
and movable parts of the feeding pipe join.
In electric arc melt shops which do not employ continuous feed of
pre-reduced pellets, an additional one, or more, bucket charges are used.
The second and following charges of scrap fall into already molten metal,
therefore, the instant burst of gasses,is more violent than at the first
charge. In order to reduce those violent emissions, the second and
consecutive charges should consist of clean scrap.
Tapping into the ladle begins when the charge is melted, the
furnace is deslagged, and the batch brought to the desired temperature and
chemical content.
243
-------
The tapping ladle may be suspended on the hoods of the overhead
crane, or may be stationary, positioned on a stand located in front of
the spout of the electric arc furnace.
GAS
FIBURE 1
LARGE
PARTICLES
ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE ECONOMY OUST CONTML SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
(•HEN MUTIN8)
The suspended ladle enables the falling height of the molten
steel to be minimized, therefore, reduces generation of oxide fumes.
However, this practice uses valuable time of the overhead crane, and
makes confinement of escaping emissions more difficult. The stationary
ladle, being fixed in place, provides the possibility to collect the
fumes through the hood which is close to the ladle. This is far more
efficient than by the hood located at the roof truss level of the melt
shop, normally used for the suspended ladle fume control. Direct measure-
ments of the rate of emissions during the tapping operation in Sidbec-Dosco,
Contrecoeur Melt Shop revealed that the gas emission for each square
meter of the ladle's horizontal projection area is 3.5 m^/sec. at the
ladle rim level, and 40 m3/sec. at the roof truss level. This is due
to entrapment of the ambient air by the column of highly turbulent
gasses rising from the ladle.
The hot gas column starting from the ladle is deflected by
horizontal air currents in the casting bay of the melt shop. Deflection
up to 45° were observed in some cases. These were not constant, being
influenced by changes of wind velocity and direction, the opening of
doors and by activating the on/off switches of the preheating furnaces
for the ladles.
244
-------
In these conditions, if the evacuation hood system located on
the roof truss level was selected its capacity would be about 450 m3/sec.
(950,000 ACFM) to obtain an average of 85% dust capturing efficiency
(for tapping).
The estimated cost in 1977 for this type of dust control system
of this capacity was 6.5 to 8 million U.S. dollars.
In order to save investment and operating costs and to achieve
better fume control during the tapping operation, an idea was deyelopped
to use the existing capacity of the direct evacuation system, which remains
idle during tapping time.
A swinging hood located just over the stationary ladle was
designed. This hood has a cut-out permitting passage of the stream of
molten metal pouring from the spout of the electric furnace.
The ladle hood would have been suspended on a structure which
would pivot and rotate to permit access of the hoods of the overhead crane
to the trunnions of the ladle when the ladle was filled with molten steel.
There was an opinion that a swinging hood over the ladle could
be easily damaged, and would take too much valuable space in the casting
bay of the melt shop.
A new design was prepared: a horizontal retractable hood with
a blanket of horizontal air currents created by fans located opposite to
the intake of the hood. All mechanisms were located under the tower support-
ing the additive bins. Being hidden under the structure of the tower the
mechanisms were safe from accidental striking by the hooks of the overhead
crane and no additional space was required in the casting bay.
A prototype was made and installed for one of the furnaces. The
tests showed that fans pushing the air were not required and the ladle
fume evacuation system could collect about 85% of the fumes issued during
tapping operation.
The success of the prototype was followed by installation of
similar units for all four furnaces in the Contrecoeur Melt Shop.
The total cost of four ladle fume control systems was $500,000
which is much less than 6.5 to 8 million dollar estimate for an evacuation
system with similar efficiency comprising hoods located at the roof truss
level.
Retractable hoods work in automatic or manual mode. If automatic
mode is selected then the signal from the tilting furnace actuates the
extension of the hood toward the ladle and simultaneously closes the
damper of the direct evacuation system and opens the damper of the ladle
245
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fume evacuation system. When, after filling the ladle the furnace returns
to its vertical position another signal causes retracting of the hood
and reversal of the position of the dampers.
. Figure # 4 shows a schematic of the combined system.
GAS
LA HUE
PARTICLES
PARTIClEl
FIGURE 4 : ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE OUST CONTROL JWTEB SCHEMATIC
(I HEN TAPPING]
At the present time in our Contrecoeur Melt Shop two major
sources of air pollution from the operation of the electric arc furnaces
are under control: emissions when melting and refining, and when tapping.
A third, however much smaller emission, when charging, requires about
200 m3/sec. exhaust capacity in a hood located above the furnace at
the roof truss level.
Experimental work is being committed to develop an improved
method of controlling emission during operations of charging, inspection
and fettling.
Development of an efficient and economical fume and dust control
system for electric arc furnaces have been done in an existing operating
Melt Shop. Valuable information has been gathered concerning: engineering,
operational, maintenance and human relation factors.
Some of ^these observations are shared here.
For an existing melt shop with multiple electric arc furnaces the
most economical solution of fume and dust control is the full utilization
of capacity and time of an existing direct evacuation system, in order to
control emissions during melting, tapping and charging periods.
246
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There should be a centralized manual or automatic dispatch
directing necessary flow rate for different emission sources in order
to obtain the best total dust collecting efficiency at a minimum cost.
At the present time there are no integrating instruments avail-
able on the market which can provide a signal proportional to dust mass
transfer rates in different ducts of a complex integrated dust collecting
system. Such signals could be processed in a real time computer to open
the dampers of the ducts carrying the dust, and close dampers on ducts
which momentarily carry little or no dust at all.
Manual operation of dust control systems calls for continuous
attention sound judgement and quick response and requires additional
personnel.
On the basis of observations made of the operation of many steel
melt shops, one can say that the dust control equipment can be easily
damaged by the build-up of slag, overheating, clogging by dust and mechanic-
al abuse. Therefore, it has to be continuously supervised by trained
personnel in order to ensure its availability all the time.
Since production always has maintenance priority even a well
designed dust control system left without sufficient supervision and proper
care for long period of time, becomes quite often inoperative resulting
in excessive emissions into the atmosphere and excessive dust concentration
in the working area.
When a "green-field" installation of an electric arc melt shop
is in the preliminary planning stage, a total enclosure over the furnace
and ladle could be an alternative solution. However, in an existing melt
shop, there is rarely a chance of implementing this idea, due to space
limitations. In addition, the possibility of frequent damage to the
doors of the furnace envelope 1s a factor which restrains the acceptability
of total enclosure of an electric arc furnace.
In summary, one can say the present trend in the design of dust
control systems for electric arc furnaces is to utilize a minimum of exhaust
capacity, but to use it fully in all stages of the operating cycle.
Since the dust collecting hoods located close to the dust source
are nearly ten times more efficient than the hoods located on the roof
truss level, their high collecting efficiency reduces the necessary exhaust
gas flow rate and associated cost of investment and operation of a dust
control system. For this reason, one can expect that in the future design
of dust control systems, the systems with hoods close to dust source will
be employed more frequently.
247
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The statistical data re emissions were compiled from reports
of Environment Canada APCD subcommittee electric arc furnace headed by
Mr. V.C. Havelock in 1977.
The measurements of gas flow rate when tapping and charging
were made by Mr. M. Bender of Hatch & Associates, Toronto.
The design and development of retractable hood for tapping
was done by Sidbec-Dosco engineering group headed by Mr. R. Sevigny.
The practical implementation of the idea of close to dust
source exhaust system was encouraged by Messrs: T.E. Dancy, senior
vice-president of technical studies and development and G.H. Laferriere,
director of engineering.
248
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IRON AND STEEL INHALABLE PARTICULATE
MATTER SAMPLING PROGRAM: AN
OVERVIEW PROGRESS REPORT
By
Robert C. McCrillis
Metallurgical Processes Branch
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27711
249
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Iron and Steel Inhalable Particulate Matter Sampling Program
An Overview Progress Report
Abstract
EPA's Office of Research and Development has entered into a major program
to develop inhalable particulate matter (IPM) emission factors, where IPM
is defined as airborne particles of <\5 ym aerodynamic equivalent diameter.
The Metallurgical Processes Branch of EPA's IERL-RTP is responsible for
the iron and steel industry segment of this program. This paper presents
a summary of efforts to date. Implementation has proceeded along two major
lines of action. The first follows the classical route: literature review,
prioritization of sources, identification of sources for which existing
data are adequate, selection of plants, testing, and finally reporting
results. The other aspect consists of meshing the IPM requirements with
those of other EPA sampling programs, thus reducing overall cost to EPA and
minimizing inconvenience to the host plants.
A review of existing particle size data showed not only that relatively
little data exists, but also that most existing data are of questionable
quality. Therefore, the field test program entails sampling virtually all
significant sources. To date, tests have been completed of basic oxygen
furnace (EOF) charging and tapping, hot metal desulfurization, blast
furnace cast house (building evacuation approach), uncontrolled paved and
unpaved roads, and EOF main stack (limited combustion system after
scrubber). Discussions are now underway with several plants to test other
high priority sources.' It is anticipated that funds will allow duplicate
tests at another plant of at least the highest priority sources.
250
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INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is required, under the amended
Clean Air Act of 1977, to review the scientific basis for the total suspended
particulate ambient air quality standard. Major consideration is being
given to a size-specific particulate standard focusing on inhalable parti-
culate matter (IPM), defined as airborne particles of <15 ym aerodynamic
equivalent diameter.^ EPA has initiated an extensive program to compile
and review existing data and, where necessary, conduct field sampling
programs from which reliable emission factors can then be determined. These
emission factors will be available to the States for the purpose of revising
State Implementation Plans if an ambient standard based on particle size is
promulgated.
EPA's Office of Research and Development is responsible for developing these
IPM emission factors. A major part of this effort is directed toward the
steel industry. This paper discusses briefly the rationale behind the
selection of 15 ym as the upper cut point in the IPM definition and why a .field
sampling program must be undertaken. Sampling protocols are described for
ducted condensible and noncondensible emissions and for fugitive emissions.
The rationale and approach being followed to select test sites are also
discussed. Results obtained to date are summarized and conceptual plans for
the remainder of the program are presented.
DISCUSSION
The human respiratory tract consists of three main areas:(1> the upper
respiratory tract, conducting airways, and gas-exchange area. All available
data demonstrate that direct health effects from particles >_15 y m are
primarily restricted to the upper respiratory tract. IPM is the term used to
represent airborne particles capable of affecting the lower respiratory
tract which includes the last two of the three general areas. Thus the
definition of IPM has been taken to mean those particles of <15ym aerodynamic
equivalent diameter. Although discussion continues among health effects
experts as to the specific upper cut point for an ambient air particulate
standard based on size, the definition of IPM remains unchanged. A secondary
cut point of <2.5 ym has been recommended to estimate that fraction of
particles capable of penetrating to the gas exchange area of the respiratory
system. Sampling data generated under this program will include several
intermediate cut points to enable accurate interpolation once an ambient air
standard cut point is selected.
Sampling Protocols
Sampling protocols have been developed to permit IPM measurement of duct-
ed^,3,4) an(j fugitive^) emissons.
Ducted Sources (Non-Condensible Emissions) - Initially, EPA felt that the
main interest lay in determining total IPM of j<15 ym and also the quantity of
IPM <2.5 ym. Since existing cascade impactors are limited both by small
251
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sample collection capability (hence very short sampling time in heavily
loaded streams) and in collecting particles >10 ym without particle "bounce,"
EPA decided to develop a sampling system specifically for the IPM program.
The result of this effort, depicted in Figure 1, consists of two in-series
cyclones inserted directly into the stack using a modified EPA Method 5
probe and associated equipment^). Operating at a nominal flowrate of 23
1/min, the large cyclone has a 050 of 15 ym and the small one, 2.5 ym. The
filter (not shown) collects all particles <2.5 ym which, when added to the
small cyclone catch, equals total IPM. A significant advantage is the
capability to collect a fairly large sample, which means a longer sampling
time.
During this development program it was found that the button hook nozzle
commonly used with cascade impactors was, by itself, a very effective
collector of particles <15 ym. Thus an important criterion for any particle
sizing device is that it have a straight nozzle. A comparison was run between
the so called IPM train described above, an Andersen 2000 Mark III in-stack
cascade impacter equipped with a 15 ym cyclone precutter, and an Andersen in-
stack high capacity stack sampler (HCSS). As reported earlier, in the paper
by J. Steiner and D. Bodnaruk^", test results showed that all three devices
gave comparable results.
Subsequent to the development of the IPM train, controversy occurred con-
cerning the selection of the upper cut point for the purpose of defining a
particle size ambient particulate standard. Consequently, the decision was
made to use the in-stack cascade impactor with a 15 ym cyclone precutter (see
Figure 2). The data thus generated would permit the more accurate nlotting
of curves relating particle size versus cumulative sample weight emitted per
unit process weight. A straight nozzle would, of course, be used in all
tests. The field test protocol requires four measurements each for partic-
ulate mass concentration and for particle size distribution. The impector
data yield the size distribution which is then applied to the mass
measurement to give cumulative emission factors as a function of particle
size. An EPA Method 5 sampling train is used for the mass measurement.
Ducted Sources (Condensible Emissions) - Some iron and steel process
emissions"contain a significant fraction of condensible compounds. In this
case, significant is taken to mean greater than 10 percent of the total
particulate emitted. Typical sources in this category are: coke oven
charging, quenching, and battery stacks; sinter windboxes; and electric arc
furnaces. The condensible fraction may contain both organic and inorganic
compounds.
The condensible emission IPM sampling protocol was prepared by Southern
Research Institute, under contract to the EPA. The general approach is to
introduce a slip stream of the source exhaust into a dilution chamber
supplied with clean ambient air. The dilution air flowrate may be on the
order of 10-30 times the slip stream flowrate. Total particulate and
particle size samples of the diluted slip stream are obtained after complete
mixing. The samples thus collected would reflect their initial state in
the atmosphere.
252
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The condensible sampling system has been designed and units are now being
fabricated. As shown in Figure 3, its essential parts include a dilution
chamber approximately 30.5 cm in diameter and 183 cm long. An ID fan
supplies filtered air to one end of the chamber. The source slip stream is
extracted isokinetically using a heated probe and is introduced at the same
end. At the outlet end of the chamber a high volume impactor filter assembly
collects and sizes the total particulate.
Fugitive Sources - The measurement of fugitive particulate emissions by
size requires several sampling devices. A standard high volume sampler gives
total suspended particulate (TSP); a high volume sampler (with a size-
selective head) and a cascade impactor on a high volume sampler (with a
horizontal elutriator as a 15 ym precutter) both yield particle size data.
One major reason for using multiple particle sizing devices at this time is
the lack of experience upon which to base the selection of a better device.
As field experience accumulates, a decision can be made, thus reducing both
testing and analytical costs.
A typical upwind/downwind fugitive emission field setup, such as for
measuring emissions from vehicular traffic on a road, would include:
(1) selection of a section of road which was normal to the wind
direction and sufficiently remote from buildings, trees, or other
roads to avoid interference;
(2) a sampling array on the upstream side of the road consisting of
three high volume samplers — one equipped for TSP, one with a
size-selective head, and one with a cascade impactor, all
situated 1 m above ground surface;
(3) an array at the downwind site consisting of the same equipment as
upstream at a 1 m height, plus two high volume units at a 2 m
height — one with a s.ize-selective head, the other with a cascade
impactor, and all five units located on the plume center line;
(4) a size-selective high volume sampler at each plume wing at a 1 m
height; and
(5) for determining verticle profiles, locate high volume samplers
with elutriators on the plume centerline at heights of 1, 2, 3,
and 4 m.
The quasistack method involves hooding the fugitive emission source and
drawing off emissions through a duct; emission measurements would then
follow the ducted emission protocol. Obviously, this approach would
only be feasible for relatively small or compact sources since the expense
of building hoods and ducts just for test ourposes could be prohibitively
expensive. Alternatively, if a normally fugitive source, such as EOF
charging, is found to be well contained at a plant, then every effort would
be made to perform tests at that plant assuming it was representative of
the industry in its operational characteristics.
253
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For the measurement of fugitive emissions exiting through a roof monitor,
either a high volume cascade impactor fitted with the elutriator head or
a fugitive assessment sampling train (FAST) would be used. The FAST shown
in Figure 4 offers the advantage of collecting large quantities of
material in selected size fractions, permitting subsequent chemical and
biological characterization.
Source Selection
At the outset of the iron and steel sampling program, the decision was
made to proceed with field test selection voluntarily, rather than through
the application of Clean Air Act Art. 114, Industry contact was initiated
through the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) who established an ad
hoc coordinating committee. Meetings with this committee were held to
present an overview of the whole program and, following resolution of
outstanding issues, to review sources selected for testing.
The EPA/AISI cooperative effort has thus far resulted in the mounting of
an extensive field sampling program at Armco, Inc:'s Middletown Works. Dis-
cussions will soon be initiated with several other companies; several field
test programs should be getting underway soon.
Tfie source selection priority list, shown in Table 1, was developed
based on estimated controlled particulate emissions from each source on a
nationwide basis. This prioritization represents an average of emission
factors developed under separate efforts: one represented very good
control efficiency(8)_; the other, a somewhat lower level which might be
termed typical for non-new installations^), It is only fair to say that,
at best, this procedure is still rather arbitrary but does nevertheless
provide a rational approach to source selection.
The source selection priority list also considers existing particle size
data and its quality. Since there in very little particle size data for
iron and steel sources, this consideration did not affect the priority
position of any source. Six data sets are currently contained in EPA's Fine
Particle Emissions Information System (FPEIS)lO. These data sets,
consisting of three open hearth stack tests, two electric arc furnace
tests, and one coke pushing shed test, are summarized in Figures 5-7,
respectively. Although these data are judged to be good, consideration
must be given to when they were obtained (1974-77) and the advancements
made in particle size sampling technology since then. These three sources
should be tested again.
In addition to the selection procedure coordinated with AISI, every effort
has been made to combine measurement of IPM with other EPA sampling
programs. Not only does this serve to reduce EPA expenditures, it also
reduces inconvenience to the host companies. To date, these "piggy back"
projects constitute the greatest area of activity due primarily to the fact
that initial ground work hact already been laid by the Agency, making it
possible to mount the field effort relatively quickly.
254
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Results To Date
Kaiser Steel Corp. The first two sources tested under the IPM program
were the hot metal desulfurization (HMDS) and BOF charging and tapping
emission control systems recently installed at Kaiser Steel Corporation's
Fontana, CA plant. These tests, performed in coordination with EPA's
Office of Enforcement through the Region V office, consisted of total
particulate by EPA Method 5 and particle size before and after the control
device which was, in both cases, a baghouse. EPA's contractor was Acurex
Corporation.
Particle size before control was measured with the EPA two-cyclone IPM
train described previously. Dtie to the low particulate concentration,
baghouse outlet particle size in both cases was measured with an Andersen
Mark III impactor fitted, with the 15 ym cut point cyclone precutter.
BOF emissions from hot metal charging and tapping of finished steel were
measured separately. Charging measurements did not include the addition
of scrap. Results of the HMDS tests were reported in detail earlier in this
Symposium.'^)
Armco. Inc.. Middletown. The extensive testing program undertaken for EPA
by Midwest Research Institute at Armco, Inc.'s Middletown Plant encompas-
sed both open sources and ducted sources; emphasis was on the former.
Specifically, emissions from paved and unpaved roads were measured before
and after the initiation of emission reduction schemes. For paved roads,
the emission reduction consisted of flushing with water and/or sweeping -
- vacuuming at regular intervals. Berms of paved roads were treated with
Coherex®. The controlled urtpaved road was first tested shortly after ap-
plication of the suppressant (Coherex®) and again several weeks later to
establish the emission control efficiency decay curve.
In addition to the road tests, measurements were made of windblown
emis ions from the coal pile and emissions arising as a result of coal pile
maintenance.
All of these open source measurements were made using the upwind/downwind
techniques. Road surface silt content was sampled to allow correlation
with the measured emission rate. Numerous samples were taken from other
inplant roads to develop an idea of the representatives oi" the sampled road
segments and also to allow a more realistic extrapolation of the test data
to the whole plant.
Ducted emissions measured at Middletown were from the BOF main stack.
Testing of the open hearth stack is being considered. Although the IP
protocol calls for measurements before and after the control device, the
nature of the limited combustion BOF operation precluded measurements
before the scrubber. Measurements after the scrubber included total
particulate and particle size as per the protocol. Results are being
reduced and should be available in December 1980.
255
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Testing of the open hearth stack is in the initial planning stage. It is
intended that the field program consist of total particulate and particle
size samples before and after the control device for each major portion of
the furnace cycle. Each furnace at Middletown has its own control device.
Dominion Foundries and Steel Company. Dominion first installed cast house
emissions controls several years ago. The No. 1 blast furnace cast house
control system, installed in 1975, was tested by EPA'*-*' in 1976. This
system employs the total building evacuation condept. Although.particle
size measurement of uncontrolled emissions was attempted, 'the data were
not reliable due to particle bounce (no precutter was used). Using 1980
techniques which employ the 15 ym cyclone precutter ahead of the cascade
impactor would have solved this problem. The combined control system for
cast houses No. 2 and 3 was started up in November 1978. These cast houses
share a common fan and baghouse and also employ total building evacuation.
Cast house No. 4 is currently being used to evaluate concepts for local
emission control.
The IPM emission tests are being run on the combined system serving No. 2
and 3; however, measurements are being made only when No. 3 is casting.
Emission tests follow the protocol for ducted sources. Measurements are
being made for EPA by GCA/Technology Divison in the duct upstream of the
baghouse; no attempt is being made to measure the discharge from the open
monitor on the baghouse. Testing will be completed in mid-November 1980;
preliminary results are anticipated in January 1981.
Bethlehem._S_te_e_l_ Corporation, Sparrows Point. GCA/Technology Division will
be conducting emission'tests for EPA at the new "L" furnace cast house at
Sparrows Point later this month. This is a large modern furnace employing
close-fitting hoods and covers over the trough, iron runners, and spouts,
a practice pioneered in Japan. Emissions are ducted to a large baghouse.
Emissions, following the ducted source protocol, will be measured in the
duct upstream of the baghouse. Since this baghouse also controls emissions
from numerous other fugitive sources, no attempt will be made to sample the
open monitor discharge. Results of these tests are also anticipated early
next year.
Future Tests
EPA is currently reviewing the overall status of the field testing program
in light of the source priority list. Future tests will continue to
address the highest priority sources first. Testing of high priority
sources suspected of containing a significant fraction of condensible
emissions (e.g., sinter plant windboxes, electric arc furnaces, and coke
ovens) will be initiated as soon as the condensible emission sampling
protocols are formalized and the necessary sampling equipment is available,
In the meantime, noncondensible sources will continue to be tested as
rapidly as possible.
256
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The three sampling contractors for EPA's IP program arc. GCA/Technology
Division, Midwest Research Institute, and Acurex Corporation. The AISI
and its member companies (in particular Armco, Inc., Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, Dominion Foundries and Steel, Ltd., and Kaiser Steel Corpora-
tion) have been most helpful.
257
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TABLE 1. IRON AND STEEL SOURCE PRIORITY RANKING FOR IPM STUDY,
CONTROLLED EMISSIONS
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Process
Coke quenching
Blast furnace cast house
BOF stack
Material stockpiles
Roadway travel
Coke combustion stack
BOF charge and tap
Coke pushing
Sinter, misc. fugitives
Sinter windbox
EAF charge, tap, slag
Coal preparation
OH stack
Coke door leaks
EAF stack
Sinter discharge end
Blast furnace top
Teeming
Ore Screening
BOF, misc. fugitives
Coke topside leaks
Industry toLol
part i.cul ul c
emissions, Mg/yr
34,500
22,700
20,000
16,300
16,300
16,300
14,500
8,900
8,700
8,200
7,600
7,400
7,300
7,100
6,600
5,700
3,700
3; 700
3,300
2,200
2,100
258
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TABLE 1. IRON AND STEEL SOURCE PRIORITY RANKING FOR IPM STUDY,
CONTROLLED. EMISSIONS (Continued)
Rank
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Process
Reheat furnaces
Blast furnace combustion
OH roof monitor
Coal charging
Open area
Machine scarfing
EOF, hot metal transfer
OH, misc. fugitives
Soaking pits
EAF, misc. fugitives
OH, hot metal transfer
Industry total
parti.cul.ate ;
emissions, Mp/yr
2,000
2,000
2,000
1,800
1,100
670
650
640
570
540
190
259
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SAMPLING NOZZLE
PROBE
CYCLONE SRI IX
°50 " 15+2 Jim
CYCLONE SRI III
OgQ - 2.5 i 0.6 Jim
(2)
Figure 1. Schematic of dual-cyclone sampler for inhalable particles,
SAMPLING NOZZLE
PROBE
CYCLONE
CASCADE IMPACTOR
(2)
Figure 2. Schematic of a cascade impactor/precollector cyclone system.
260
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PROCESS STREAM
ho
HI-VOL IMPACTOR
FILTER ASSEMBLY,
SAMPLING
CYCLONE
EXHAUST BLOWER
/ \
/
1
*
FLOW
-~ — •
|.-H"I'B
PROBE
F
r1— 1
f
TO HEATERS, BLOWERS
TEMPERATURE SENSORS
1
\
TO ORIFK
PRESSURE
MAIN CONTROL
IT
:©<§>©
FLOW. PRESSURE
MONITORS
TO ULTRAFINE
PARTICLE SIZING
SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)
,DILUTION AIR
HEATER
CONDENSER
ICE BATH
DILUTION AIR
BLOWER
(4)
'igure 3. Diagram of atmospheric dilution sampling system.
-------
INLET
THERMOCOUPLE
vv
CYCLONE
INLET
MAIN VACUUM
BLOWER
HORIZONTAL
ELUTRIATOR
CYCLONE
TRAP
OUTLET
THERMOCOUPLE
VACUUM
PUMP
EXHAUST
Figure 4. The FAST with a horizontal elutriator inlet for collecting
inhalable particulate.
262
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99.990
99.950
99.90
99.80
99.50
99
96
95
90
UJ
o
ce
u
a.
UJ
O
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
5
2
I
0.5
0.2
0.15
O.I
0.0
10
AVERAGE
02 LANCING
CHARGING
ill i i i i 11111
10° 10'
PARTICLE DIAMETER, micrometers
Figure 5. Average size distribution - open hearth furnace
emissions, uncontrolled.
263
-------
UJ
o
a:
u
0.
UJ
o
99.990
99.950
99.90
99.80
99.50
99
98
95
90
i 80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
5
2
I
0.5
0.2
0.15
O.I
0.0
10
COVERALL PROCESS AVERAGE
O MELT
D TAP-IIELT
* * ' «
III11 « '
I I I,
10
PARTICLE DIAMETER, micrometers
Figure 6. Average size distribution - Marathorn LeTourneau
Electric arc facility.
264
-------
99.990)
O Run One
D Run Two
Three
10'
PARTICLE DIAMETER, micrometers
Figure
Average particle size distribution — coke oven pushing.
265
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References
1. Miller, F. J. , et al., "Size Considerations for Establishing a Standard
for Inhalable Particles," J. Air Pollut. Contr. Assoc., 29(6):610(1979).
2. Smith, W. B. , and R. R. Wilson, Jr., Procedures Manual for Inhalable
Particulate Sampler Operation (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-3118, Southern
Research Institute, November 1979.
3. Harris, D. B. (Editor), Procedures for Cascade Impactor Calibration and
Operation in Process Streams - Revised 1979 (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-
3118 TD 114, Southern Research Institute, May 1980.
4. Williamson, A. D. , Procedures Manual for Operation of the Dilution Stack
Sampling System (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-3118, Southern Research
Institute, October 1980.
5. Protocol for the Measurement of Inhalable Particulate Fugitive Emissions
from Stationary Industrial Sources (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-3115 TD
114, The Research Corporation of New England, March 1980.
6. "Method 5 - Determination of Particulate Emissions from Stationary
Sources," Federal Register Vol. 42, No. 160, August 18, 1977, pp. 41776
to 41782.
7. Steiner, J., and D. Bodnaruk, "Particulate and S02 Emission Factors for
Hot Metal Desulfurization," Symposium on Iron and Steel Pollution
Abatement Technology for 1980 (November 1980, PhiladeIpia, PA).
8. Cuscino, T. A., Particulate Emission Factors Applicable to the Iron and
Steel Industry, EPA-450/4-79-028, Midwest Research Institute, August
1979.
9. Barber, W.C., Particulate Emissions from Iron and Steel Mills, EPA/OAQPS
Internal Memorandum, dated November 6, 1978.
10. Reider, J. P., and R. F. Hegarty, Fine Particle Emissions Information
System: Annual Report (1979), EPA-600/7-80-092 (NTIS PB 80-195753),
Midwest Research Institute, May 1980.
11. Fitzgerald, J. , D. Montanaro, and E. Reicker, Development of Size-
Specific Emission Factor (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-3157 TD 3, GCA/-
Technology Division, October 1980.
12. Gronberg, S., Test Program Summary for Characterization of Inhalable
Particulate Matter Emissions (Draft), EPA Contract 68-02-3157 TD 5.
GCA/Technology Division, September 1980.
13. May, W. P., Blast Furnace Cast House Emission Control Technology
Assessment, EPA-600/2-77-231 (NTIS PB 276999), Betz Environmental En-
gineers, November 1977.
266
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Session 2: WATER POLLUTION ABATEMENT
Chairman: George F. Haines, Jr.
Homer Research Laboratories
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Bethlehem, PA
267
-------
HyDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
APPLYING GREENFIELD WATER SYSTEM DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
TECHNIQUES TO EXISTING STEEL PLANT FACILITIES
HAROLD J. KOHLMANN AND HAROLD HOFSTEIN
HYDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
ABSTRACT
A great amount of emphasis is being placed on recycle,
reuse, cascade, etc. systems for the purpose of reducing the
amount of contaminants discharged from industrial facilities.
These methods can and do reduce volumes of water and masses
of contaminants discharged; however, the application of new
principles' to existing facilities is usually looked upon with,
at best, extreme skepticism.
This attitude is understandable since, in many cases,
an existing system cannot be completely dr conveniently re-
vamped to include all the "niceties" that can be designed
into a greenfield site. A completely closed mind, however,
cannot be tolerated in these days of increasing prices and
stricter environmental controls. There is no room for the
attitude of "we've been doing it that way for thirty years
and no one can make us do it differently". Attitudes like
that can only force management to spend much more money than
is really needed to comply with the regulatory requirements for
pollution control.
This paper presents various practices regarding the reuse,
recycle and cascade of wastewater in steel plants which were
either developed for greenfield installations and later applied
to existing installations or those that were applied to existing
installations directly. It also points out areas of difficulty
which are encountered when existing facilities are upgraded.
Design parameters must be carefully determined so that facilities
are not grossly oversized or, more tragically, undersized. The
treatment and reuse compatibility of one wastewater with another
must also be ascertained so that incompatible "mixes" are not
attempted.
Segregation of flows within existing mills, although initially
costly in most cases, can be the most economic alternative. This
is especially true when large quantities of "clean cooling water"
combine with "dirty water". These various methods are presented
together with descriptions of systems actually installed and operat-
ing to show the results that can be obtained with proper study and
design principles.
269
-------
Due to the consideration of water pollution control, water con-
servation and the recovery of our precious resources, the recycle
and reuse of water in industrial facilities is receiving a tremen-
dous amount of attention. Various methods exist to effect reduc-
tion of discharges. These include in-process changes, close con-
trol of water chemistry, increased instrumentation, segregation
of flows, etc. These methods can and do result in reduced volumes
of water discharged and, in turn, the masses of contaminants dis-
charged. However, the application of new principles to existing
facilities is usually looked upon with, at best, extreme skepticism.
This attitude is understandable since, in many cases, an existing
system cannot be completely or conveniently revamped to include
all the "niceties" that can be designed into a greenfield site.
A completely closed mind, however, cannot be tolerated in these
days of increasing costs and stricter environmental regulations.
There is no room for the attitude of "we've been doing it that way
for thirty years and no one can make us do it differently". This
type of attitude causes management to spend more money than is
really needed to comply with the regulatory requirements while
using undue amounts of energy.
Years ago when a new plant was designed the layout of the production
facilities in a most practical manner wa£ the prime consideration.
This practical layout resulted in a smooth and efficient flow of
raw materials to finished product. Little thought was given to
water systems except to keep them "out of the way" and make sure
270
-------
they caused as few problems as possible. Scale pits and blast
furnace thickeners were installed, not for the primary purpose
of water pollution control but to safeguard against the clogging
of sewers which could cause production delays and stoppages.
As environmental regulations became stricter, clarifiers were in-
stalled after scale pits, portions of blast furnace gas washer
water were recirculated, oils were skimmed and acids neutralized.
Most wastewater collection systems "grew like Topsy" without over-
all plant or system-wide planning which resulted in mixes of
different, incompatible wastewaters in common sewers.
Initially environmental regulations were developed, in many in-
stances, through the mutual cooperation between steel plants, the
regulatory authorities and engineering consultants retained by in-
dustry and/or the authorities. This process was necessitated be-
cause no one knew for sure what effluent standards could be met in
a practical and economical way. Pilot tests had to be conducted
and reasonable standards were set based on the ability of a treat-
ment process to produce a specific effluent. Contaminants were
limited to those that were obvious and readily detectable. They
were, for the most part, suspended solids, oils, iron pH, etc.
As new steel plants were planned and constructed, more sophisticated
treatment schemes were required by the regulatory authorities who
rightly felt that new, greenfield planning could produce treatment
systems that would discharge wastewater that contained lower levels
of contaminants and would achieve these levels economically.
271
-------
This tightening of the regulations for new facilities had an
impact, in addition, on the regulations imposed on existing
facilities. Application of the new technology developed for
greenfield sites to existing sites was a natural consequence.
Some of the ideas that developed are as follows:
Hydrochloric Pickler Cascade Rinse System
In the pickling of steel, a rinse step is necessary to remove
residual pickling acid and iron salts that adhere to the steel
and cause staining and corrosion. Originally, rinse systems
utilized several rinsing stages, each completely separated
from the others. The rinse water from each stage was discharged
directly to sewer. Resultant discharge rates for this type of
rinse system vary from 700 to 1900 1/kkg (200 to 550 gal/ton)
of steel pickled. Figure I is a schematic diagram of a typical
rinse system of this type. All the rinse water from this type
of system requires treatment prios to discharge.
A relatively recent development is the cascade rinse system where
the steel leaving the pickler is rinsed with water which is then
cascaded upstream towards the pickling tanks. The last rinse
tank contains the freshest water. When spent, the rinse water is
discharged, but because of the cascade configuration, only 50 to
200 1/kkg (14 to 55 gal/ton) of water is required which consider-
ably reduces the amount of wastewater to be treated prior to dis-
charge. Figure II is a schematic diagram of a typical pickler
cascade rinse system.
272
-------
FRESH WATER
ro
^j
CO
SQUEEGEE
ROLLS
PICKLING TANK
RINSE TANK No.l
RINSE TANK No.2
RINSE TANK No.3
DISCHARGE TO TREATMENT
700 TO 1900 l/kkg
(200 to 550 go I/ton)
4YDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
NEW YORK. N.Y.
FIGURE I - TYPICAL PICKLER RINSE SYSTEM
-------
SQUEEGEE
ROLLS-
PICKLING
TANK
DISCHARGE TO
TREATMENT
OR REGENERATION
PLANT
50 TO 200 l/kkg
(14 TO 55gal/ton)
n
T.
RINSE TANK
No. I
RINSE TANK
No.2
FRESH
WATER
STRIP
RINSE TANK
No.3
RINSE TANK
No. 4
FIGURE 31 - TYPICAL PICKLER CASCADE RINSE SYSTEM
HYDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
NEW YORK. N.Y.
-------
Cascade rinse systems can and have been retrofitted to existing
pickler systems which, according to reports, are operating satis-
factorily. It is obvious that the treatment facilities capital
and operating costs will be significantly less for the reduced
flow.
Elimination of Pickling Tank Heating Steam
Pickling baths must be maintained at elevated temperatures to
permit proper pickling of steel. This elevated temperature is
usually maintained by the injection of live steam into the
pickling baths. This injection of steam has three results, namely:
the bath is heated and maintained at the desired temperature, the
steam causes vaporization of acid which must be cleaned with fume
scrubbers, and the steam is condensed causing dilution of the
pickling bath.
Temperature maintenance is the desirable aspect but vaporization
and dilution are undesirable aspects of raw steam injection.
If this injection can be eliminated then the two problems could
also be eliminated or eased. Various means are available to heat
the pickle acid baths such as submerged combustion, external heat
exchangers and a furnace to heat the strip prior to its entrance
into the pickling bath which would then bring the necessary heat
into the tank to maintain the desired temperature. However, the
furnace method requires a supplemental heat source for start-up
conditions. These three methods are shown schematically on Figure
III.
275
-------
GAS
AIR
GAS
L>
FLAME
PICKLING
TANK
FURNACE
SUBMERGED COMBUSTION
PICKLING TANK
STRIP FURNACE
PICKLING TANK
PUMP
HEAT EXCHANGER
CONDENSATE
HEAT EXCHANGER
FIGURE II ALTERNATE METHODS FOR MAINTAINING
HYDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
NEW YORK. N.Y.
PICKLING TANK TEMPERATURE
STRIP
-------
Substitution of one of these methods can, for example, reduce
the flow of waste pickle liquor from 14-18 m3/nr (60-80 gpm)
to 7 m3/hr (30 gpm) for a pickler processing 1.5 x 106 mtpy.
This 50% reduction would greatly reduce treatment and disposal
costs or the costs to erect and operate an acid regeneration
plant. Retrofit of any of these methods could be accomplished
without problems during a period when a pickler is down for
major maintenance.
Hot Mill Water Reuse and Conservation
Many methods are available to reduce the discharges of water
from hot rolling mills. Any reduction in the amount of water
discharged from this type of production facility will be sig-
nificant since large amounts of water are required for cooling
and cleaning purposes. Hot rolling facilities are usually
composed of a reheat furnace, a forming section, a cooling sec-
tion and, in the case of strip or skelp mills, a coiling section.
Large amounts of water are needed to protect various parts of re-
heat furnaces from the high temperatures encountered, but since
this water is non-contact cooling water, it will not be discussed
further except to add that the water uses for this application
can be reduced and in many cases energy can be conserved by using
the furnace cooling system as a steam boiler.
Coiler water is used for cooling, oil removal and for lubrication
and becomes contaminated with oil, suspended solids and heat. It
should be collected and treated with the wastewater that discharges
from the mills' stands.
277
-------
Large amounts of water are used to cool the steel strip on the
runout tables of hot strip mills. The water is used to reduce
the temperature of the steel strip from rolling temperature to
coiling temperature in a relatively short period. To accomplish
this, large amounts of water are applied. Although the tempera-
ture of the steel is reduced considerably, the water temperature
does not increase very much due to the large volume necessary to
achieve the rapid cooling effect desired. For instance, in
cooling strip from 870°C (1600°F) to a coiling temperature of
565°C (105QOF), a change in steel temperature of 305°C (550°F),
the temperature of the entire water system may increase only by
approximately 10°C (18OF).
Cooling of this large amount of water is extremely expensive and,
since contamination by suspended solids is minimal, elaborate
treatment of the entire flow is not necessary. Usually the mill
supplier recommends a blowdown from the runout table system to
the mill stands section of between 20 and 30% of the water applied
to the strip. This blowdown amount is to remove the heat and sus-
pended solids contained in the water to prevent an unacceptable
buildup. If, instead of blowing down this large amount of water,
the runout table system water is treated in a segregated
system there can be closer control of the water chemistry and, in
turn, the amount of blowdown required may be reduced significantly.
This segregation will enable the operator to control the level of
dissolved material, specifically chlorides, which affect strip
staining. if a portion (20 to 30%) of the runout table water is
278
-------
filtered and cooled, the temperature will be maintained and
the suspended solids levels will be acceptable for reuse.
Chloride levels can be continuously monitored and a blowdown
discharged to maintain the chloride level at an acceptable value.
This is easily done in a greenfield installation and, surprisingly,
in most existing mills it is not difficult to attain,particularly
if the runout table system discharges to a sewer outside the mill
building and can be intercepted easily.
Figure IV is a schematic diagram showing how these concepts; have
been applied at a greenfield hot strip mill.
General Concepts
At greenfield sites discussed in previous sections the concepts
for maximum water conservation can, with little extra effort and
cost, be designed into the plant water systems. However, at
existing plants where production modifications cannot be made
without considerable expense, wastewater treatment systems can be
installed to optimize desired treatment to enable recirculation
and also reduce pollution loads discharged.
Facilities Sizing
When a treatment facility must be installed to treat the waste-
water from a production facility, the first stage is to establish
the volume requiring treatment. The first source of information
would be the most recent drawings showing water requirements and
discharges. However, it may be dangerous to use these figures
blindly because in many cases operators may have made modifica-
tions which were never added to "as-built" drawings. It is there-
fore necessary to undertake a field survey using the proper
279
-------
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REHEAT FURNACE
SKID
COOLING
i
r
SEAL
TROUGH
a WATER
JETS
i
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a
PUMP STATION
i
i
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DEMINERALIZED
WATER
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a STORAGE
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HYDRAULIC
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MOTOBROOM M|LL
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a PUMP STATION
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199
i
CVJ
.OSS
L
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MAKE UP
2I-
LOSS
NOTE:
ALL FLOWS IN m3/hr.
FIGURE M - HOT STRIP MILL WATER SYSTEM
-------
techniques to determine what the actual flows being discharged
are, and to establish the quality of the water so that the
proper treatment unit operations, properly sized, can be in-
stalled. Not to perform the field survey may result in treat-
ment facilities that are improperly sized. Oversized facilities
are wastefut but the apparent economy of undersized facilities
can also result in wasteful practices.
Sewer Segregation
Many of the older steel plants have common sewers which collect
clean cooling waters, contaminated wastewaters and storm runoff.
In the 1950s, most sanitary sewers had to be segregated from the
other flows. The remaining combined sewers, in many cases, re-
sult in the necessity of installing treatment facilities that are
hydraulically sized to treat not only the contaminated wastewater,
but also clean cooling water. This is an extremely wasteful
practice and serious consideration should be given to sewer segre-
gation prior to construction of oversized treatment facilities.
A properly performed survey can determine which flows may be
eliminated from treatment requirements.
Although sewer segregation can be very costly, in the long run,
the expenditure of monies to effect segragation can significantly
reduce future operating costs.
281
-------
Water Reuse
During the course of the recommended field survey, the qualities
of water required for production operations would be identified.
These qualities can be compared with allowable discharge qualities.
A determination can then be made as to whether it is more economical
to treat wastewaters for discharge, or for reuse within the
facilities, or at some other production facility. Ideally, an
entire plant should be treated as one water system so that treat-
ment facilities can be optimized by combinations of compatible
streams to be treated in one facility. Reusing water without
treatment by cascading the blowdown from a high quality recirculat-
ing system as makeup to a system requiring lower quality wherever
possible is the ideal. However, the quality will be degraded
eventually to a point where treatment will be required. Geological
constraints within individual plants usually preclude that sort of
operation. It is therefore necessary that each plant be studied
as an individual entity and each plant will be found to have its
own optimum operating conditions.
282
-------
THE REGENERATION OF NITRIC AND HYDROFLUORIC
ACIDS FROM WASTE PICKLING LIQUID
Hu Delu, Engineer
Liang Xiuchung, Head Engineer of the
Water Quality Department
Wang Chingwen, Civil Engineer, Head
of the Water Quality Department
General Research Institute
of
Building and Construction
MMI
People's Republic of China
283
-------
THE REGENERATION OP NITRIC AND HYDROFLUORIC
ACIDS PROM WASTE PICKLING
BY Hu Delu, Liang Xiuchung
and Wang Chingwen
INTRODUCTION
The scales formed on the surface of stainless steel during processing
are usually removed by pickling with 7 - 15% nitric acid and 4 -8$
hydrofluoric acid* This process has the advantages over other pro-
cesses of high pickling rate, no overpickling and keeping the pickled
steel with good appearance. The pickling liquid will lose pickling
ability and become waste acid when its metal ion contents have reached
a certain concentration' through repeated pickling* The total acidity
of waste acid is still rather high, which contains a large amount of
iron, nickel and chromium salts* Nitric and hydrofluoric acids are
strong corrosives, chromium, is a strong toxicant, it should therefore
be forbidden to discharge waste acid without being treated* Besides,
nitric acid being expensive should be recovered and reused from the
economic point of view*
Research work on treatment of waste liquid containing HNO$ and HP has
been carried out and some methods put into operation in the European
countries •• the U. S., Japan, etc. The chemical method can recover
some useful matters, but it is complicated and needs a lot of equip-
ment. It is a progress to use fluid! zed bed instead of fixed one in
the ion exchange method, but it needs concentration of hydrochloric
acid and treatment of dilute acid* The lower energy consumption and
the availability of equipment and material are Strong points of
solvent extraction method, but further study is needed due to low
284
-------
recovery ratio of hydrofluoric acid. The vacuum evaporation method
makes it possible to use material with high temperature and corrosion
resistance, the acid recovery ratio is high as well. Up to now, it
is the more effective recovery method.
Based on the data obtained from pilot tests, a set of semi-continuous
one-step HN03 and HP regenerating device by vacuum evaporation was
designed for a seamless steel pipe shop in 1976 and put into opera-
tion in 1977. Its main feature is the use of corrosion resistant
heater, evaporator and condenser. Later, an equipment for treating
residual liquid after acids recovery waa added and put into opera-
tion in 1979. Now, the waste liquid of the shop is no longer dis-
charged and has been fully regenerated and reused. Moreover, nickel
carbonate and ferrous sulfate can be recovered from the residual
liquid. What la more, there will be no secondary pollution. Prac-
tice has proved that the vacuum evaporation" method has the advan-
tage of simple equipment, easy operation and high, recovery ratio,
it is therefore an effective recovery method.
ONE^STEP VACUUM EVAPORATION
Nitric and hydrofluoric acids are volatile, while sulfuric acid is
not. The equilibrium temperature under atmospheric pressure of HN03,
HP and H2S04 are 87°C, 20°C and 300°C respectively. The mixture of
nitric and hydrofluoric acids can be recovered based on their dif--
f c ""ent partial vapor pressure. The method consists of adding sul-
furic acid to waste acid, heating and evaporation. ]>uring evapora-
tion, HN03 and HP are evaporated together with water, since H2304
has much lower partial vapor pressure than HN03 and HP. Nitrate
285
-------
and fluoric radicals displaced from metal salts toy sulfate radical
combine with hydrogen ion in sulfuric acid to form HN03 and HP,
which are also evaporated, through condensation and recovery we
obtain the regenerated acids.
The vacuum evaporation method is recommended to lower evaporation
temperature, reduce corrosion: and Increase recovery ratio of HNOj
and HP.
The vacuum evaporation method is of two kinds, i.e. one-step and
two-step evaporation. Two-step evaporation! comprises evaporation
in two stages. The waste liquid is first evaporated in the 1st
evaporation system for dehydration^. The waste liquid concentrated,
with HgSO^ added, is then reevaporated in the 2nd evaporation
system, HN03 and HP are escaped to be condensed and r«oovered.
It is suited to treat diluted waste acid obtained during pickl-
ing. One-step evaporation is a process used to recover mixture
of HN03 and HP where the waste liquid flows continuously into
the evaporation system without concentration and evaporates under
vacuum. The equipment used in one-step evaporation is half of
that in two-step evaporation. One-step evaporation is suited to
treat undiluted waste liquid obtained during pickling. The pro-
cess is shown below.
286
-------
Waste liquid
Plow sheet of regeneration of HN03 and HP from
waste pickling liquid
1- heater, 2- evaporator, 3- condenser, 4- receiver,
5- injection, pump, 6- circulating water pond, 7- water
pump, 8- reactor, 9- centrifugal filter, 10- oxldlzer,
11- filter, 12- precipitator, 13- waste acid metering
control device, 14- HgS04 metering control device,
15- air lift, 16- pressure guage.
Start injection pump, supply cooling water, suck certain volume
of waste acid and concentrated HgS04 into evaporator. Start air
lift, heat with steam, add waste acid upon "boiling, keep the
liquid level in the evaporator unchanged, while HN03 and HP eva-
porate continuously and condense in the condenser, distilled
287
-------
liquid obtained is regenerated acid* Metal salts in waste liquid
are continuously converted into sulfate, which remains in evapo-
rator. When ferric ion concentration has reached the controlled
value, stop evaporation, turn off heating steam, remove vacuum
in regenerating system, transfer into reactor the residual li-
quid from evaporator, which is neutralized and reduced by iron
filings. Nickel sulfide is precipitated by adding sodium poly-
sulfide according to the nickel content and separated by centri-
fugal, the filtrate is used to produce ferrous sulfate• Clean
nickel sulfide precipitate is oxidized and dissolved, from which
iron is removed by adding sodium carbonate to form basic nickel
carbonate•
OPERATING CONDITIONS OP VACUUM EVAPORATION PROCESS
Evaporation Conditions
The pressure of the heating steam is determined by the permeabi-
lity and compression strength o£ impermeable graphite heater,
it generally does not exceed 2 kg/cm2 and is controlled at 1 kg/cm2
during long-term operation.
Vacuum is a function, of boiling point* The lower the vacuum, the
higher the boiling point, and vice versa* Operating temperature
is recommended not to exceed 65°C, since fibre-reinforced PVC
plastics is used in evaporator and pipes* The vacuum should be
660 - 680 MM Hg.
To ensure complete evaporation of HN03 and HP, certain amount of
288
-------
should be added, i.e. sulfuric acid needed to keep the
concentration of circulating HgS04 at 12.5 N plus sulfuric acid
needed to transform nitrate and fluorate into sulfate.
Acid recovery ratio will decrease if concentration; of circulating
H2S04 is too low. If it is too high, iron salts will crystallize
ahead of time and amount of waste acid to be treated is reduced.
It is determined by pilot tests that in the process sulfuric acid
should *>e discharged as residual liquid when ferric ion concen-
tration, in. the circulating H2S04 has reached 75 g/1, otherwise
crystallization! will take place and the heater will be blocked
up. Impermeable graphite impregnated with fluorine containing
polymer has been developed to make heat exchanger, the key equip-
ment for recovering HN03 and HP. A series of tests show that
impermeable graphite is chemically stable and has excellent beat
conductivity, impermeability, strong oxidation resistance and
non-fouling property. It has been successfully used in several
plants since 1974. The development of this kind of material has
opened up a new path for the development of corrosion resistant
heat conducting material•
Treatment of Residual Liquid
Sulfuric acid in discharged residual liquid is neutralized in
the reactor by iron, filings, while ferric iom is reduced to
ferrous ion. Iron filings react intensely with 2<$ H2S04,
therefore, in order to shorten, the reaction time, the residual
liquid after discharging into the reactor should be diluted with
289
-------
water, then neutralized by adding Iron filings* In this way,
pU of the solution can quickly Increase to 2 - 3.
Nickel salt reacts with sodium polysulfide at pH 2 - 3 to form
nickel sulfide precipitate. Through filtration, the precipitate
is separated from ferrous sulfate solution* The precipitate can
he oxidized and dissolved by dilute HN03*
The ferrous ion inclusions in nickel sulfide is oxidised into
ferric ion, which forms Na2Peg(S04)4(OH)12 precipitate with
sodium carbonate added, precipitate is removed by filtration,
pure nickel nitrate solution is obtained*- when its pH is about
5. At the end of reaction pH is controlled up to 4. Clean
nickel nitrate solution reacts with sodium carbonate solution
under heating to form basic nickel carbonate precipitate, which
can be used as raw material for- nickel electrolysis after fil-
tration, washing and drying.
OPERATION PRACTICE
Measurement has been made for waste acid recovery project of a
steel plant after 3 years operation, recovery data are shown
below.
Items
waste acid
residual liquid
regenerated
acid
sulfuric acid
recovery ratio
I*)
Volume
1140
350
858
150
Content
H+U)
2.58
13.47
32.4
P'(NJ
2.67
0*88
3.29
92.9
NO 3U)
1.70
0.23
2 J.2
93.9
Fe*(g/l.)
21.50
80.05
Nl*(g/l)
3.58
12.30
Cr*(g/l)
4.27
13.7
290
-------
The recovery ratio of nickel la 85$. Prom the calculation baaed on
the composition of waste acid, 8 kg of basic nickel carbonate can
be recovered per M3 of waste acid.
The recovery of waste acid not only controls environmental pol-
lution, but also leads to significant economic results. Regenerat-
ing 1 M3 of ENOj and HP mixture results in 4 saving of 478.1 yuan*
Details are shown below.
1 1 ems
Quantity
Value
( yuan J
Total
( yuan )
recovery
98$ HMOs
117 kg
58 .5
42fi HP
134 kg
509.2
567.7
consumption
<
electricity
50 KWH
4.2
water
300M3
10.8
•
steam
2 T
14.0
«
H2SOd
270 kg
54.0
•
wages
3.3 people
6*6 *
89.6
The capacity of the regenerating device put into operation in the
steel plant is 1 M3 of regenerated acid per shift. The capital
cost of the device is 130,000 yuan, which can be paid off in one
year.
CONCLUSION
L. To recover HNOs and HP by one-step vacuum evaporation has the
advantages of simple equipment, easy operation, high recovery
ratio and significant economic result.
2. The process has solved environmental protection with no
secondary pollution.
3. The residual liquid can be treated to recover nickel
carbonate and ferrous sulfate *
,291
-------
REFERENCES
1. Mixed Acid Pickling Waste "METAL FINISHING" May, 1963,
3-
4-
1964, NQ 9
PPM3C9)1972-
292
-------
STEEL INDUSTRY PICKLING WASTE
AND ITS IlIPACT ON ENVIRONMENT
By Dr. S. Bhattacharyya
IIT Research Institute
Chicago, Illinois 60616
ABSTRACT
This study was directed to develop Information
on ferrous sulfate hepcahydrate (copperas) produced
by the steel industry. Several major aspects of
copperas generation and disposal were studied, and
these are:
1. Pickling waste generation in integrated steel
Industry and by secondary processors, present practice,
and future directions.
2. Waste pickle liquor disposal technology and
future development.
3. West European pickling technology, centralized
zonal waste pickling liquor treatment concept and co-
treatment of different industrial waste stream.
4. Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate production and
end-use.
The study shows that out of GO million tonnes
pickled, about one-third la pickled with sulfuric acid,
but except for very small amounts going to the pigment
industry, most of the waste is disposed of without any
recovery of either free acid or dissolved iron units.
Host of the 75)000 tonnes/year of iron sulfate crys-
tals produced are from secondary industries while com-
mercial plants produce a similar quantity for pigment
production starting from scrap and sulfuric acid.
While pigment production is more than one-half of the
present market for copperas, potentially the largest
future market for copperas is likely to be sewage
treatment plants.
The study also shows that the rapid changeover
from H2SO/ to HC1 pickling has ended and the relative
price structure between the two acids may favor HjSO^
in the future. However, all green-field plants are
likely to use HC1 pickling because the end product.
if recycling is practiced, is Fe203 which can be util-
ized in the plant itself. .
Satisfactory copperas production technology exists,
and market expansion into water-sewage treatments may
require a rapid expansion of copperas production units
—particularly, if regional centralized facilities
are encouraged and established on a cooperative basis,
each member paying for its service proportional to
the volume of acid waste treated and getting commen-
surate credit for acid recovered.
Several recommendations have been made for addi-
tional research and regulatory modifications to aid
and enhance greater use of copperas.
INTRODUCTION
An estimated 60 million tonnes of steel products are
pickled every year In the U.S.A. resulting in a pickle
liquor volume of about one billion gallons per year.
Of this volume, over"851 are generated by 18 large
steel corporations and the remaining 1ST at the sev-
eral hundred smaller plants and batch processing units
located all over the country. Recycling of waste
pickle liquor and its disposal without harming the
environment are causes of major concern to both the
industry and EPA. This study was performed to develop
Information to minimize the impact of steel Industry
ferrous sulfate heptahydrate waste on environment.
Additional information on hydrochloric acid pickling
technology and its bearing on sulfuric acid pickling
has been considered where necessary. The pickling
practice and waste pickle liquor disposal In foreign
steel plants has also been reviewed. Selected refer-
ences are cited and recommendations made for additional
research and development.
THE MAGNITUDE OF PICKLING WASTE
Pickling in the U.S. Steel Industry
The bulk of pickling waste is generated by inte-
grated steel plants located at 61 sites.1 In addition.
35 specialty steel companies (48 locations), and 37
293
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scrap/sponge Iron-baaed steel plants (55 locations),
are widely distributed In the U.S.2 A far larger number
(689) of small manufacturers and fabricators of steel
mill products are distributed over the country.3 These
smaller companies operate primarily via batch process-
es. The total tonnage treated by them may be as
large as 10 to 15% of total national steel shipment.
Growth In raw steel production and steel shipment
has shown significant fluctuations during the last 20
years. Annual steel production and shipment data for
1956 to 1976 are given in Table I.*'5 Various projec-
tions have been made regarding steel consumption and
raw steel production by 1985 and beyond, based on long-
term trends.6'7 Based on 2Z growth rate, the projec-
tion Indicates a raw steel production of about 153 *
10° tonnes by 1985. To produce 153 * 10* tonnes by
1985, the Installed capacity must increase by about
25 x 10° tonnes. This additional capacity can be ob-
tained by expansion of present facilities and/or by
constructing new green-field plants. In green-field
plants, the chances are that the most technologically
advanced pickling systems will be installed, very
likely based on HC1 with regeneration. This will not
affect the present ferrous sulfate ptclcle liquor dis-
posal problem. I£, however, a large fraction of the
25 * 10° tonnes additional capacity la added by expan-
sion of existing units (primarily because of capital
shortage), then some or all of the sulfurlc acid pick-
ling units already in use are likely to be retained
and extended, thereby significantly aggravating cur-
rent waste sulfuric acid pickle liquor disposal
problems.
Table 1 shows that the ratio of steel pickled to
steel shipment ranged from 0.54 to 0.66 with a long-
term average of 0.63. Unless the product mix changes
significantly during the next few years (due to mate-
rial substitution in automobile, container, and other
industries), a ratio of 0.63 may be expected to be
maintained until 1985. Thus with 112 x io6 tonnes of
steel shipment by 1985, about 71 * 10° tonnes of steel
will require pickling.
The steel pickling process generates wastes from
three distinct sources: (a) waste pickle liquor from
acid baths, (b) acidulated rinse water from washing
acid drag-out from the pickling baths, and (c) acidi-
fied water generated in cleaning acid vapors and mists
from the pickling baths. The waste pickle liquor is
relatively small in volume when compared with the other
two waste streams. In l^SO^ pickling (with IS iron
loss), a typical pickle liquor contains 8% free acid
and 8% dissolved iron and is generated at a rate of
105 I/tonne of steel; with HC1, the corresponding fig-
ures are 1/2 to 1% free acid, 10% dissolved iron, and
50 I/tonne.
Rinse waters pose a different kind of problem
because of the large quantities needed. Some large
continuous strip mills may use as much as 3.8 m-Vmln,
but most mills use about 1.5 m3/min. Batch-type pick-
ling plants use less water than the continuous plants,
i.e., 0.1 to 1.1 m3/min. Furae scrubbing water is
usually combined with rinse water for treatment.
Present Disposal Techniques for
Haste Pickle Liquor (WPL)
At present, the 3.8 x 10° m3 of waste pickle liquor
is handled in many different ways, but the least com-
mon method Is recycling and recovery of acid and the
lost iron values. A loss of II Iron value may amount
to 700,000 tonnes by 1985—almost one-third billion
dollars! Similarly, the loss of free acid thrown away
amounts to many million dollars.
Haste pickle liquor (WPL) is disposed by:
1 Contract hauling.
2 Deep will injection.
3 Neutralization/oxidation and lagoonlng,
4 Dumping In ocean/lake/river/alkaline beds.
5 Co-treatment with municipal waste.
Contract Hauling. Contract hauling avoids the immed-
iate problem but appears to be a relatively expensive
means of disposal, I.e., $36/m3.8 Several large steel
plants and oany batch processors use contract hauling.
Industrial waste disposal by contract hauling Is an
established Industry and may become a more significant
industry in the near future.9 However, additional
studies are needed in co-treatment of different wastes
to recover valuable metallies and reduce expenses. Or,
the waste may be heated and converted to a form accept-
able for sewage conditioning in a municipal waste sys-
tem. The complexity of treatment needed dictates the
total cost of hauling. For example, a simple treat-
ment may be as low as $26/m3, a more complex process-
ing- $48/m3, and difficult wastes, such as mixed chlor-
inated hydrocarbons, as high as $79/m3.9 (All these
costs are based on ref. 9, escalated to reflect the
1970-1978 price trend.)
Deep Well Injection. There are several hundred Injec-
tion wells in the U.S.,10'11 some accept pickle liquor
at the rate of as much as 5 ra3/min and are as deep as
3660 meters. Only a few of then are used for disposal
of waste pickling liquor. Before disposal, the pickle
liquor requires careful filtration because otherwise
the well pores clog, blocking infiltration. Several
large steel plants use deep wells for disposal of
waste pickle liquor. Operating costs vary up to
$2.60/m3.12 This is much less expensive than contract
hauling. However, this disposal method Is being
phased out.
Neutralization/Oxidation and Lagoonlng. Neutralization
of the highly acidic WPL with lime, soda ash, or caus-
tic soda was practiced for a long time. The treatment
Increased the pH to neutral, and Iron precipitates as
a gelatinuous Iron hydroxide sludge which may not
settle in 20 years' Usually, large lagoons were
created, e.g., WPL from one million tonnes of steel
on neutralization results in about 200,000 tonnes of
sludge requiring a lagoon one meter deep spread over
an area 200 m by 1 km. The cost for simple neutral-
ization may range up to $13/m3.12 In addition to the
simple cost of neutralization and lagoonlng, the cost
of total energy requirement In the form of lime pro-
duction must be considered. It requires about 2.78
million kcal to produce 1 tonne of quicklime (CaO),
and the cost of lime, which went fro* $20/tonne in
1972 Co $3S/tonne In 1976,8 may increase significantly
by 1905.
This simple lime neutralizatlon/lagooning process
can, however, be modified to incorporate vacuum fil-
tration and disposal of a wet cake, 62Z water, as
practiced by H. H. Robertson Co., Arabridge, Pennsyl-
vania.13 This waste disposal technique minimizes
space requirements (at the expense of additional cap-
ital and operating costs), but neither energy saving
nor recovery of any metallic or other product values
is obtained.
A DuPont process12 uses controlled neutralization
and oxidation with air to yield a mixture of magnetite
(Fe30ii) and CaS04, which can be easily, dewatered.
The CaSOi, may find a market as wallboard raw material.
Bethlehem steel plant at Burns Harbor, Indiana, orig-
inally used the DuPont neutralization processes to
treat H^SO^ WFL.
294
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Table 1
STATISTICAL DATA, UNITED STATES INDUSTRY*»5
Raw Steel,
Year 10 tonnes*
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1985
al tonne
1 ton
104.5
102.3
77.4
84.8
90.1
88.9
89.2
99.2
115.3
119.2
121.7
115.4
119.3
128.2
119.3
109.2
120.9
136.8
132.2
105.8
116.2
113.7
124.0
153
- 1000 kg
- 2000 Ib
Steel
Shipment,
10 tonnes
75.6
72.5
54.4
... 6.3.0
64.6
60.0
64.1
68.6
77.0
84.2
81.7
76.1
83.4
85.2
82.4
78.9
83.3
101.1
99.4
72.6
81.1
82.7
87.1
112
• 1.102 ton
Steel
Shipment/
Raw Steel
0.72
0.71
0.70
0.74
0.72
0.67
0.72
0.69
0.67
0.70
0.«7
0.66
0.70
0.66
0.69
0.72
0.69
0.74
0.75
0.69
0.70
0.73
0.70
0.73
Steel
Fielded,
(Estimates)
10 tonnes8
45
39
35
41
43
39
42
45
49
53
50
47
53
54
51
51
55
67
62
43
(51)b
(52)
(55)
(71)
Steel
Pickled/
Steel
Shipment
0.59
0.54
0.65
0.64
0.66
0.65
0.66
0.65
0.63
0.62
0.61
0.62
0.64
0.63
0.62
0.64
0.66
0.66
0.63
0.60
(0.63)
(0.63)
(0.63)
(0.63)
bFigures in parentheses are estimate* based on 63Z of all ship-
ment being pickled.
Interlake Steel uses an Interlake-DuPont modifi-
cation process at its plant in Chicago, Illinois,
which produces magnetite and calcium chloride from
HC1 WPL. The CaCl2 solution is treated with H2S04 to
regenerate HC112 and to precipitate CaSC>4 which may
be utilized. In both the DuPont and modified neutral-
ization processes, iron values are recovered. The
70304, can be pelletized and used as a blast furnace
feed, or it can be converted and used in ferrites.
magnetic tape, pigment, and other industries.l*t*»
Dumping in Ocean/Lake/River/Alkaline Beds. 'If WPL
is diluted sufficiently, then it can be tolerated'
Is the principle governing dumping in large bodies of
water such as ocean and river. Bethlehem's Lacka-
waraia and Sparrow's Point plants had permits to dis-
charge WPL in Lake Erie, Hew York, and Patapsco River.
Maryland, respectively. Many states and local author-
ities had given permits to steel plants in the past..
With more stringent regulations, the steel Industry
is actively examining alternatives to dumping in pub-
lic rivers and lakes.
All steel plants have large slag dumps, and the
WPL can be dumped on then. The alkaline slag neutral-
izes a part of the free acid, but the dissolved iron
Is not converted to a stable form. Runout from these
dumps would contain appreciable concentration of iron
salt* and have to be treated by the storm water drain-
age system, which usually discharges either to a river/
lake/ocean or to the local municipal system. If hot
slag is quenched, acid pollutants are transferred to
the air and there is more widespread cause for con-
cern.
Treatment of Municipal Waste Water. Tertiary water
treatment of municipal waste water for removal of
phosphates 1* opening up new markets for iron and
aluminum salts. From 10 plants in 1968, the number
tfECUry treatment plants increased to 445 in
1972io and may have Increased significantly since
then. The common chemicals that can be used to react
with phosphates and to remove then as salts are ferric
and ferrous chloride, ferric and ferrous sulfate,
aluminum sulfate (alum), sodium aluminate, lime, and
WPL (FeCl2 and FeS04). Currently lime, ferric chlor-
ide, and alum are tha main chemicals used. Lime has
run into worker opposition at sewage plants. It is
also a highly energy-intensive product. Between Al
and Fe salts, Iron appear* to be preferred.
A report by KSF Chemical Processes, Ltd., Cam-
bridge, Ontario, Canada5 shows that about 1 tonne of
heptahydrate is required to treat 3800 n3 of sewage.
295
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Sewage treatment plants around the Great Lakes area
alone treat approximately 76 million m3/day and may
require as much as 20,000 tonnes of heptahydrate per
day. The steel plants in this area, If all plants
use sulfuric acids, can only produce about 2000-4000
tonnes of heptahydrate per day and will be Inadequate
to fill the demand.
ACID REGENERATION AND/OR IRON RECOVERY-
STATE OF ART, U.S.A. AND FOREIGN
Hydrochloric versus Sulfuric Acid Pickling
In an EPA Technology Transfer Capsule Report,
the economics of the different competitive processes
have been carefully analyzed for sulfuric acid pickle
wastes. On the basis of certain assumptions, it was
estimated that for plants with pickling capacity of
45.000 tonnes/yror more. HjSO^ recovery is economical
even when no credit is given for the heptahydrate
crystals.
Information is, however, quite fragmentary in the
open literature regarding the steel industry pickling
capacities in terms of 112804 vs. HC1 units with regen-
eration, and the type of regeneration practiced. Pri-
vate estimates' Indicate that the number of HC1 lines
(about 60) exceeds that of H^SO^ lines (about 30).
On the other hand, HC1 acid consumption Is less than
HjSOi acid use. This IB so because about 19 kg H2SO^
(IOOX) is required to pickle one tonne of steel result-
Ing In about 105 liters of WPL. The corresponding
quantities for HC1 are about 6.5 kg of 100Z acid/tonne
of steel resulting in about 50 liters of WPL. It has
been estimated5 that out of about 60 million tonnes of
steel pickled in 1974, about two-thirds were pickled by
HC1 and one-third by 112804. HC1 and HjSO^ acid costs
increased during 1966 to 1976 from $48 to $67/tonne
and $10 to $32/tonne, respectively.17 The rapid con-
version from HjSO^ to HC1 pickling which occurred dur-
ing the 1960's has stopped, and a relatively cheaper
({2804 may make it more attractive for pickling. SO2
emission control regulations may generate a large sur-
plus of S in the 1980's.l8
Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration Processes,
U.S.A. and Canada
HC1 regeneration is known to be practiced in only
eight plants in the U.S.A. and Canada.11 Spray roast-
Ing, known as the Woodall-Duckham-Ruthner process, and
fluldized bed roasting, known as Keramchemie-Lurgi, are
well established in the U.S.A. and foreign countries,
and are described fully In the literature. The result-
ing products are regenerated HC1 and granular iron
oxide, which is usually used as a sinter feed for
blast furnace.
The sliding/vibrating roaster process, the ETI
Proceas11 (Environmental Technology, Inc.), uses a
unique roaster reactor design combining a spray roaster
principle with a vibrating moving grate for iron oxide
removal. The oxide particle size Is larger than that
produced by both spray and fluldized roasting processes,
and the dust removal problem is minimized.
The low-temperature PORI*' chemical process is
completely different from the high-temperature process-
es. It consists of four major operational stations:
evaporator, oxldizer, hydrolyzer, and a falling film
condenser-absorber system. At the evaporator, the
FeCl2 concentration is raised from a typical 20Z to 36Z.
In the oxldizer, Fed2 is oxidized to FeClj and Fe20*
followed by FeCl3 hydrolysis to BC1 and more FejOj.
The F«20j is dense and can be recycled to steel produc-
tion. The HC1 produced Is 30Z concentrated with 99Z
yield and is recycled to the process.
Sulfuric Acid Regeneration Processes,
U.S.A. and Canada
All the regeneration systems recover the free acid
by removing the iron salts from the WPL. There are 32
plants in operation in the U.S.A. and Canada, as shown
in Tables 2 and 3. The two basic processes are (1)
heating type, producing FeSO^ monohydrate (5 plants),
and (2) cooling type, producing FeS04 heptahydrate
(27 plants).
In the continuous Sulfex process,11 a submerged
zirconium heat exchanger heats WPL to 125 C with 690
KPa steam; the acid concentration reaches 45Z to 50J,
and FeSO^ • H20 precipitates out. After crystal separa-
tion, the recovered acid containing about IjZ Fe is
returned for pickling.
The continuous Pureco process1'1 uses submerged
combustion heaters to heat WPL to 95 C and concentrate
the acid to 35Z. The iron precipitates out as
FeSO^'HjO, and the recovered acid containing %Z Fe is
recycled.
In the cooling type continuous Keramchemie pro-
cess j11'20 the WPL is precooled and then flows to a
crystallizer where the temperature is decreased to
5 C using high-pressure steam ejectors. The acid/
crystal slurry is concentrated and centrifuged. The
recovered acid containing 2-3Z Fe is recycled. The
large flow of ejector condensing water Is slightly
contaminated with entrained WPL.
In the batch type Crown Chemical process, the
WPL is chilled through a Freon refrigeration system
to about 0 C in about 8 hr. The heptahydrate Is con-
centrated In settling tanks and filters.
The24KSF Process units11 are modular batch type.
The WPL is cooled with chilled reclrculatlng water
circuit. The solution is cooled to 7 to IOC, the
heptahydrate crystals are discharged by gravity,
washed, partially dried, and discharged. The recov-
ered acid Is reheated and recycled at a concentration
of 25Z containing 2 to 3Z Fe. The process is "zero
discharge" incorporating full recycling of all acid
mists, spent acid, and pickling rinse waters.
The planning for additional pickling units in
steel plants is not readily available In the open
literature. Private Information Indicates that Beth-
lehem (Sparros Point, Maryland), Jones and Laugnlin
(Allqulppa, Pennsylvania) and U.S. Steel (Falrfield,
Alabama) may use HjS04 pickling more significantly
during the next five years. Other steel plants, such
as Armco (Ashland, Kentucky), National (Weirton, West
Virginia), Jones and Laugnlin (Cleveland, Ohio), and
Republic (Gadsden, Alabama) may significantly enlarge
HC1 pickling practice with regeneration. It is ex-
pected that during 1980-85 the addition of 25 * 106
tonnes steel capacity will require establishment of at
least one (U.S. Steel-Conneaut), and perhaps two green-
field plants in addition to the above and several more
unannounced rounding-off facilities requiring pickling
plant additions.
European Steel Plants
Western Europe raw steel production was 154 mil-
lion tonnes In 1977. On an equivalent tonnage basis,
WPL production In European steel plsnts is slightly
less because of the difference In product mix. In the
U.S.A., the proportion of flat products In the product
mix is relatively more than In Europe, and WPL gen-
eration Is maximum in flat product pickling. In ad-
dition to the integrated steel plants, European sec-
ondary and tertiary fabricators and processors us*
similar batch pickling processes and have similar prob-
lems, if not more so because of less disposal elas-
ticity in land surface and water bodies. On the other
296
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Table 2
TYPES OF SULFURIC ACID REGENERATION PLANTS..
AMD THEIR LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.A. AND CANADA
Table 3
LIST OF KSF PICKLING AND ACID RECOVERY SYSTEMS
11
Type
By Heating (monohydrate)
Rulfex Process
(Sulfex Corporation,
Maple Heights, Ohio)
Pureco Process
(Pureco Systems, Inc.
Mt. Prospect, 111.)
By Cooling (heptahydrate)
A. Vacuum Type
Keramchemle Process
B. Refrigeration Type
Crown Process
(Crown Chemical Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis,
Ind.)
KSF Process
(KSF Chemical Proces-
ses, Ltd., Cambridge,
Ontario, Canada)
Plants
Metal Processing Co.
Maple Heights, Ohio
Joselyn Manufacturing &
Supply Co.
Chicago, 111.
Empire Galvanizing
Dlv. of Joslyn Steel
Chicago, 111.
H. H. Howard Company
Chicago, 111.
Budd Company
Frankfort, Ohio
Fltzslmons Steel Company
Youngstown, Ohio
Slvaco-Ingersoll, Ltd.
Ingersoll, Ontario,
Canada
Sldbec-Dosco, Ltd.
Rexdale, Ontario,
Canada
Laclede Steel Company
Alton, 111.
24 Plants (See Table 3
for locations)
Wlmco Steel Sales, Ltd.
1430 Martingrove Road
Rexdale, Ontario
P. L. Robertson Manu-
facturing Co., Ltd.
Bronte Street
Milton, Ontario
Atlantic Wire Company
One Church Street
Branford, Connecticut
Motor Wheel Industries
(Chatham) Ltd.
650. River view Drive
Chatham, Ontario
Macwhyte Company
2906 14th Avenue
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Electric Wheel Company
1120 North 28th Street
Quincy. Illinois
Firestone Street Prod-
ucts of Canada Ltd.
31 Firestone Blvd.
London, Ontario
National Fence Company
Bladenaburg, Maryland
Russell, Burdaall &
Hard Company
Rock Falls, 111.
Nelsen Steel & Wire Co.
9400 West Belmont
Franklin Park, 111.
Thompson Steel Co., Inc.
9470 King Street
Franklin Park, 111.
Republic Hire Corp.
500 Blair Road
Carteret, New Jersey
Everlock Division
(Mlcrodot Inc.)
Detroit, Michigan
Metal Products Division
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
1144 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio
Motor Wheel Corporation
1600 North Larch Street
Lansing, Michigan
Motor Wheel Corporation
Ogletown Road
Newark, Delaware
Igoe Brothers, Inc.
234 Poinier Street
Newark, New Jersey
Walker Hire & Steel Co.
660 East 10 Mile Road
Ferndale, Michigan
New York Wire Mills Corp.
3937 River Road
Tonawanda, New York
Bethlehem Steel Corp.
Lackawanna, New York
American Chain & Cable
Co., Inc.
American Chain Div.
(Office)
East Princess Street
York, Pennsylvania
Atlantic Steel Company
16th & Holly Streets
Atlanta, Georgia
Krueger & Company, Inc.
900 Industrial Drive
Elmhurst, 111.
Slvaco Wire: & Nail Co.
800 Quellette Street
Marlevllle, Quebec
Boric Kldric Steelworks
Niksic
Yugoslavia
297
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hand, the close proximity of many secondary plants
allows development of central treatment facilities
with economy-ln-size benefits which their counter-
parts in the U.S.A. nay not enjoy. At Altena in West
Germany, an HC1 acid recovery plant is owned and
operated Jointly by 30 smaller companies drawing wire
and/or galvanizing. Tankers collect spent liquors
and return recovered acid to the works. The oxides
recovered are sent to the steelmakers. The companies
so served by this central recovery plant are situated
within an 80 km (50 mile) radius.21
A summary of the pickling processes practiced in
the different European plants is given in Table 4.
Two steel plants have only sulfuric acid pickling,
four have only hydrochloric acid, and two have both.
One plant is changing over from l^SO^ to RC1, and
another is planning to change.
Three sulfuric acid pickling lines recover hep-
tahydrate and use it Cor water treatment, in the sin-
tering plant for conversion to oxide, as animal feed
additive, and also for discharge on a slag dump.
Of the six plants using HC1 pickling, five re-
generate the acid and produce Fe2C>3 as a by-product.
Heating for regeneration is done using either oil,
natural gas, or coke oven gas. Four of the five re-
generation units use the spray roasting technique and
obtain a very fine reddish-brown Fe203. One unit
uses a fluidized bed roaster and generates a much
coarser gray iron oxide product.
Most of the Fe203 is used either in the ferrite
industry or at the slnter-pelletlzing plant. There
seems to be no significant problem in Feo03 disposal.
The steel plants consider HC1 pickling to be a
better process than HjS04 pickling. It is faster,
gives a better looking pickled surface, and the acid
can be regenerated (99*) with a by-product which is
eminently salable and usable. The process requires
energy, and if oil and natural gas have to be used
Instead of the coke oven gas within the steel plants,
then It will also be more expensive In the near future.
The process also has some maintenance problems.
If the H-^SOtt pickling line has a substantial
scale breaker, then H2S04 pickling may become equally
as fast as HC1 pickling, as opined by one steel
plckler. While HC1 directly dissolves FeO (scale),
HoS04 operates better if it can readily get below
the scale and attack the metal surface and there lies
the significance of scale breaking before pickling.
HC1 pickling gives a brighter sheet. However,
if the pickled products are to be eventually cold
rolled (as most are) the initial relative brightness
of HC1 pickled sheet has no special advantage over
HoS04 pickled sheets before cold rolling because of
their brightness alone.
On the other hand, it was noted that FeS04-7H20
has a limited market. It contains 2 to 32 moisture
and has some storage and dumping problems. At Stora
Kopparberg plant, the heptahydrate crystals were stored
in the open, inside covered steel bins. Crystalliza-
tion of heptahydrate requires cooling, and additional
energy is required for refrigeration.
Stora Kopparberg. Domnarvet Steel Works, Borla'nge.
Sweden. In addition to treating WPL to obtain hepta-
hydrate crystals, the wash water, vapor scrubbing
water, and excess steam condensate are treated in a
neutralizing plant at a rate of about 20 m-Vhr. After
treatment iron is reduced to <2 ppm, TSS is reduced
from 14 to <0.1 ppm, pR adjusted to 7.5 ± 1 with no
unneutralized free acid In the waste. The sludge cake
contains about 352 solid. The neutralized water is fed
to 4 sedimentation tanks at the rate of 0.22m3/m2 • hr
with a residence time of 9 hr. Flocculent is added
at the last tank.
The total production of 7000 tonnes/year of hep-
tahydrate is completely utilized. A Swedish firm
Imports 15,000 tonnes/year of heptahydrate for water
treatment.
Arbed Steel Works. Differedatige. Luxembourg. This
100,000 tonnes/year continuous spiral sheet pickling
plant was designed by Sundwig, of Germany, with the
regeneration units designed by Falker, a Swiss company.
About 1000 tonnes/year of heptahydrate crystals arc pro-
duced by the refrigeration/crystallization/centrifuge
technique. The crystals have only 1.12 water and 0.6Z
free acid and are primarily used for water treatment
and algae growth prevention. Because of low require-
ments, it is also dumped in the slag yard.
The wash water is treated with milk of line to pH
8 to 9, settled, decanted, and discharged to a river,
and the sludge is deposited on the slag dump.
A new HC1 pickling unit with regeneration was due
to begin operation March 1979. The pickling unit was
designed by Benguin (France) having a 25,000 tonnes/
month capacity; the regeneration unit, using natural
gas, follows the Keramchemle-Lurgl system.
Veeet-Alplne Aktiengesellsehaft. Lint. Austria. Ho. 1
cold rolling mill uses H,S04 pickling, and No. 2 cold
rolling mill uses BCl pickling. The^SO^ unit process-
es 600,000 tonnes/year and generates heptahydrate amount-
ing to 12,000 tonnes/year using the Lurgl process.
A small cut sheet plant in the Ho. 1 mill also produces
1200 tonnes/year of heptahydrate crystals. Most (902)
of the heptahydrate crystals go to the sinter plant and
the rest for water treatment and as animal feed additive.
The No. 2 CR mill unit using HC1 regenerates
acid with the Ruthner design. The mill processes
800,000 tonnes/year and generates 3,600 tonnes/year
of Fe203 for the ferrite industry. Wash water from
Ho. 2 CR mill Is neutralized. Sludge is transported
by dump car for disposal, and the decanted water is
run off to the Danube River. Wash water from No. 1
CR mill (H2S04) is discharged to the Danube dIreetly.
EHSIDESA. Aviles. Spain. Of the two pickling lines,
the H2S04 line was Installed in 1964, and the HC1 in
1972. They are considering changing the H2S04 unit
to HC1. There la no acid recovery or neutralization
plant. Between the two mills, the plant pickles 1.5
million tonnes/year. The WPL is mixed with wash water
and fume scrubber waste and diluted to less than 12
acid concentration, conveyed by canal, and discharged
to the ocean.
The plant has its own reservoir fed from the river
and uses three water qualities in the plant. For all
plant use, th* industrial quality water is taken from
the reservoir. There are filtering stations attached
to each plant unit which treat the water and recycle
some of it. Then the third system Is the drinking
water.
Hoogovens Ijmuiden BV. IJmuiden. Holland. This large
steel plant has a capacity of 6 million tonnes/year.
It now produces 5 million tonnes/year and la planning
to expand to 11 million tonnes/year. Only HC1 pickling
is used—two lines without regeneration and one line
with a Lurgl regeneration plant. They had an H2SO^
line but changed over to HC1 without regeneration.
The waste acid and wash water is discharged to the sea
for a fee paid to the government.
298
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Table 4
WESTERN EUROPEAN STEEL PLANTS AND THEIR PICKLING PROCESSES
Steel Plant
Pickling Process
3.
5.
6.
Sulfurlc Acid Process
Stoca Kopparberg
Domnarvet Steelworks,
Borlange, Sweden
Voest-Alpine
Aktlengesellichaft
Llnz, Austria
ENSIDESA,
Avlles, Spain
ARBED Steel Works,
Differdange,
Luxembourg
Hydrochloric Acid
Uddeholms Aktlebolag,
Munkfors, Sweden
Fried, Krupp
Kiittenwerke AC,
Bochum, W. Germany
Voest-Alpine
Aktlengesellschaft
Linz, Austria
ENSIDESA,
Aviles, Spain
Hoogovens Ijmuiden BV,
Ijmulden, Holland
British Steel Corp.
Ebbw Vale Works
Ebbv Vale, U.K.
One continuous pickling line with FeSO^ • 7H20 as a by-product and
H2S04 recycling: Pickling capacity, 350,000 t/year. FeS04*7H20
production in 1977—7000 tonnes. Price about $24/tonne. One-half
of ferrous sulfate sold to water treatment plant and as flocculat-
ing agent. Other half sold to another company which burns off
sulfur and mixes the oxide with fine ore and pelletizes/sintmrs.
Snail quantities used in concrete and to kill weeds.
One continuous pickling line. Capacity—600,000 t/year. PeSO^-
7HoO—12,000 t/year, 90Z to sinter plant, 10Z for water cleaning
and animal feed. One small cut sheet batch pickling unit. FeSOi-
7H20—1,200 t/year.
On* continuous pickling line. Capacity—650,000 t/year. Waste
pickle liquor (9-10Z acid) diluted to less than IZ, discharged to
sea via canal. Planning to install RC1 line.
One continuous spiral pickling line. Capacity about 100,000 t/year.
FeS04-7H20—1,000 t/year, used for water treatment, also dumped in
slag dump. New HC1 line with regeneration under construction
(March 1979).
One continuous pickling line with acid regeneration. 1978 produc-
tion, 20,000-25,000 t/year. HC1 recovery, 97-99Z. Oil consumption,
35 kg/h. FejOj by-product, less than 1,000 t/year. Used in sinter.
Some stored.
One continuous pickling line with acid regeneration. Capacity
1,200,000 t/year. HC1 recovery about 98t. Fe203 by-product,
6,000 t/year, used in sintering plant.
One continuous pickling line with acid regeneration. Capacity—
800,000 t/year. Fe203 production—3,600 t/year, used in the f err ite
industry.
One continuous pickling line without acid regeneration. Capacity—
850,000 t/year. Acid waste diluted with wash water and fume scrubber
water to less than lit and discharged into the sea.
Three continuous pickling lines; two older lines without regeneration,
and one with regeneration. Now, as much as possible, waste liquor
from older lines is regenerated in the double unit regeneration
plant. Maximum capacity—1,500,000 t/year. Current capacity—
1,100,000 t/year. Fe203 production about 6,000 t/year. Sold to fer-
rlte industry. Quality very iuportant. Bayer oxide—very good
quality—sells for $500/tonne.
One continuous pickling line with regeneration. Capacity—1,400,000
t/year. ?e203 production about 12,000 t/year. Fluidlzed bed regen-
eration unit produced gray, coarse 100Z >l/2 m spherical particles
well suited to sintering.
299
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The Ho. 2 CR mill was built in 1971. The pickling
line was designed by Wean-Dameron and the regeneration
unit by Ruthner. Pickling about 1.1 million tonnes/
year, the regeneration plant produces about 6000 tonnes/
year Fe2<)3 from the WPL. The Fe2<>3 is used in the fer-
rite Industry where the quality is very Important.
Chloride should be less than 0.IX; density (after set-
tling) 0.8 g/cm3; specific surface, 270 to 320 m2/g,
loss on Ignition, 0.31 at 800 C. A very high quality
oxide, such as that produced by Bayer, sells for
$500/tonne.
The wash and fume scrubber water is partially
used for LD (EOF) gas cleaning. The rest of it is
mixed with NaOH and discharged 1 to 2 km out Into the
sea. For the month of May 1978, the range of flow was
40 to 580 m3/hr, well under the limit of 1000 m3/hr.
The pH ranged 6.8 to 8.5, TSS 16 ppm avg (5-375 ppm,
range), under the 30 ppm limit. Iron limit la 3 ppm,
and soluble iron average was 0.34 ppm.
Government regulations limit waste acid discharge
to the ocean to a rate of 170m3/day (30 gpm), amount-
ing to 22 tonnes of Fe++/day. Other limitations are
2.9 tonnes HCl/day and 7 kg Cu/day. In addition, a
penalty equivalent to $1.30/ton of F*4' is charged when
the limit is exceeded.
British Steel Corporation, Ebbw Vale Works, Ebbw Vale,
U.K. The three K^SO^ pickling lines were shut down In
1974 and replaced by one continuous HC1 line to treat
about 1.4 million tonnes/year and to regenerate acid
In a Lurgi-deslgned fluldlzed bed roaster. The pick-
ling line is designed by Head Urlghtson. Fej03 produc-
tion amounts to 12,000 tonnes/year, and the coarse
(>)j mm) gray particles are excellent as sinter feed.
Loss of pickling is about 0.6%. The WPL contained 3
to 6.5% HC1 and 90 to 122 g/1 iron. Rinse water con-
tained HC1 20 g/1 and Fe 10 g/1. The Fe2<33 had a
0.075/5 chloride content. All wash waters are properly
treated, and the effluent discharged into the Eddw
River goes through the Bristol Channel to the sea,
32 km (20 miles) away.
Fried. Krupp Hiittenwerke AC, Bochum, West Germany.
The plant has two HC1 regeneration units; the first one
designed by Dr. C. Otto is not giving satisfactory
operation now. The second one designed by Keramchemie
Is mostly used to treat WPL at the rate of 3000. I/hr
(13 gpm). It is fired by coke oven gas at the rate
of 1400 m3/hr. ?e2®3 produced at 6000 tonnes/year is
used in the sintering plant. The wash water is neutral-
ized with lime water (pH 7 to 8), stirred with air,
sent to settling tanks, and then filtered and the
cake is dumped. The effluent is discharged at the rate
of 20 to 40 m3/hr. New water purchased for pickling
costs DM 0.95/m3 ($2.00/1000 gal).
Ruhrverband. Essen. West Germany; Bmschergenossenschaf t.
Essen, West Germany. In the Ruhr district In Vest Ger-
many, where Industry Is highly concentrated, separation
of municipal and Industrial waste waters is encouraged.
Central treatment plants for each waste stream permits
special water treatment techniques with the additional
prospect of metal recovery and recycle. All plants in
this area are members of the Ruhrverband and pay for
water use. The Ruhr is a drinking water river. Some
100 water treatment plants are located in this area.
In addition to steel plants, there are many coal
mines which generate a lot of coal fines entrained in
wash water amounting to 800-1000 tonnes/day of coal.
These coal fines mixed with steel plant wastes and
biological wastes combine to form a sludge .having a
combined carbon of 40Z, which la used in power plants
equivalent to brown coal. In a recent U.S. EPA trip
report,22 Craig has mentioned the concept of waste
exchange which has been successfully implemented In
Europe.
Emschergenossenachaft (Emscher Association) was
created In 1904 to control all water discharges in the
Emscher River basin. Recently, In order to reduce
the load on the Rhine, a large-scale treatment plant
was built at Emscher, 7.5 km from the Rhine confluence.
It serves a population of about 2.5 million and can
handle a mmflimin flow of 30 m3/sec. The sludge pro-
duced here la burned In the Karnap Power Station of
the KWE AC.
Centralized treatment plants for Industrial wastes,
both publicly and privately owned, treat the wastes
of their member companies on a fee basis. The Altena
Central HC1 regeneration plant (30 members) recovers
BC1 from WPL and sells the FejOo to use as a land
fill.22
Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate
(Copperas). Production and End-Use
The 33 plants recovering copperas are given in
Tables 2 and 3. Only one of them, Bethlehem's
Lackawanna plant, Is an Integrated steel plant. It
Is possible that they are using a modified KSF process
with 5 modular units each capable of processing 19
1/min. In all, there are about 32 modular units pro-
cessing 570 1/min of WPL by the KSF process. On an
average,about 105 liters of WPL is formed on treating
1 tonne of steel resulting in 30 kg of copperas crys-
tals at 0.6% iron loss. With a total processing
capacity of 570 1/min, copperas production rate from
all KSF units will amount to about 160 kg/mln or about
10 tonnes/hr. The actual annual production will de-
pend on the number of shifts operating. Assuming a
standard 2-shift operation of 16 hr/day and 330 flays/
year, the total copperas production from all KSF units
can be estimated at about 55,000 tonnes/year.
The three plants using vacuum crystallizing
Keramchemie process have a combined capacity of 114
1/min of WPL and may produce as much as 10,000 tonnes/
year of heptahydrate on the basis of continuous
3-shift operation.
The batch-type Crown Chemical process treats 42
1/mln of WPL and on a 2-shift/day, 330 days/year may
produce about 4000 tonnes/year of the heptahydrate.
The total FeSO^-7H20 (copperas) production from
the 28 plants at present may amount to as much as
66,000 tonnes/year, if fully operated.
The four Pureco process plants treat a total of
80 1/mln of WPL and produce about 10 kg/mln of FeSO^«
H2o—the monohydrate. The Pureco process is continu-
ous, and if operated on the basis of 20 shifts/week
and 50 weeks/year for a total of 8000 hr, it will pro-
duce about 4800 tonnes/year.
The single Sulfex process unit treats 35 1/min
of WPL and, on 8000 hr continuous basis, is capable
of producing 2300 tonnes/year of FeSO^HjO.
The total FeSO^-HjO (monohydrate) produced from
the five units may amount to 7000 tonnes/year. Thus,
a total of about 75,000 tonnes/year of ferrous sulfate
crystals (copperas 68,000 tonnes and monohydrate 7000
tonnes) are available in the market for use or disposal.
Approximately three times more HjSO* Is needed
thanHCl to pickle one tonne of steel on a 100X basis.
On this basis, in 1974:the estimated 30 H2S04 pickling
lines in the steel Industry treated about one-third
of the total estimated 60 million tonnes pickled,
or about 20 million tonnes. At 0.6Z iron loss, this
300
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amount of steel treated will generate about 600,000
tonnes/year of heptahydrate (60 Ib/ton of steel) if
fully recovered. To this amount, about 12 to 15% may
be added if recovered fully from the secondary and
tertiary processing plants spread all over the U.S.A.
Thus in 1974, the total potential for heptahydrate
production could have been estimated to be as high as
630,000 tonnes/year. Using the 2% growth rate projec-
tions, by 1985, the amount of steel pickled may in-
crease to 72 million tonnes/year. If the additional
pickling capacities added maintain the same ratio be-
tween H2S04 and HC1 pickling tonnage (1:2), then the
total potential heptahydrate generation may Increase
to about 800,000 tonnes/year by 1985, about ten times
the amount that is currently processed. That is the
potential magnitude of copperas that must be either
safely dumped, or normally absorbed in the marketing
process which is preferred.
Besides steel plant pickling, there are other
industrial processes which generate ferrous sulfate
heptahydrate. These are (1) commercial producers who
deliberately dissolve scrap in sulfuric acid to pro-
duce the salt, (2) a by-product from titanium pigment
producing units, and (3) from sulfuric acid leaching
of copper-bearing minerals and slags. The five major
commercial producers have a total copperas capacity
of 320,000 tonnes but produced only about 180,000
tonnes in 1967 and were projected to produce as much
as 270,000 tonnes by 1975.*3 The two largest producers
are National Lead Company and Pfizer, Inc., with a
total installed capacity of 250,000 tonnes/year. Thus,
there exists a large surplus commercial capacity for
production of copperas. The average price of commer-
cially produced copperas remained about $5 to $6/tonne
during 1960 to 1967.23
Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate has been used for a
long time for production of synthetic iron oxide pig-
ment, copperas red. In a 2-step Keating process, the
sulfurous off-gas can he-used to generate HjSO^. A
wet chemical process by Penniman and Zoph is also
used to produce synthetic iron oxide from heptahydrate
solution.
Iron oxides used for pigments and electronics
can be produced as a by-product from the titanium
dioxide pigment industry.1* The sulfate-process por-
tion of the titanium pigment industry has so far been
a key source of copperas. A shift in titanium pigment
technology from sulfate to chloride process will de-
crease copperas production, but iron oxide may be
available as a by-product if FeCl2 is converted to
Fe2°3' Apparent domestic demand of iron oxide pigments
have seen a steady growth of 45% between 1964 and
1974. The compounded growth rate of 3.6%, if projected
to 1985, indicates a total domestic demand exceeding
250,000 tonnes valued at $150 million (U.S. $0.30/lb).
The market share of copperas from all sources has
been estimated at 55X, iron oxide pigments; 30X, fer-
rites; 5%, water-sewage treatment; and 101, others
including fertilizers, feed stock, ink, etc. While
innumerable end uses are available, most of them are
small. Two major consumers are paint and plastics.
Sales of paints and allied products increased from
$2.4 billion to $3.6 billion from 1963 to 1971. A
$7 billion market is projected in 1980.2* The plastic
resin market doubled during the same period and is
projected to reach $12 billion by 1980.24
A trend in automotive finishes to the copper and
bronzes has created a market for ultrafine iron oxides
referred to as "transparent" or "low opacity" pig-
ments. These pigments are combined with aluminum to
produce metallized automotive finishes.25 The present
market is estimated to be between 1500 and 2500 tonnes/
year, worth about $5 million.
Utilization of the additional property of absorb-
ing ultraviolet radiation Is being investigated to
determine the potential of transparent oxides in con-
tainers and packaging for food and wherever else dur-
ability, transparency, and ultraviolet absorption are
desired in a pigment.15
Steel plant WPL oxides (from FeClj) are displac-
ing some of the copperas oxide products from the tra-
ditionally ferrlte market. The soft ferrlte market
still remains a large consumer of copperas reds and
calcined yellow oxides. For 1972, the estimated ship-
ments of permanent magnets, T.V. yokes, memory cores,
and ferrite parts were $192 million,2° and they are
expected to grow significantly. A world ferrite pro-
duction of 495.,000 tonnes/year is estimated by 1985.27
At present, dnly a very small fraction (5Z) of
copperas is used for water-sewage treatment. The re-
sult of a study made by the Fitzsimons Steel Company,
Youngstown, Ohio,23 in 1973 to market heptahydrate
for sewage-water treatment in 13 communities within a
120 km (75 mile) radius was not encouraging. For
coagulation, alum is usually preferred and the water
treatment plants were unwilling to try new products.
Where phosphate control is Important, copperas is de-
sirable but must compete with FeClj. Detroit receives
WPL free from HC1 pickling plants of Great Lakes Steel
Company and Ford Motor Company. Milwaukee uses FeCl3
buC had started to use copperas. Chicago uses FeCl3
plus some ferric sulfate. They found WPL from local
mills too unpredictable and impure for safe usage.23
On the other hand, a more recent experience of
Bethlehem Steel Plant, Sparrows Point, Maryland, is
more encouraging.28 The 6.3 x 106 tonne/year plant
generates about 100,000 gallons of WPL per day. They
have successfully used this WPL for removing phosphorus
from municipal wasteuater at : the Gity of Baltimore's
700,000 m3/day (185 Mgd) Back River wastewater treat-
ment plant and at the District of Columbia's 1.14 x
1Q6 m3/day (300 Mgd) Blue Plains
plant.
There is no doubt that in phosphate treatment,
WPL and copperas—supplied In proper condition, and
with some treatment plant modifications, such as addi-
tion of solution tank, aeration facilities, and larger
pumps—can adequately compete with its close rival,
FeClj. With the emphasis on secondary and tertiary
water-sewage treatment, the market share of copperas
should grow significantly from the present 5Z. And
even a small increase, when treating billions of gallons
daily, amounts to a lot of WPL-copperas use potential.
While worthwhile and economic end uses for re-
covered copperas crystals will be desirable, it must
be recognized, at present, that there does not exist a
large market for copperas and the market has to be
created. During this period of market development, the
copperas produced from WPL can be handled in a far more
effective way (environmentally speaking) than the pres-
ent techniques of contractor hauling, neutralization/
lagooning, or deep-well disposal of WPL.
The essentially acid-frea copperas crystals can
be dumped on municipal dumps as proper fill material.
They may be combined with other municipal incinerator
inert products and then dumped.
The crystals can be mixed with lime, and less
lime quantity will be needed because there is no free
acid to neutralize. Or, the ferrous sulfate can be
converted to magnetic oxide and calcium sulfate with
lime and oxidation, and the inert matter can be used
as a landfill.
sewage treatment
301
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WHAT'S IN THE FUTURE
The bulk of copperas is not, at present, generated
at the Integrated steel plants, but In the hundreds of
secondary steel processing plants. Titanium pigment
manufacturers and the commercial producers also generate
a significant quantity of copperas. While these plants
are dispersed all over the U.S.A., they are, to a cer-
tain extent, clustered in certain Industrially developed
regions, for example, the Chicago-East Chicago-Gary
greater metropolitan area. Before trying to solve the
problem of disposal of copperas yet to be generated
from steel plant WPL, it will be necessary to direct
attention and effort to make use of WPL from the sec-
ondary processing industries to generate copperas, and
either to find a market for it or to dispose of it in
an environmentally safer way. To achieve this end, it
will be necessary to direct attention to the following:
1. A study to define the scope and estab-
lishment of regional, centralized WPL
facilities to be funded Jointly by the
secondary processors and aided by EFA
or a similar regulatory body for ini-
tial subsidized operation.
2. Co-treatment of different waste streams
to recycle and recover valuable prod-
ucts. Also, to develop waste exchange
Information data with the help of EPA
to aid industry In this effort.
3. Promotion of tertiary sewage treatment
with particular emphasis on phosphate
removal. Also, to establish an EPA
directive to require all EPA-alded sewage
treatment facilities to utilize recycled
waste product such as copperas and to
extend additional aid to them for nec-
essary equipment modifications to make
such use possible.
4. Research and development to find new
uses for copperas, to Improve pickling
technology, to reduce use of acid and
water, and to minimize iron loss result-
ing in process development with zero
liquid discharge (KSF or similar process) .
Centralized WPL Treatment Plant
The economics of scale will be very favorable for
such a treatment plant. Similar treatment plants are
in operation in West Germany serving Industries within
a radius of 80 km. The mechanics of joint ownership
and Federal aid must be studied in the U.S. economic
and rezulatory context. However, a radius of 80 km
will encompass the whole of the Greater Chicago Metro-
politan Area and beyond. At some point in time, some
of the big steel industries of this area using HjSO^
acid pickling may even participate in its operation.
The members will be charged on the basis of WPL volume
treated, and a credit will be given for recovered acid.
The heotahvdrate will either be sold to sewage treat-
ment plants of the same area operated with Federal
aid, or converted to oxide, or treated and dumped as
land fill.
Well-established technology for WPL treatment
for copperas production is now available Cone being
the KSF-zero discharge process). Nonetheless, new
research and development studies are needed to develop
alternative economical processes. The Crown Chemical
ion exchange process3 has demonstrated a marketable
Fe20j starting with heptahydrate crystals. Using a
double loop counter current flow, a hydrogen ion ex-
change resin, nitric acid, and a hydrolyzer, a bench
scale unit produced ferrite/pigment grade Fe2C>3. In
1975, about 17,500 tonnes of Fe203 were produced from
steel plant WPL and sold at an average cost of $557
tonne, principally to ferrite manufacturers. A dem-
onstration plant based on the hydrogen ion exchange
resin process will be required before the economics
of the process can be established.
There are many other areas where additional re-
search will bear results. For example, several
laboratory-scale electrolytic techniques have been
developed, but none has attained a demonstration plant
stage. It was demonstrated that using Hg cathodes,
electrolytic regeneration of iron 1 s both reliable
and economical."
Co-Treatment of WPL and Other Waste Streams
WFL is still treated with technologies 50 years old:
cooling, crystallization, filtration, washing, drying
heating—a combination of fairly primitive technolo-
gies. Very little attention is given to advanced tech-
nologies such as ion exchange, electrolysis, high-
intensity magnetic separation, and reverse osmosis,
to name a few. Many other metal processing Industries
generate waste liquor/solids which are equally or more
difficult to handle. Electroplating and electronic
industries are two such groups whose wast* streams may
be effectively co-treated with WPL to benefit both.
Two printed circuit (PC) shops are presently using
heptahydrate to treat electroless copper and alkaline
etch rinses. A large West Coast PC manufacturer treats
1200 I/day with 5 to 20 g/1 of heptahydrate. An East
PC manufacturer treats six electroless copper rinses
and one alkaline etchant rinse with heptahydrate in a
continuous flow system. The 100 1/min (26 gpm) flow
of 20 t'o 30 mg/1 copper is reduced to less than 1 mg/1
after the sulfate treatment. Copper plating rinse
waters were treated with WFL to reduce Initial copper
concentration of 1000 mg/1 to O.S mg/1.30 A similar
co-treatment of ehromate waste water with WPL and wash
water can reduce Iron and chrome In the final effluent
to O.S and 0.05 mg/1, respectively.31
While recovery and recycling of acid and metallic
values are worthwhile under certain conditions, it is
often necessary to treat WPL and acid wash water with
a neutralize to make it environmentally harmless.
Often, lime Is used—a highly energy-Intensive product.
On the other hand, a large quantity of lime residue is
available from the carbide process. Like many unwanted
waste products, the lime residue has a negative value
and, Instead of lime, this lime residue can be effec-
tively and economically co-treated with wash water/WPL.32
In addition to development of co-treatment process
technology, it will be very desirable to compile regional/
local waste stream/solid waste generation information.
This information can be made available to the regional
Industries with available technological information re-
garding the possibilities of their co-treatment and
disposal. A Federal agency such as EPA may select one
large region (for example, the Chicago area) as a target
area to initiate this study. This pattern of waste
Information exchange was Initiated In West Germany, and
now the industries have developed their own contacts
and need very little federal help.
Tertiary Sewage Treatment and Phosphate Removal
Potentially, sewage treatment for phosphate re-
moval and water treatment for coagulation are two uses
which can theoretically utilize all possible copperas
(or WPL) production. However, long-term agreements,
302
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reluctance b y authorities t o. experiment with new
chemicals, lack of compelling enforcing regulations
for phosphate removal, additional expense for equip-
ment modification, and, lastly, no concerted expres-
sion of Interest from different Federal authorities
for recycling of heptahydrate are some of the major
reasons for the poor share (51) of heptahydrate usage
In water-sewage treatment. Because the potential
Is so vast and the application of copperas is techno-
logically so straightforward, economical, and well-
proven,28' 3 3 it ts surprising that the Federal au-
thorities who aid many of the urban water-sewage
treatment plants did not yet exert their Influence to
promote the use of copperas in this application. The
existing Federal regulations which reward use of re-
cycled products can be effectively utilized in water-
sewage treatment plants. The aid to these plants
can be made contingent on their utilizing recycled
products such as copperas or WPL. Additional aid
may be available to these plants for equipment ad-
ditions and alteration which will be required if
copperas is used to replace FeCl3 and alum. This use
is potentially most effective because of the close
proximity of the copperas (WPL) -generating Indus-
tries and the local treatment facilities, thereby
reducing transportation cost very substantially.
Research and Development of Picklinft Technology
While pickling is an old technology, many changes
have taken place during the last 20 years to Improve
its application. One major shift Is from H2S04 to
HC1 pickling resulting in a better looking product,
faster pickling, and potential for easier HCl regen-
eration and by-product iron oxide production and usage.
After a rapid growth of HCl pickling, it has come to
a balance with H2S04 pickling on a tonnage basis of
30% H2S04 to 70* HCl. Further, HCl pickling conver-
sion of existing H2S04 pickling lines has virtually
ceased In the U.S.A., whereas it is still proceeding
In Europe. The higher HCl cost relative to H2S04,
and the possible oversupply of H2S04 because of S02
emission control and S recovery due to EPA regula-
tions may stabilize H2S04 cost farther, thereby revers-
ing the trend of HCl acid pickling. Any new green-
field plant is likely to use HCl pickling, but the ad-
ditional roundlng-of f facilities to existing units will
still be by the H2S04 acid process where already ex-
isting, and will add to the copperas disposal problem.
Hew pickling technology using a mixture of H,S04/
HCl acids has been developed bv Wean/KSF5 and has been
tried in continuous/batch pickling operation. HCl as-
sists H2S04 in the pickling, and H2S04 also acts as a
reagent regenerating HCl from FeCl2 according to the
equation:
FeCl
- FeS0
2HC1
Copperas can be recovered from the WPL with little
chloride contamination. The resulting pickled steel
has the brightness of HCl pickling.
Additional studies are required in the area of
pickling mechanism and washing of pickling solution
from the sheet surface. If a true understanding of the
mechanism involved in the pickling of steel by HCl and
H2S04 is obtained, anew technology using less acid and
consuming less iron can be realized. Generally, at
0.5Z Fe loss, one tonne of steel pickled produced 25 kg
(55 Ib) of FeS04-7H20. At IX Fe loss, It is 50 kg of
heptahydrate/tonne steel. While these are average
values, different products, depending on their surface
area/volume ratio and process technology, will show dif-
ferent amounts of Iron losses. The data show that in
wire pickling about 1Z iron loss is encountered, whereas
In billet pickling it Is only 0.22Z.21 Thus, any effort
in understanding the mechanisms Involved in Iron loss
and the effect of Inhibitor control in minimizing iron
loss will eventually have the highest potential effect
in reducing copperas production. The industrywide
figure is 0.6ZFe loss, and a reduction to 0.52 Fe loss
means a total reduction of 16Z in WPL/copperas produc-
tion amounting to hundreds of thousands of tonnes per
year.
Considerable Improvement i n the technology of
washing of steel surfaces has taken place in recent
years. The traditional method of dipping In water bath
and flood cooling requiring vast amounts of water is
giving way to more scientific spray cooling and tempera-
ture control. Also, indirect heating of baths and
externa.1 heat exchangers are lessening steam condensa-
tion and dilution effects of earlier days. However,
the mechanisms involved in the removal of thin acid/
water films (water is a polar compound) from a freshly
pickled and highly reactive steel surface as a func-
tion of water temperature, velocity, and other unde-
fined parameters are not adequately understood. Also,
additional equipment development In squeezing out carry-
over acids will tremendously help In reducing wash
wster problems and its subsequent disposal.
Hew research to expand the use of copperas in new
areas is greatly needed along with effort to hold the
market for existing uses. For example, the Introduc-
tion of the Aniline Process for making iron oxide pig-
ment is likely to affect pigment use of copperas and
must be countered by research.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
At present, the integrated steel industry does not
feel the economic compulsion for generating copperas
from the several hundred million gallons of waste pickle
liquor it produces annually. As such, copperas from
the steel Industry does not pose any problem to those
who are try ing to market it. Copperas has a ready but
limited market. The largest user is the pigment Indus-
try, and it cannot possibly absorb significantly larger
quantities In the near future. The most promising area
for expanded use is sewage treatment for phosphate re-
moval. The long-term contracts and traditional resis-
tance to use of an unknown chealcal is, at present,pre-
venting its effective utilization. Also, lack of
emphasis on tertiary treatment regulations and positive
incentive in the form of additional federal aid for
equipment modifications and use of recycled products
are several institutional factors holding back in-
creased used of heptahydrate In sewage treatment.
Even If heptahydrates are not all marketable they
are better for disposal than diluted and neutralized
waste liquor. To economically achieve copperas pro-
duction, large centralized treatment units such as
those that exist in West Germany will go a long way In
solving the problems of hundreds of small processing
units. Also, research studies are needed on co-
treatment of different waste streams, and regional
surveys are needed to bring such information to the
attention of companies Interested In waste treatment
facilities.
Sulfuric acid pickling in the steel Industry is
anticipated to continue to make up about thirty per-
cent of pickling practice. Hew plants are likely to
use hydrochloric acid pickling combined with acid re-
generation in spite of the fact that the process Is
energy Intensive. The roundlng-off facilities to be
added to steel plants is likely to extend the existing
pickling practice. If new regulations force some of
303
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the steel plants to switch from deep-well disposal,
neutrallzatlon/lagoonlng, or discharge Into large water
bodies, then the plants may consider heptahydrate pro-
duction as one of the alternatives. At present, only
75,000 tonnes of Iron sulfate crvetals are produced
and most of the product IB marketed.
The bulk of marketed copperas Is not generated
at the Integrated steel plants which procesa about 20
million tonnea of steel per'year using sulfurIc acid.
If It were, then art additional 600,000 tonnes/year
would be added to a market which does not have an easy
time in marketing the estimated 75,000 tonnes/year pro-
duced by the snail ateel processing units. Under some
future altered circumstances, production of copperaa
from waste pickle liquor by the integrated steel plants
has the potential of adversely affecting the copperas
market. In order to avoid serious future dislocation
and to promote use of copperaa (and VPL) and expand
its market in a positive manner, several suggestions
are made below:
1. A study to define the scope for estab-
lishment of regional centralized waste
pickle liquor facilities to be funded
jointly by the secondary processors.
Encouragement, and perhaps Initial sub-
sidized operations, from government may
be needed.
2. Significant research on co-treatment of
different waste streams and on solids to
recycle/recover valuable products and to
stabilize the waste for safe disposal.
Establishment of a bank of waste exchange
Information on a zonal basis for different
regional industries to take mutual advan-
tage of one another's waste products.
3. A study of the use of spent pickle liquor
and copperas for wastewater treatment,
particularly tertiary treatment for phos-
phate removal and effluent polishing. This
approach uses two environmentally negative
practices, the disposal of spent pickle
liquor and the discharge of phosphorus, to
abate each other. The advantages and dis-
advantages should be considered, including
the problem of heavy metal contamination
of wastewater treatment plant effluents
and sludges, and the question of whether
spent pickle liquor should be used directly
or only the copperas derived from It.
Methods of encouragement should also be
considered.
4. Research and development to find new uses
and to extend present application of cop-
peras by Improving its quality. New stud-
ies are needed to improve pickling technol-
ogy so that less Iron is lost, resulting
InlessWPL, Additional knowledge is needed
regarding mechanisms of pickling and the
mechanism of washing of drag-out acids with
minimum water.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The program was funded by the D.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Mr. J. S. Ruppersberger of the In-
dustrial Environmental Research Laboratory, U,S. E.P. A.,
Research Triangle Park, N.C. was the Project Officer,
and his interest and help in this study Is gratefully
acknowledged. We also gratefully acknowledge the co-
operation of many Individuals and steel planes in the
performance of this study. Mr. R. J. Lackner, Vice
President, KSF Chemical Processes Ltd., Cambridge,
Ontario, Canada, was very helpful and his assistance
Is gratefully acknowledged.
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1. Bhattacharyya, S., "Process, Water Quality Re-
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600/2-79-003, January 1979.
2. "The Stael Industry In the United States, Plant
Locations," Institute for Iron and Steel Studies,
Green Brook, New Jersey.
3. Peterson, J. C., "Closed Loop System for the
Treatment of Haste Pickle Liquors," EPA-600/2-
77-127, July 1977.
4. Annual Statistical Report, 1969. 1973, and 1976,
American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington,
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5. Lackner, R. J., KSF Chemical Processes Ltd. and
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Samways, N. L., "Developments In Iron and Steel
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of Spent Sulfurlc Acid fron Stael Pickling Opera-
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9. Anon., "Central Waste Disposal, New Service Looks
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10. Bayazeed, A. P., and Donaldson, E. C., "Subsur-
face Disposal of Pickle Liquor." R.I. 7804, U.S.
Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C., 1973.
11. Lackner, R. J., "Acid Recycling Systems for Pick-
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and Steel Engineers, Youngstovn District Section,
Girard, Ohio, May 6, 1974.
304
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12. Anon., "Water Pollutant or Reusable Source?"
Environ. Sci. Technol., Vol. 4, No. 5, May 1970,
pp. 380-382.
13. Ulttman, I. E., and Shephard, G. S., "Integrated
Steel Pickling Rinse Water Treatment Syitam,"
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pp. 69-71.
1*. Hancock, K. R., "Iron Oxide Pigments," Pfizer
Inc., Minerals, Pigments and Metals Division,
December 27, 1972.
IS. Jones, S. T., "Iron Oxide Pigments (in two
parts), 1. Fine Particle Iron Oxides for Pigment,
Electronic, and Chemical Use," Inform. Circ.
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D.C.
16. EPA Technology Transfer, March 1, 1973, U.S.
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17. Current Industrial Reports, Inorganic Chemicals
(1976, 1971, 1970), M28A (76)-14, Aug. 1977;
M28A(71)-14, Oct. 1972; M28A(70)-14, June 1972;
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ton, D.C.
18. Berry, R, I., "Asphalt Substitutes: The Time
May be Ripe," Chem. Eng., Vol. 86, Ho. 25,
November 19, 1979, pp. 98, 100.
19. Burtch, J. W., "Hydrochloric Acid from Indus-
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Mining Met. Bull., Vol. 68, January 1975,
pp. 96-100.
20. Rupay, G. H., and Jewell, C. J., "The Regenera-
tion of Hydrochloric Acid from Waste Pickle
Liquor Using Keramchemle/Lurgl Fluidized-Bed
Reactor System," Bull., Canadian Institution
of Metallurgy, February 1975, pp. 89-98.
21. Ing. Wurmbauer, "A Process for Regeneration of
Spent Hydrochloric Pickle Acid," Wire Industry,
Vol. 45, January 1978, pp. 43-45.
22. Craig, Jr., A. B., "Trip Report—Visits to
Centralized Treatment Plants for Industrial
Wastes," October 28, 1978, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati,
Ohio.
23. Sayler, J. K., Thornton, W. E., and Householder,
M. K., "Sulfuric Acid and Ferrous Sulfate Re-
covery from Waste Pickle liquor," EPA-660/2-73-
032. January 1974.
24. U.S. Industrial Outlook, 1971, p. 188 and p. 199,
U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
25. Anon., "More Sparkle for Auto Finishes," Chem.
Week, Vol. Ill, August 2, 1972, pp. 29-31.
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Tumble in Active Year," Ceramic Age, Vol. 88,
Jan. 1972, pp. 23 ff.
27. Ruthner, M., and Ruthner, 0., "25 Years of Pro-
cess Development in HC1 Pickling and Acid Regen-
eration," Iron and Steel Engineer, Vol. 56,
No. 11, November 1979, pp. 38-41.
28. Kerecz, B. J., Mohr, R. T., and Bailey, W. F.,
"Use of Spent Pickle Liquor to Remove the Phos-
phates in Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants,"
Presented at the EPA Symposium on Iron and Steel
Pollution Abatement Technology, Chicago, 111.,
Oct. 30-Nov. I, 1979.
29. Jangg, G., "Electrolytic Regeneration of Sulfuric
Acid Iron Pickling Solutions," Electrodeposition
Surf. Treat., Vol. 1, No. 2, November 1972,
pp. 139-149.
30. Wing, R. E., "Process for Heavy Metal Removal
from Plating Waste Waters," EPA-600/8-78-010,
May 1978, First Annual Conference on Advanced
Pollution Control for the Metal Finishing Indus-
try, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, January 17-18,
1978.
31. Cupps, C. C., "Treatment of Wastes for Automo-
bile Bumper Finishing," Ind. Water Wastes, Vol. 6,
1961, pp. 111-114.
32. Heise, L. W., and Johnson, M., U.S. Patent No.
2,692,229, October 19, 1954, and assigned to
A. 0. Smith Corporation.
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Chem. Process., Vol. 58, May 1974, pp. 44-46.
305
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THE EFFECTS OF PRETREATMENT
ON COKE PLANT WASTE WATER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Authors:
Bernard A. Bucchianeri
Division Engineer -.Chemical Operations
U. S. Steel - Clairton Works, Clairton, Pa.
Leon W. Wilson, Jr.
Senior Research Engineer
U. S. Steel - Monroeville, Pa.
Kenneth D. Tracy
Principal
Environmental Dynamics, Inc. - Greensboro, N. C.
The United States Steel Corporation in conjunction with the Environ-
mental Protection Agency is conducting an extensive experimental program to
develop input data relative to BATEA technology for coke plant waste waters.
The program which involves testing on both a bench scale as well as the pilot
scale is concerned with determining the optimum operating criteria for coke
plant biological treatment systems. Once the optimum conditions are identi-
fied, further investigations will evaluate the impact of the addition of
powdered activated carbon to an optimized system.
As an initial step in identifying optimum operating conditions, a
separate investigation was conducted to evaluate the importance of pre-
cleaning of the feedwater to the biological system. The evaluation program
centered on those constituents falling into the two general categories of
suspended solids and "oil and grease". Various removal techniques were
evaluated and the necessity for achieving specific levels of influent pre-
treatment was addressed. The validity of the resultant conclusions relative
to precleaning is supported by operational data from a 9,500 m-Vday (2.5 MM
GPD) coke plant waste water treating facility.
307
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THE EFFECTS OF PRETREATMENT
ON COKE PLANT WASTE WATER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
Clairton Works of the United States Steel Corporation is one of the
world's largest producers of metallurgical coke. The facility consists of
nearly 1,000 ovens which produce sufficient quantities of coke to supply all
of the corporation's steel-making facilities in the Pittsburgh area with some
excess being available for other corporate locations. In addition to produc-
ing coke, Clairton Works has a totally-integrated system for recovering and
refining a full complement of coal chemicals. Unlike traditional by-product
facilities which utilize a series of low pressure recovery processes, the
Clairton system employs elevated pressures 3.52-3.87 Kg/CM2 (50-55 PSIA) and
unique separation and recovery processes. Naturally-occurring ammonia is
recovered as an anhydrous product using the U. S. Steel patented Phosam
process. Light oil fractions are separated from the gas using a computer-
controlled cryogenic-regenerator system in which the gas is cooled to tempera-
tures of less than -157* C (-250° F). This same regeneration system yields
an ultra-pure, hydrogen-rich gas for consumption in the synthetic ammonia
plant while simultaneously providing a feed gas of exceptional quality to
heat the coke ovens. Additional facilities are operated for the removal of
sulfur from fuel gases leaving Clairton Works for use in other local U. S. S.
facilities. In addition to the primary-recovery facilities, complimentary
systems are operated to produce metallurgical grade anhydrous ammonia, ben-
zene, toluene and xylene as well as a complete line of tar based derivatives
and naphthalene.
At typical operating levels, Clairton Works generates somewhat in
excess of 9,500 m^/day (2.5 MM GPD) of contaminated water. Approximately 45%
of the total generation occurs as a direct result of the coking operations
with the remaining 55% attributable to chemical processes. The typical
composition of the raw contaminated water is shown in Table 1,
Table 1
COMPOSITION OF COKE PLANT CONTAMINATED WATER
Ammonia — 1500-2000 PPM
Phenol - 800-1200 PPM
Thiocyanate — 600 -700 PPM
Cyanide (Total) — 200 -400 PPM
Oil/Grease (Freon Extractibles) — 2000-4000 PPM
Total Suspended Solids — 300-1500 PPM
pH - 8-9
Temperature — 130-170O p.
308
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The principle elements of the Clairton Works contaminated water
treatment facilities are shown schematically in Figure 1. Following gravity
separation of both solids and suspended oils in the settling tanks, the
contaminated water is processed through the U. S. Steel patented Cyam process.
Here the water steam stripped of so-called "free ammonia", pH adjusted by the
Figure 1
United States Steel Corporation Clairton Works
CONTAMINATED WATER TREATMENT PLANT
SETTLING
TANK
FREE AMMONIA
STILL ..
-PHOS-AM ABSORBER
PHOS-AM
REGENERATOR
100.OOO SAL SlTTLIMa TANK* ADDITIVES
100.000 GAL
FEED TANK
ACTIVATED SLUDOE AERATION BASINS
6.9 MM SAL.
100,000 OAL.
COUALIZINO
LIME V CLOSED
SLUDGE CIRCUIT
THICKENER COOLERS
addition of lime to liberate "fixed ammonia" and finally further steam
stripped to yield a biological feed stream of desired ammonia content. In
addition to ammonia removal, the Cyam system also accounts for the removal of
^0-95% of the cyanides as well as other "acid" gas fractions. Following
ammonia removal, the water is cooled and clarified prior to biological treat-
ment. Clarification is provided by the use of a conventional center-well
peripheral overflow clarifier.
The biological treatment system is a single-stage process consisting
of 2 independent aeration basins operating in parallel. The total system
volume is in excess of 24,600 m3 (6.5 million gallons) with aeration and
mixing being provided by low speed mechanical surface aerators.
3t)9
-------
Concerns relative to the impact of influent quality on the overall
performance of a biological system arose as a result of studies to determine
the ability of the existing system to meet proposed 1984 final effluent
standards. A literature search substantiated by in-plant inspections of
operating facilities suggested that technology developed in the petroleum
industry^ might well have validity in the coking industry. This technology
stressed the importance of extensive precleaning of the feedwater to a
biological system as a significant prerequisite to achieving nitrification.
Total suspended solids and oil/grease concentration each not exceeding 20
mg/L were stated as constraints. Because of the qualitative similarities
which exist between coke plant waste waters and refinery waste waters, con-
sideration was given as to the applicability of this technology. In-plant
investigations conducted on what might be termed a "macro" level concluded
that although coke plant water contained the same general spectrum of con-
taminants as refinery wastes, the use of the previously stated constraints
concerning TSS and 0/G did not appear applicable to the Clairton system.
During the third quarter of 1979, the Environmental Protection
Agency and U. S. Steel agreed to conduct an extensive experimental program to
develop input data relative to BATEA technology for coke plant wastewaters.
the goals of the study were twofold. First, the conditions which promote
optimum performance of a biological system were to be determined. Secondly,
the impact of the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) to a biological
system operating at the optimum conditions was to be evaluated. Environmental
Dynamics Incorporated of Greenville, South Carolina, was selected to work in
conjunction with U. S. Steel Research and Clairton personnel to conduct the
year-long evaluation program. The complete investigative program involves
extensive testing of biological reactors on both the bench-scale as well as
the pilot scale. Bench-scale reactors [.028 m3 (7.5 gal.)] being used to
evaluate individual variables and pilot reactors [3.2m3 (850 gal.)] used for
a parallel evaluation of an optimized biological system in comparison to a
similarly optimized system with PAC addition. As part of the overall program
of determining optimum operating conditions for a biological system, it was
decided to investigate (on a "Micro" basis) the importance of influent pre-
cleaning in terms of total suspended solids and oil/grease.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
The evaluation of pretreatment alternatives was based primarily on
jar tests. The limitations of using a batch procedure like the jar test to
evaluate a continuous-flow treatment unit was recognized. It was felt,
however, that since alternatives were being compared, the results would be
relative, and the procedure could be used to define optimal conditions. To
minimize the analytical load generated by the large number of jar testss
qualitative observations such as floe size, supernatant clarity and relative
settling rate were used to screen alternatives. When promising alternatives
had been defined, quantitative analyses of the supernatant oil and grease and
suspended solids were used to define the optimum conditions.
An evaluation of the existing lime sludge thickener (LST) was
included in the pretreatment evaluation. To define the performance potential,
several Class 2 settling analyses were performed^. This procedure, designed
to predict clarification of flocculent suspensions, consists of quiescent
batch-settling tests with periodic measurement of suspended solids at several
depths in the subsiding column. The concentrations at the various depths and
310
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times permit the development of the relationship between overflow rate and
solids removal. Such tests were conducted to estimate performance under three
different coagulant schemes.
In addition to optimizing the performance of the LSI, alternative
pretreatment processes were considered. The dissolved air flotation (DAF)
process was evaluated using a batch pressurization tank and separation column.
By varying the pressure and volume in the pressurization tank, it was possible
to investigate a wide variety of air-to-solids ratios. Additional tests were
also conducted to evaluate the applicability of the induced air flotation
(IAF) process.
Granular-media filtration was considered as a supplemental process
to upgrade the effluent from the LST. A 5 cm (two-inch) diameter, dual-media
filter was used in the evaluation. The media consisted of 30 cm (12 inches)
of 0.9 mm anthracite and 30 cm (12 inches) of 0.65 mm of quartz sand over 9 cm
(3-1/2 inches) of graded gravel. The length of the filter run was determined
by the available head of 1.2 m (A feet) or the breakthrough of solids in
excess of 20 mg/L. Performance of the filter was assessed by effluent solids
and oil and grease levels.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Oil and Grease Removal
In this study, the term "oil and grease" is used to refer to those
materials which are extractable in fluorocarbon-113 and detectable by gravi-
metric analysis after evaporation at 70° C. The nature of the test, then,
limits its applicability to higher molecular-weight hydrocarbons which have
boiling points greater than 70°C. This is a reasonable limitation when using
the test to assess the impact of oil and grease on the operation of biologi-
cal processes since the lower molecular-weight hydrocarbons, which are not
detected in the test, tend to be more degradable and have little adverse
impact on the process. One group of lower molecular-weight compounds which
the test does measure is the organic acids. These compounds are normally
dissociated and, therefore, soluble at typical coke-plant waste water pH.
During the oil and grease extraction, the pH is first lowered to less than
2.0 which shifts the ionic equilibrium resulting in most of the acids being
non-dissociated and extractable. The oil and grease procedure, then, measures
a class of compounds which are normally soluble. When using the freon-
gravimetric test to monitor influents to biological processes, high influent
levels and potential operating problems can be indicated when large quantities
of organic acids are present. These acids, in general, are biodegradable,
which would preclude any adverse impact on the biological process.
One of the goals of the Clairton BATEA study was to optimize the
existing biological process to determine what, if any, further improvements
would be required to meet future standards. Similar studies in other in-
dustries1 »3 »4 have indicated that operation at long solids retention time
(SRT) results in the enhancement of effluent quality. Successful operation at
long SRT, however, requires an influent which is low in oil and grease since
higher molecular-weight hydrocarbons are normally removed by physical absorp-
tion on the sludge rather than biodegradation. These materials, therefore,
accumulate at long SRT resulting in deterioration c-f settling characteristics
and eventual process failure. In light of this background, an influent oil
and grease target of 20 mg/1 was selected for the pretreatment studies.
311
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Jar tests were used to evaluate the effects of a wide variety of
operational variables on the removal of oil and grease by the existing pre-
treatment units. These tests indicated that the presently used polymer and
dosage performed as well as alternative coagulants or coagulant-flocculant aid
combinations. Varying the coagulation pH from 8 to 12 and the provision of up
to eight minutes of supplemental flocculation also failed to provide improve-
ments over the existing scheme. In general, the supernatants produced in jar
tests with optimum coagulant addition were similar to LSI effluent in oil and
grease content indicating the near-optimal performance of the existing system.
The failure of the jar-test program to indicate a potential for
significant enhancement of LSI performance for 0/G removal led to the evalu-
ation of alternative processes. Batch DAF studies showed that the density of
the solids'and Freon extractable materials in the LST feed were such that
flotation would be very difficult. No single polymer was able to produce
flotation; and, although several coagulant combinations resulted in flotation,
the supernatant quality was poorer than the existing LST effluent. One
combination consisting of a cationic primary coagulant and an anionic floc-
culant aid proved effective, but the dosages required were Economically
prohibitive and the float volumes excessive. The test results indicated that
flotation was not a viable option for pretreatment of coke plant wastewater.
The final alternative for attaining the oil and grease target of
20 mg/1 was the use of granular-media filtration as a supplement to the
existing LST. In these tests, LST effluent, which had been treated with the
optimum polymer dose prior to settling, was passed through a laboratory-scale
sand-anthracite filter. The results of the filter runs summarized in Table 2
indicate very little removal of oil and grease with the effluent far in excess
of the target.
Table 2
SUMMARY OF BENCH-SCALE FILTRATION TESTS
AVG. AVQ.
TSS O&G
TEMP RATE (mg/1) (mg/1)
RUN NO. pH QC 1/nUr
-------
The failure of the filter to reduce oil and grease to 20 mg/1
prompted an investigation of the nature of the oil and grease in the LST
effluent. Duplicate samples were taken periodically over a two-week interval.
One sample was analyzed for total freon extractables while the other w.-is
passed through a 0.45 micron filter and analyzed for the soluble fraction.
The average total oil and grease for these samples was 35 mg/1 and the soluble
fraction was 31 mg/1 confirming that the bulk of the oil in the LST effluent
is soluble. The solubility of the oil, therefore, makes the pretreatment
target of 20 mg/1 unattainable by conventional technology.
Using historical operating data, a material balance was performed to
assess the fate and effects of oil and grease on the activated sludge system.
The 18-month data base consisted of freon extractable values obtained on a
daily basis. Figure 2 illustrates the frequency distribution of the operating
data. The 50-percentile values for influent and effluent oil and grease are
25 and 2.6 mg/1 respectively. Soxhlet extractions of the mixed liquor indi-
cated an average oil and grease accumulation of less than one percent of the
total mixed liquor on a dry weight basis. This low level of accumulation
indicates that the bulk of the freon extractables removed from the waste water
were biodegraded. Since the influent oil and grease is degradable higher
concentrations will not adversely effect settling properties and interfere
with long-SRT operation.
Figure 2
O/G (mg/1)
100
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
OF OIL & GREASE DATA
0.1 0.5 1 2 5 10 20 3040506070 80 90 95 9899
Percent of Time Less Than or Equal to the Indicated Value
Suspended Solids Removal
The Clairton waste water is treated with lime to raise the pH prior
to the fixed-ammonia still. With the high pH and excess calcium present,
large amounts of calcium carbonate are precipitated. This precipitate is
removed in the LST which serves to both clarify the feed to the activated
sludge system and thicken the resultant inorganic sludge.
313
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In establishing an influent solids target for a biological process,
the major concerns are the nature of the solids, and their resulting impact on
the biological system. Inert solids, such as the inorganic precipitate in the
Clairton feed, constitute a material load which must be transported, but does
not contribute to process performance. Based on experience with long SRT
operation in the petroleum industry, an arbitrary pretreatment target of 20
mg/1 was selected.
The results of jar tests to optimize suspended solids removal were
similar to the oil and grease results which indicated that the present opera-
tional conditions were equal to or better than the alternatives. From the
many alternatives evaluated, three were selected for clarification tests.
Class II settling analyses were conducted to evaluate the theoretical clari-
fication for: (1) no coagulant addition, (2) the current polymer addition
scheme, and (3) a metallic coagulant with a polymeric coagulant aid. Figur'e 3
illustrates the relationship between overflow rate and solids removal for
these three cases.
Figure 3
Clairifier
Effluent
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
EFFECT OF OVERFLOW RATE
ON CLARIFICATION
0.75 mg/1 Anionic
/ Polymere
Ferric Chloride
Plus Polymere
I
I
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Overflow Rate (gal./ft.2 — day) FEED TSS = 300 PPM
The tests cannot be directly compared because they were based on
different samples. They are indicative, however, of the sensitivity of
performance to overflow rate. The test with no coagulant addition proved to
be the least sensitive to overflow rate. this sample, it should be noted, had
the highest initial solids concentration, and high-solids samples seemed to
clarify better throughout the testing. The metallic coagulant provided the
highest overflow rate which would meet the pretreatment target of 20 mg/1
suspended solids (see Table 3), but proved to be the most sensitive to changes
in overflow rate. This alternative also generated larger quantities of a
d i f f ioul t,-to-dewatfr sludge.
314
-------
Table 3
OVERFLOW RATES REQUIRED TO MEET TARGET
Test No.
1
2
3
Initial TSS
(mg/1)
492
298
366
Required
Removal
96
93
95
Overflow Rate
l/min/m2 (gal/ft2, day)
8,954
6,309
16,077
(220)
(155)
(395)
In all three cases, the required overflow rates are substantially
less than the normal operating rate of 23,199 1/min/m2 (570 gal/ft2 day) for
the existing clarifier. This does not imply that the LST was improperly
designed, only that the high removal percentages needed to meet the pretreat-
ment target of 20 would require extremely low overflow rates. If the target
were raised to 40 mg/1, the existing overflow rate would be adequate. This is
illustrated by Figure 4 which shows average effluents of 37 and 39 mg/1 during
the near-optimum operation which prevailed during October and November of
1979.
Figure 4
Suspended
Solids (mg/1)
200 i-
150
100
50
J I
MONTHLY AVERAGE LST-EFFLUENT
SUSPENDED SOLIDS
I I
M
M
J J
1979
N
315
-------
The jar-test program and settling tests indicated that the exist-
ing operational scheme of the full-scale pretreatment system was achieving
near-optimum results for a gravitational-sedimentation unit. The resulting
effluent quality, however, was still short of the target of 20 mg/1. Supple-
mental filtration was then evaluated as a means of attaining the target. The
results of granular media filtration tests (Table 2) indicated that this
additional process would produce an effluent quality within the preset target.
Although filtration appears to be a feasible technique for attaining the
desired effluent solids concentration, the validity of this target must be
considered in light of full-scale operating experience.
REASSESSMENT OF PRETREATMENT TARGETS
The establishment of pretreatment targets must consider the nature
of the material to be removed. In the Clairton case, the oil and grease was
found to be biodegradable with no physical effects on the biomass. The only
effect of these materials on the activated sludge process is the oxygen demand
exerted during metabolism. Since the average influent concentration is only
26 mg/1 or 283 Kg/day (624 Ibs.), the impact on system oxygen resources is
minor when compared to that of other contaminants. Therefore, the original
oil and grease target of 20 mg/1 is not applicable in this instance.
The relative impact of influent total suspended solids must be
considered in light of volatile solids generation taking place within the
biological system. In the case of the Clairton system, solids generation is
relatively large. Typically, 5443-7257 kg (6-8 tons) of biological sludge are
generated daily. Assuming that precipitation is not a contributing factor and
further assuming that all external inputs have been identified, the effect of
influent TSS on equilibrium levels of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids
(MLVSS) can be readily calculated. Figure 5 illustrates the projected impact
on the Clairton system. It is apparent that little improvement in % MLVSS is
to be realized in modifying the existing system to further reduce influent TSS
from the present value of approximately 50 mg/1 to the previously projected
target value of 20 mg/1. Thus although achieving an extemely low level of
influent TSS is possible using conventional technology, in this case its
incorporation would certainly not be warranted.
Figure 5
EFFECT OF INFLUENT SOLIDS ON
AERATION BASIN SOLIDS DISTRIBUTION
Equilibrium Volatile
Solids Content (%)
100
90
80
70
Assume: 1. Volatile Solids Generation of 6 T/D
2. Feed Flow • 1900 QPM
I I
J I
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Aeration Basin Feed TSS (PPM)
-------
IN-PLANT VERIFICATION
In-plant investigations were initiated when the volatile solids
content of the mixed liquor was less than 45 percent. Constraints imposed
by the mixing capability of the aerators and the low percentage of volatile
solids limited the equilibrium biological population as well as the equi-
librium solids retention time. Figure 6 illustrates the Clairton biological
system and its related auxiliaries. With the system equilibrated to a feed
TSS content of 50 PPM, the calculated MLVSS content of 90% (see Figure 5) was
considerably different than the observed value of 45%. Obviously, a source of
non-volatile solids in addition to that entering with the feed water existed
within the system. A careful review of operating conditions revealed the
sludge wasting system to be the source of the problem.
Figure 6
United States Steel Corporation - Clairton Works
CWTP BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM
CHEMICAL
ADDITIVES
300.000 GAL.
EQUALIZATION TANK
ACTIVATED SLUDGE AERATION BASINS
6.5 MM GAL.
FINAL EFFLUENT
TO RIVER
WATER FROM
NHjSTILLS
TO SLUDGE
DISPOSAL
VACUUM
FILTERS
GRANULAR
MEDIA
FILTER
As shown in Figure 6, the rotary vacuum filters (RVF) are used to
dewater sludge from the lime sludge thickener as well as bio-sludge from the
aeration basins. The piping for returning filtrate from the RVF system to the
aeration basins established a pathway for nonvolatile solids to enter the
aeration basins. Although the filtrate is expected to be low in TSS, this did
317
-------
"not prove to be the case. Solids which were deposited in the RVF cloth, but
which were not removed from the cloth into the wastage bin were subsequently
washed from the cloth and returned to the aeration basin. Although the %
MLVSS was shown to be relatively insensitive to influent solids (Figure 5),
the correction of the internal solids-recycle loop described above had a
pronounced effect as illustrated in Figure 7.
Figure 7
AERATION BASIN VOLATILE SOLIDS CONTENT
% VOLATILE SOLIDS
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
—I—L_J_J—L_l—L_J—I-JL
J F M A
M J J
1979
A S O N DIJ
F M
1980
The resulting improvement in % MLVSS dramatically increased the
total quantity of biological material the system was capable of retaining in
suspension. During the time frame in question, a series of process modifi-
cations were made to the treatment system. These modifications in conjunction
with the improved climate resulting from the increased volatile solids frac-
tion produced a significant change in system performance as typified by the
improvement in nitrification (Figure 8).
Figure 8
NITRIFICATION PERFORMANCE*
% Nitrification
100
80
60
40
20
0
Gross Removal of
NH& SCN- & CM-
MAM
J J
1979
N
318
-------
SUMMARY
Although the prescribed limits of neither TSS nor 0/6 were met,
the system was able to provide nitrification in a single stage system. Is
is concluded that the importance of pretreatment in terms of TSS and 0/G
removal must be considered on an individual basis for each application. The
nature and composition of so-called "oil/grease" must be determined before
speculating as to its impact. Similarly, the relative quantity of daily
sludge generation must be considered before establishing what would be termed
"acceptable" limits on influent total suspended solids. Based upon our
experience at Clairton Works, it is concluded that reasonable operation of
conventional pretreatment equipment yields an influent of sufficient quality
to permit maintenance of an optimum biological system.
REFERENCES
JL Grutsch, J. P., and Mallatt, R. S., "Optimize the Effluent System",
Hydrocarbon Processing, 76, 105, (March 1976).
2. Rich, L. G., Environmental Systems Engineering, 336, McGraw-Hill, New
York, (1973).
3. Crame, L. W. , "Pilot Studies on Enhancement of the Refinery Activated
Sludge Process", API Publication 953 (October 1977).
4. Stenstrom, M. K., and Grieves, C. G., "Enhancement of Oil Refinery Acti-
vated Sludge by Addition of Powdered Activated Carbon", Proceedings of the
32nd Annual Industrial Waste Conference, Purdue University, Ann Arbor
Science Publishers, Ann Arbor, MI, 196 (1978).
319
-------
PROCESS CONTROL FOR ACTIVATED SLUDGE TREATMENT
OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATERS
By
ANDREW C. MIDDLETON, MANAGER
WATER QUALITY ENGINEERING SECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
KOPPERS COMPANY, INC.
MONROEVILLE, PA
ABSTRACT
Once an activated sludge system has been started up and brought to
steady operation, control methodology must be applied to it to maintain
it in such a state. Additionally, during the life of the system
the situation may change from that of the original design, and the
control methodology must be capable of maintaining control in such
situations. This paper presents a straightforward, rapidly interpretable
control methodology based on solids retention time (SRT); a methodology
for determining capacities of an existing system; and, an illustration
of these for a coke plant activated sludge system.
-------
PROCESS CONTROL FOR ACTIVATED SLUDGE TREATMENT
OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATERS
INTRODUCTION
Once an activated sludge system has been started up and it has pro-
gressed to a controllable system, control methodology must be applied
to maintain it in such a state. A process control methodology will
be described here that is used at Koppers* facilities. This method-
ology is not complex and provides a base to evaluate the operational
state of the system.
PROCESS CONTROL METHODOLOGY
Table 1 is a step-by-step list detailing the control procedure.
This procedure is based on the use of solids retention time (SRT)
as the primary independent control variable. The solids retention
time (SRT) is the average amount of time suspended solids are retained
in the system, and it has been shown to be a rational, convenient
1 2
parameter for activated sludge design and operation. Only the
following measurements are required: aeration tank mixed liquor
suspended solids (MLTSS and MLVSS), setting tank effluent total suspended
solids (TSS ), and recycle sludge total suspended solids (TSS ).
With these measured data, the effluent discharge rate, and the aeration
tank volume, the rate of sludge wasting can be computed to maintain
a desired SRT. A normal operating procedure would be to make these
computations daily and adjust the sludge wasting rate accordingly
at daily intervals. In many cases, it is possible to make the adjustment
on five days per week, i.e., Monday through Friday, and leave the
sludge wasting rate constant at the fifth day's setting for the remaining
two days, i.e., Saturday and Sunday.
The procedure also includes a step for estimating the required rate
of phosphorus addition. This step is based on the principle of adding
322
-------
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
SRT CONTROL
TABLE 1
1. Select the desired SRT based on operational experience. Usually
20 days is reasonable for BOD, TSS, phenol, oil & grease, and
sulfide removal at temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 C.
2. Calculate the weight of total suspended solids (TSS) in the
aeration tank daily as:
M in Ibs = (MLTSS) (V) (8.34)
where MLTSS = aeration tank total suspended solids concentration
as measured, mg/1; V » aeration tank volume, million gallons;
and, 8.34 » conversion factor, mg/1 to Ib/million gallons.
3. Determine the total weight of TSS to be wasted daily as:
M
Ibs to waste per day
SRT
Calculate the total weight of TSS lost daily in the clarifier
overflow as:
L in Ibs lost per day - (Q) (TSSe) (8.34)
where Q = effluent TSS as measured, mg/1 (composite sample
if possible).
continued
123
-------
5. Determine the weight of TSS to be intentionally wasted daily
as:
M
PI in Ibs to intentionally waste per day " __- -L
6. Determine the volume of recycle sludge to be drawn off daily
to achieve this intentional wasting of TSS as:
w in million gallons = (TSSJ(8.34)
where TSS = recycle sludge TSS concentration as measured, mg/1.
7. Determine the phosphoric acid addition rate based on the production
of volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) as:
Phosphoric
....... - _ . - (MLVSS)(V)(8.3A)(P:MLVSS Ratio)
Addition Kate in >_ _—-—-— , „ __ \
(P Content of H-PO,)
Gallons per Day (gpd)
p
where, MLVSS » VSS of aeration tank as measured, mg/1;
MLVSS
• ratio phosphorus content of VSS, usually 0.024 is reasonable;
and, P content of phosphoric acid « as specified, e.g., for
75% H3P04 the P content is 3.13 Ib P/gallon.
-------
the phosphorus removed by biomass losses from the system. The biomass
is estimated by the volatile suspended solids (VSS) concentration.
The VSS removal from the system can be estimated, and then based
on the phosphorus content of the VSS and the phosphoric acid, the
required amount of phosphoric acid addition can be computed. A value
of 0.024 Ib P/lb VSS is suggested for the phosphorus content of the
VSS. However, this ratio can be different depending on the system,
and it should be adjusted as necessary based on operating experiences.
The soluble effluent phosphorus should be monitored to provide a
basis for adjusting this computation.
Table 2 is a recommended daily data sheet that facilitates this control
methodology. A data sheet similar to this one was originally proposed
for use with municipal activated sludge systems.
CAPACITY ESTIMATION
Once an activated sludge system has been brought into steady operation,
it is desirable to adjust it to an optimal operation for the specific
situation. The operating situation will often be different from
that of the original design and may change during the life of the
system. Wastewater flow rates and compositions will vary with production
rates and process changes.
For an existing system the solids retention time (SRT) and recycle
ratio (r) are usually the only adjustable parameters. The hydraulic
retention time (HRT) is fixed by the feed rate of wastewater to be
treated and can be adjusted for process control only if there are
multiple aeration basins available. The day-to-day variation in
HRT due to flow variation is considered not to be part of the process
control in this discussion.
As stated in Table 1, a 20 day SRT is normally satisfactory for phenol,
fiOD, TSS, oil & grease, and sulfide removal at temperatures ranging
from 15 to 20°C. However, there may be cases where both higher or
525
-------
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
SET CONTROL
TABLE 2
Operator
Date
_days
1. Operational SRT
2. Mass TSS in aeration tank (M):
MLTSS » mg/1
M - (MLTSS(V)(8.34)
M - Ibs
3. Mass TSS that must be removed in M * SRT
Aeration Tank Volume
V " million
gallons
.Ibs/day
4. Mass TSS lost in settling tank effluent (L):
Effluent TSS - mg/1
L - (Q)(Effluent TSSX8.34)
L - Ibs/day
Effluent Daily Discharge
Q - million
gallons
per day
5. Mass TSS to intentionally waste (PI):
PI - (M * SRT) - L
PI - Ibs/day
6. Waste sludge flow rate (from recycle sludge lines)(w):
Recycle Sludge TSS (TSSr) mg/1
PI
(TSSr)(8.34)
x 1,000,000
P Ratio
MLVSS
P Content of
Phosphoric Acid -
Ibs/gal
7. Phosphoric acid addition required:
MLVSS - mg/1
MLVSS Production - (MLVSS)(V)(8.34) f SRT
MLVSS Production • Ibs/day
Ib P required - (MLVSS Production) ( P
MLVSS
Ratio)
Ib P required
_lb/day
Phosphoric Acid addition rate - (Ib P required) r ( P content)
Phosphoric Acid addition rate - gpd
326
-------
in operation, it is ususally best to operate at as high an SRT as
system capacity permits. At higher SRT values sludge production
and hence, sludge wasting and disposal, are less. Thus, any costs
associated with sludge disposal are reduced.
In addition to reduced sludge production, operation at longer SRT
values maintains a higher biomass in the system. The higher biomass
provides greater stability to transient conditions because there
is more biomass to respond to loading increases. Figure 1 is a graph
showing the relationship of MLTSS, MLFSS, and MLVSS concentrations
to SRT for an operation system. The appropriate equations are shown
on the graph. Equations used in this paper have been presented else-
145
where and, they are not commented on in detail here. ' ' The trend
of higher concentrations at longer SRT values is illustrated by this
graph. Finally, effluent quality due to biological oxidation improves
with increasing SRT. In particular, soluble phenol and BOD concentra-
tions would decrease at longer operating SRT values.
Two factors will limit the maximum SRT value that can be achieved
by an operatng system for a given wastewater loading: 1) settling
tank capacity; and, 2) aerator capacity.
The activated sludge settling characteristics must be knpwn to evaluate
the settling tank capacity. These characteristics are determined
by performing zone settling tests on the activated sludge after steady
system operation has been achieved. An illustrative example will
be provided here based on experiences at Koppers facilities.
Figure 2 shows the zone settling velocity (ZSV) of activated sludge
at two Koppers facilities as a function of its TSS concentration
as measured by zone settling tests. Plant A is a by-product coke
plant producing foundry coke at the time of settling tests. Wastewater
pretreatment included ammonia removal from the excess flushing liquor
using a lime still and equalization in a feed tank. Plant B is a
coal tar distillation plant.
-------
oo
c
o
a>
o
c
o
u
co
•o
o
en
(U
-O
ex
CO
3
CO
•a
(0
H
e
o
to
12
10
Equations
MLTSS = MLFSS + MLVSS
01
MLFSS = FSS
(SRT,
S -S A
e nd
MLVSS
VHRT
T
SRT(Yk-b)-!
l+b(SRT)
S_= 1097 mg/1
= 160 mg/1
MLTSS
Q
FSS
HRT
Y =
b -
k =
=1.6 days
0.30 .
0.06 day'1
2.6 day"1
K = 240 mg/1
,3
nd
110 mg/1
10
20 30 40 50 60
SOLIDS RETENTION TIME (SRT), DAYS
70
80
Figure 1. Relationship of MLTSS, MLFSS, and MLVSS To Solids Retention Time.
-------
80—
5
O
O
iH
0>
M
C
0)
W
0)
c
O
Plant A ZSV = 72i°*23 TSS
Q Plant RZSV= 27i°-24 TSS
A 6 8 10
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS), g/1
12
14
Figure 2. Relationship of Activated Sludge Zone Settling Velocity To
Total Suspended Solids Concentrations.
-------
The settling characteristics are described by the equations shown
on the graph. The ZSV decreases exponentially as the TSS increases.
The difference in the settling characteristics is probably due to
the differing MLVSS/MLTSS ratios.
There are two parameters that can be used to evaluate the loading
condition of a final settling tank: (1) the surface overflow rate
(SOR), and (2) the solids loading rate (SLR).
These parameters are defined as follows:
SOR = final settling tank effluent discharge rate, gpd (1)
2
effective upflow surface area,ft
SLR = mass flow rate of mixed liquor suspended solids to (2)
the final settled tank, Ib/day _
2
effective downflow surface area, ft
The SOR has a maximum allowable value (SOR ) that depends on the
max r
mixed liquor total suspended solids concentration (MLTSS) and the
settling characteristics. Figure 3 shows the SOR as a function
of the MLTSS based on settling characteristics described by the equations
in Figure 2. The appropriate equation is shown on Figure 3.
The SLR has a maximum allowable value (SLRmax) that depends on the
final settling tank underflow total suspended solids concentration
(TSS ) that is being attempted to be maintained. This concentration
depends on the MLTSS and the ratio of the recycle sludge pumping
rate to the final settling tank effluent discharge rate; this ratio
is the recycle ratio (r). The equation describing the TSSr as a
function of the MLTSS and independent variables is as follows:
<3>
TSSr . (1+r -
In many specific cases, the ratio HRT/SRT is relatively small compared
to the (1+r) term, and it can be neglected without sacrifice of signif-
#30
-------
5000
u»
•O
a.
60
* 4000
01
3000
Vi
2
o
jj 2000
01
JO
I
-J 1000
I
-k (MLTSS)
SOR
max
ZSV e
o
10
12
02468
MLTSS, g/1
Figure 3. Relationship of Maximum Allowable Surface Overflow Rate To MLTSS
14
-------
leant accuracy. The resulting equation is then as follows:
Figure 4 shows the SLR as a function of TSS based on settling
characteristics described by equations in Figure 2. The appropriate
equations are shown on Figure 4. As can be seen in the graph, the
SLR is relatively sensitive to the TSS . Hence, reckless changes
max r
in the recycle ratio can result in unexpected SLR values that
max
may result in an overloading of the settling tank.
The effective upflow surface area of a circular clarifier is the
surface area of the annulus between the peripheral overflow weir
and the center feed well corrected for 'non-ideal flow patterns.
For circular center feed clarifiers a correction factor of 0.55 can
be used, i.e., only 55 percent of the actual area is effective. The
effective downflow surface area is the entire surface area of the
final settling tank again corrected for non-ideal flow patterns.
The required final settling tank area (A) is a function of the MLTSS,
flow rate (Q), recycle ratio (r), and settling characteristics (k ,
ZSV ). The following equations apply:
A * max (Aclar' AZsr>
Aclar - <>/SORmax
Azsr * (Hr)(Q)(MLTSS)/SLRmax (7)
Figure 5 shows the relationship of required final settling tank area
(A) to MLTSS and recycle ratio for settling characteristics and flow
rate applicable to Plant A. In general, the value of A increases
with increasing MLTSS and decreasing r. The portions of the graph
not within the capabilities of the system are shaded. The upper
horizontal boundary is the available final settling tank area (950
2
ft upflow). The curved lower boundary is the minimum area required
332
-------
250
cfl
TJ
200
X
0)
e
150
00
e
•H
•a
ct)
o
(0
T)
O
CD
100
§
XI
CO
50
-k (TSS )
SLR = (ZSV )(k ), g/1
50
Figure 4. Relationship of Maximum Allowable Solids
Loading Rate to Recycle Sludge TSS.
333
-------
1200
1000
Available Area
HI
s-
•H
3
—
U
800
600
H 400
00
c
200
• -
-
Recycle
Ratio
Q = 0.174 MGD
q = 0.216 MGD
TU.
nax
ISM = 72e°'23 TSS
14
Figure 5. Relationship of Required Final Settling Tank Area to MLTSS and
Recycle Ratio (r).
16
-------
at the maximum recycle ratio (1.24; the recycle sludge pump is sized
for 150 gpm). Any combination of MLTSS and r not lying in the shaded
portions is within the system's capabilities. The value of r would
be adjusted by changing the flow rate of the recycle sludge pump;
the value of the MLTSS would be adjusted by changing the SRT as re-
quired according to Figure 1.
The oxygen uptake rate varies with the SRT value because the degree
of biological oxidation of influent pollutants and the microbial
respiration are dependent on SRT. Hence, for an activated sludge
system with fixed aeration capacity, the aeration tank dissolved
oxygen (DO) concentration will vary with SRT. Figure 6 shows this
variation for Plant A and the conditions listed. The aeration tank
DO decreases with increasing SRT. The decrease is relatively sharp
at SRT values less than 10 days, and more gradual at higher values.
At SRT values less than 10 days for this situation, the degree of
oxidation increases greatly with increasing SRT giving a sharp increase
in oxygen consumption and thereby the sharp decrease in aeration
tank DO. At higher SRT values the increase in oxygen uptake is more
dependent on microbial respiration which increases with increasing
bacterial mass as shown in Figure 1.
Normally, for coke plant wastewaters a minimum aeration tank DO of
2.0 mg/1 is recommended to sustain consistent, reliable phenol and
BOD. removal. A vertical boundary is shown on Figure 6 at the SRT
value where the aeration tank DO equals 20 mg/1. The region of the
graph to the right is shaded as being beyond the recommended limits
of the system. Hence, a constraint is placed on the allowable operational
range of the SRT in addition to those due to settling characteristics.
EXAMPLE
A series of graphs have been presented showing various parametric
relationships for an existing activated sludge system (Plant A).
This system was designed to operate at a 20 day SRT and a recycle
ratio of 1.0. For a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1.6 days,
335
-------
o
Q
•o
I
rH
C
00
a
-
i-1
CO
10
0
Equations
D0 = ^
K + Q
(P)(Nstd)(1.024)T-20(ct)
Vr
DO
1.42Y
PC
S + Ks(l+b(SRT)
Q - 0.174 MGD
SQ= 1097 mg/1
Y = 0.30
b = 0.06 da%~
k = 2.6 day
= 240 mg/1
nd
N
2.5 Ib/HP-hr
10
20
30
40
50
SOLIDS RETENTION TIME (SRT), DAYS
Figure 6. Relationship of Aeration Tank Dissolved Oxygen Concentration to
Solids Retention Time.
-------
an influent COD (S ) of 1097 mg/1, an influent FSS (FSS ) of 160
mg/1, and a flow (Q) of 174,000 gpd, the graphs indicate the system
to be operating well within its capabilities. Figure 1 gives a MLTSS
of approximately 3600 mg/1 for an SRT of 20 days. Figure 5 gives
2
a required settling tank area of approximately 60 ft for a MLTSS
of 3600 mg/1 and a recycle ratio of 1.0. Figure 6 gives an aeration
tank DO of approximately 2.6 mg/1 for an SRT of 20 days.
The available settling tank area is in excess of that required.
The difference is due to the measured full-scale settling character-
istics being superior than those used for original design. The differ-
ence is apparently due to a large amount of inert fines flocculated
with the sludge at the time of the settling tests. These fines in-
creased the specific gravity of the floe particles and hence, the
settling velocity.
Given this series of graphs, the following questions could be posed:
1. What is the maximum SRT and minimum recycle ratio that
this system could be expected to be operated at?
2. What would be the advantages of making such changes?
To begin with, determine the maximum SRT allowable due to aeration
constraints. On Figure 6, this value is approximately 43 days to
maintain an aeration tank DO of 2.0 mg/1. Use a value of 40 days
so that some excess remains. On Figure 1, an SRT value of 40 days
results in a MLTSS value of approximately 6100 mg/1. On Figure 5*
a MLTSS value of 6100 mg/1 gives a required settling tank area of
950 ft2 at a recycle ratio of slightly greater than 0.20. Use a
value of 0.30 so that some excess remains. Hence, it would not be
unreasonable to attempt a state with an SRT of 40 days and a recycle
ratio of 0.30. It would be recommended that operational changes to
go from an SRT 20 days to 40 days and a recycle ratio of 1.0 to 0.30
be done in stages, i.e., to 30 days and 0.6 for several weeks, then
to 40 days and 0.3.
337
-------
After each change of state is made, the system should be observed
for deleterious effects at the new state. The graphs are approxima-
tions of reality, and unexpected effects can occur. The following
are some possible effects that may not be accounted for in the graphs:
1. Some nitrification may occur at the longer SRT values re-
sulting in increased oxygen uptake rates and a more rapid
decrease in aeration tank DO values. Significant nitrifi-
cation has not normally been observed to occur in undiluted
coke plant wastewaters at SRT values less than 50 days
without the use of activated carbon addition to the aeration
tank.
2. Reducing the recyle ratio increases the residence time
of the recycle sludge in the final settling tank. If some
nitrification occurs, the longer residence time may allow
reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas (denitrification)
within the sludge causing it to float to the surface of
the settling tank.
3. An overloaded condition for the aerator or settling tank
can occur before it is expected because the graphs may
not be as precise as expected.
If any of the above effects are observed, the correctional procedure
is to reverse the direction of the change until the effect disappears.
It should also be noted that the change of state could go beyond
what is predicted by the graphs. If there were no deleterious effects
at a 40 day SRT and a recycle ratio of 0.30, it would be recommended
that the SRT be increased and the recycle ratio be decreased further
in smaller increments until such effects, were observed.
At the longer SRT values, the following changes would be expected:
1. improved soluble effluent quality, i.e., lower phenol and
soluble BOD,, concentrations.
338
-------
2. decreased sludge mass production.
3. decreased phosphoric acid additions*
At the lower recycle ratio values, an increased recycle sludge TSS
(TSS^) would be achieved. An :
waste sludge volume flow rate.
(TSS ) would be achieved. An increased TSSr would result in a decreased
The improved effluent quality is difficult to quantify, because of
the lack of detailed biokinetic studies on coke plant wastewater.
An example of the possible improvement at these SRT values might
be a reduction in average effluent phenol concentration from 0.9
ppm to 0.6 ppm or thereabouts.
The decreased sludge production can be estimated using the SRT control
procedure outlined in Tables 1 and 2. Assuming no loss of solids
in the effluent for this computation and using SRT values of 20 and
40 days, MLTSS values of 3600 and 6100 mg/1, an aeration tank volume
of 0.278 mil gal in Steps 1,2,3,4,5 of Table 2, sludge production
rates can be estimated. The results are 417 Ib/day and 353 Ib/day
*or the 20 and 40 day SRT values, respectively. Using Equation 3,
the recycle sludge TSS concentrations can be estimated. The results
«re 6912 mg/1 and 25,620 mg/1 for a 20 day SRT, 1.0 recycle ratio
and a 40 day SRT, 0.3 recycle ratio, respectively. The waste sludge
flow rates can be estimated using Step 6, Table 2. The results are
7233 gpd and 1652 gpd for the two above states, respectively. The
phosphoric acid addition rates can be estimated using MLVSS values
from Figure 1 in Step 7, Table 2. The results are 1.42 gpd and 0.93
gpd for the two above states, respectively.
CONCLUSION
A straightforward, rapidly interpretable control methodology has
been presented. The methodology makes possible the rapid identifica-
tion and control of the state of operation of an activated sludge
sytem, i.e., the SRT, HRT, and r value. Procedures have been presented
-------
to estimate the capacity of an existing system for a specific situa-
tion. The procedures make possible rational changes in the state
of a system, to approach an optimal operational state.
REFERENCES
1. Lawrence, A.W. and McCarty, P.L., "Unified Basis for Biological
Treatment Design and Operation." Jour. San. Eng. Div., Proc.
Amer. Soc. Civil Engr.. 96, 757 (1970)
2. Jenkins, D. and Garrison, W.E., "Control of Activated Sludge
By Mean Cell Residence Time." Jour. Water Poll. Control
Fed.. 40, 1906 (1968).
3. Smith, D.A. and Alessi, C.J., "SET Control: A Case History,"
in Design and Operation of the Activated Sludge Process,
WREE Research Report No. 78-2, Dept. Civil Engr., SUNY/Buffalo,
Buffalo, NY (1978).
4. Middleton, A.C. and Lawrence, A.W., "Least Cost Design of Activated
Sludge Systems." Jour. Water Poll. Control Fed.. 48, 889
(1976).
5. Middleton, A.C. and Lawrence, A.W., "Least Cost Design of Activated
Sludge Wastewater Treatment Systems." EPM Tech. Rep. 75-
_!, Dept. Env. Engr., Cornell Univ*, Ithaca, NY (1975).
NOTATION
2
A - final settling tank surface area, L
b - decay coefficient, T
FC 3
C - saturation DO at field conditions, M/L
C*° - saturation DO at 20°C, M/L3
340
-------
TSS - total suspended solids concentration of final settling
r 3
tank underflow, M/L
3
V - aeration tank volume, L
- oxygen transfer coefficient
- DO saturation coefficient
341
-------
3
DO - dissolved oxygen concentration, M/L
FSS - influent fixed suspended solids concentration) M/L
k - maximum specific COD utilization rate, T
3
k - empirical settling coefficient, L /M
K - Monod coefficient, M/L
8
MLFSS < - mixed liquor fixed suspended solids concentration, M/L
3
MLTSS - mixed liquor total suspended solids concentration, M/L
3
MLVSS - mixed liquor volatile suspended solids concentration, M/L
H . - standard aerator oxygen transfer capacity, Ib 0_/HP-hr
P - aerator power
p - atmospheric pressure, mm Hg
Q - influent flow rate L3/T
q - recycle sludge pumping rate, L /T
r - recycle ration (q/Q)
r_0 - volumetric oxygen uptake rate, M/L -T
3
Sg - effluent COD concentration, M/L
3
SQ - influent COD concentration, M/L
T - temperature, °C
342
-------
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF COKE PLANT WASTE
USING AN INTEGRAL CLARIFICATION CONCEPT
Myrl R. Wear
James A. Grants
Ronald J. Thompson
Arroco, Inc.
Environmental Engineering
Middletown, Ohio
343
-------
Introduction
Armco's Hamilton plant is located in New Miami, Ohio, on the Great Miami
River. The plant produces molten pig iron, metallurgical coke, coke gas, and
coking by-products.
The Hamilton Coke Plant consists of four Koppers-Becker underjet design
batteries with a, total of 110 ovens. The oldest battery was constructed in
1928 and the newest started up in 19U7- During this period the batteries
have been rebuilt several times.
In 1976, Armco initiated an extensive modification and rehabilitation
program for all four coke batteries. A major part of this program was the
installation of state-of-the-art air and water pollution control facilities.
The water pollution control program included the collection and treatment of
sanitary sewage, ammonia still waste, benzol plant waste, quench tower waste,
and high temperature noneontact cooling water. This paper specifically deals
with the treatment of the sanitary sewage, ammonia still waste, and the
benzol plant waste.
Background
The wastewaters generated at Armco's Hamilton Coke Plant are primarily
from the flushing liquor system and the benzol plant. The flushing liquor is
hot water which is sprayed directly into the collecting mains to quench coke
oven gas as it leaves the ovens. A circulating liquor system is used to cool
the gas in direct spray primary coolers. Water evaporated from the coal is
condensed in the main and primary coolers creating excess flushing liquor.
This highly contaminated excess liquor from the two systems is collected in
storage tanks prior to treatment.
Several sources of wastewater from the benzol plant are collected in a
common oil separation sump. The largest source is condensate from wash oil/
crude light oil distillation operations. The wash oil is purified by steam
stripping to remove crude light oil that was absorbed in the light oil gas
scrubbers. The steam condensate is discharged to the benzol sump as a con-
taminated waste stream. See Table I for the design volumes and chemical
composition of the raw excess ammonia liquor and benzol plant wastewater.
At the outset of the program, a study was conducted to determine the
best approach for treating coke plant wastewater. Alternatives studied and
344
-------
TABLE I
RAW WASTE WATER - DESIGN COMPOSITION
Excess Ammonia Liouor Benzol Plant
mg/1 kg/day (#/da.y) mg/1 kg/day
AVERAGE FLOW r,Pn 58,300 U3,100
Anmonia-N
Cyanide
Oil & Grease
Phenol
Sulfide
Suspended Solids
COD
TOG
PH
1*625
25
il*oo
10
11l|0
23
60
8180
2350
1020
5.5
310
1.8
250
5
11*
1820
520
9.0
(221*7)
(12)
(680)
(U)
(550)
(11)
(30)
(1*000)
(111*0)
13
19
18
1*5
111*
11
l*o
550
5Uo
2.3
3.2
2.7
7.3
19
1.8
6.1*
90
88
7.2
(5)
(7)
(6)
(16)
(M)
(U)
(1U)
(200)
(195)
345
-------
rejected included physical-chemical treatment with activated carbon and joint
treatment in a publicly-owned treatment works (POTW). The physical-chemical
scheme offered a lower capital investment but a much higher operating cost
and was thus rejected. The joint treatment scheme was rejected because of
the remote location of the coke plant and the unique configuration of the
POTW. Thus, a combination of physical-chemical treatment followed by bio-
logical treatment was chosen. The major treatment objective was compliance
with NPDES permit requirements. In order to meet this objective, each major
waste stream had to be pretreated by physical-chemical methods to remove in-
compatible pollutants prior to biological treatment.
Physical-Chemical Pretreatment
The benzol plant waste contains large quantities of oil. During the
original survey the majority of this oil was free or floatable oil with less
than 30 mg/1 of emulsified oil. However, the light oil recovery operation
has since been modified, and the waste stream now contains 800 mg/1 of emul-
sified oil. The free oil is partly removed in the existing oil separation
sump. However, this sump is not capable of handling large oil spills. Be-
cause of the potential detrimental effect of large quantities of free oil on
the biological treatment plant, additional oil removal equipment was
installed to help contain spills. This equipment consists of a prepackaged
gravity oil/water separator. The separator is installed in series with the
existing sump and designed to remove free oil that passes through the primary
separation tank. After treatment in this separator, the water is pumped to
the biological treatment plant. To date, the emulsified oil has caused "no
apparent problems at the bioplant.
Excess ammonia liquor contains large quantities of ammonia, sulfide,
Cl 2}
cyanide, and other compounds which can inhibit biological oxidationv * '.
The ammonia is present in two forms, commonly referred to as "free" and
"fixed" ammonia • Free ammonia, including ammonium hydroxide, ammonium
carbonate, ammonium sulfide, ammonium cyanide, etc., is easily dissociated
and removed by steam stripping. Fixed ammonia salts, including ammonium
chloride, ammonium thiocyanate, ammonium sulfate, etc.^' are dissociated and
removed by raising the pH with an alkaline material and steam stripping. To
enable the final effluent to meet the NPEES permit requirements a steam
distillation system was installed to remove the free and fixed ammonia,
346
-------
cyanide, and sulfide. This system was chosen over other concepts being used
in the industry because of economics and site specific factors.
The alkaline material used to dissociate the fixed ammonia at Hamilton
is caustic soda. A solution of 50$ sodium hydroxide is injected directly
into the still without additional dilution. Caustic soda was chosen over the
more traditional material, milk of lime, because of simplified operation and
fewer maintenance problems. The addition of caustic requires only the in-
stallation of a storage tank and a metering pump, rather than the complex
feeding system required for lime, with a resultant lower capital cost. The
pH at the top of the fixed still can be controlled, thus eliminating the
swings in pH at the bottom of the still due to the long lag time in the still,
and the problem of fouling the still with line has been eliminated. Another
advantage, as yet not fully evaluated, is that caustic eliminates suspected
problems caused by high concentrations of calcium in the bioplant feed asso-
ciated with lime stills. The major disadvantage of caustic is that it costs
several times as much as an equivalent amount of lime.
An ammonia still originally installed in 1951* as part of the Middle town
Coke Plant and retired in 1976 was relocated to the Bamilton Coke Plant. The
still contains 5> free ammonia (free leg) trays and 10 fixed ammonia (fixed
leg) trays. The trays are all standard cast iron single bubble cap plate
sections. The system is equipped to use 50f£ sodium hydroxide as the alkaline
material necessary to dissociate fixed ammonia. A second "standby" ammonia
still was .installed for use during maintenance and cleaning of the primary
still. The second still is a standard pressure vessel column with float
valve type, tower filler trays. The ammonia still system includes an auto-
matic pH monitoring and control system which measures and records the pH of
the still discharge as well as controlling the amount of caustic fed to the
fixed leg.
Excess ammonia liquor is injected into the free leg of the ammonia still
near the top of the still column. After passing through the free leg, the
liquor is removed and caustic added and mixed with a motionless mixer. The
high pH liquor is then injected into the fixed leg. Low pressure exhaust
steam is injected at the base of the still, which is bubbled through the
descending flow of liquor to strip the ammonia. The ammonia vapors and other
acid gases are collected at the top of the still, cooled to condense excess
347
-------
water* and discharged into the coke gas downstream of the primary cooler. The
ammonia is later recovered from the gas as ammonium sulfate, a by-product.
The still wastewater with little remaining ammonia is pumped to the biological
"treatment plant.
Design Considerations
The biological system was designed from actual wastewater flows and
analysis (Table EL and III), data in the literature^1 ^^'6j7>8'9% and. in-
formation gathered while inspecting most of the operating coke plant bio-
logical treatment systems in North America. The most significant findings of
this predesign investigation were: 1) the need for extended equalization,
primarily to equalize the wide fluctuation in wastewater chemistry; 2} a
minimum aeration detention time of 2k to l$ hours; 3) the need for completely
mixed aeration to minimize the concentration of toxic parameters; U) the
possibility of achieving both carbon oxidation and nitrification in a common
aeration tank; 5) the need to add phosphorus to support bio growth; 6) the
universal problem with aerator foaming; and 7) the need to control pH and
temperature. In addition, the investigation uncovered an innovative clari-
fication system that might be used to great advantage in coke plant bio-
treatment. The system incorporates an integral clarifier with scraper
mechanism to direct the settled sludge back into the aeration basin. In late
1976, there were no similar operating systems in the United States, although
several were operating in Canada. In December 1976, a trip was taken to
observe operating systems in Quebec^ ' and Ontario, Canada^ . Following
this trip, it was concluded that the concept offered several advantages, in-
cluding potential capital cost savings, elimination of a separate sludge
return system, potential for improved treatment, and substantial land sav-
ings. Therefore, in February 1977t the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell
was instructed to proceed with the design of the biological treatment system
utilizing this integral clarifier concept with provisions to achieve nitrifi-
cation and with the capability to add a second stage nitrification reactor
should it be required*
In November 1977* construction commenced with the clearing of the site.
The work proceeded very slowly through the winter months, and in March 1978,
the first major pour of concrete was made. The work progressed through the
summer of 1978 and because of many delays caused by a wet spring and summer,
348
-------
TABLE II
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PLANT INFLUENT
Flows
Ammonia Still Waste
Benzol Yard Sump
Misc. Waste
Total Process
Sanitary
Total Contaminated Waste Water
Dilution Water
Total Plant Feed
Ammonia-N
Cyanide
Thiocyanate
Oil & Grease
Phenol
Suspended Solids
COD
TOC
PH
Design Composition
kg/day (#/day)
61|,600 GPD
1*3,100 GPD
10,900 GPD
118,600 GPD
21.800 GPD
1UO,1;00 GPD
73.800 GPD
214,200 GPD
Actual Composition*
mg/1 kg/day (#/day)
80
5
1;00
12
250
ho
1800
600
70
3.6
320
10
200
32
1500
500
7.0-10.0
150
8
700
22
70
3300
(1100
115
3
175
U5
180
70
102,500 GPD
35.100 GPD
137,600 GPD
61.UOO GPD
199,000 GPD
85
2.3
130
35
135
55
190
5
285
75
300
120
**Detention time - total feed - 30 hours
**Detention time - process & sanitary - U5 hours
32 hours
U6 hours
Clarifier Overflow Rate-Total Feed
Clarifier Overflow Hate-Process &
Sanitary
Clarifier Weir Loading-Total Feed
Clarifier Weir Loading-Process &
Sanitary
300 GPD/SF
200 GPD/SF
1*,100 GPD/LF
2,700 GPD/LF
275 GPD/SF
190 GPD/SF
3,800 GPD/LF
2,650 GPD/LF
*0ctober 1979-March 1980: 6-month average of 30-day averages.
**Based on aeration tank volume (including chimney) of 265,000 gallons,
349
-------
TABLE III
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT
Design Composition Actual Composition*
me/I kg/day (#/Day) mg/1 kg/day (#/day)
Flow: 21k,200 GPD 199,000 GPD
Ammonia-N 180 1l;5 (316) 7 6 (13)
Cyanide U.5 3-6 (8) 1,5 1 (2.5)
Ihiocyanate - U 3 (7)
Oil & Grease 12 10 (22) 5 U (8)
Phenol 3-0 2.3 (5) 0.001 0.007 (0.01$)
Suspended Solids 70 60 130 32 25 (55)
pH 6.0-9.0
*0cto"ber 1979 - March 1980s 6-month average of 30-day averages
350
-------
construction carried over into the winter of 1979* Fortunately, the winter
of 1979 was relatively mild and the plant was ready to be started in March of
1979-
Description of Facilities
The treatment plant process flow schematic is shown on Figure 1. The
incoming waste is received at the plant in one of two surge tanks. The pro-
cess surge tank, which is 1*0 feet in diameter by lj.0 feet tall with a working
capacity of 300,000 gallons, receives waste from the ammonia still system and
the benzol plant. The tank provides now and chemical equalization by oper-
ating at 50$ full and using the side entering mixer shown in Figure 2. Pro-
cess waste is normally stored in the surge tank for approximately one day
"before it is pumped to the aeration basin. The sanitary surge tank shown on
Figure 3 receives the sanitary sewage generated in the coke plant area, and
gas seal water from the flare stack. This tank is agitated with air to
insure a non-septic waste. After equalization, the sanitary waste is com-
bined with the process waste and discharged into the aeration basin.
The ammonia liquor from the still is approximately 105°C and must be
cooled to approximately 25°C» for optimum ammonia removal in the bioplant.
This cooling is achieved in part by flash cooling at the still and natural
heat loss in the surge tank, with the final cooling achieved in two parallel
spiral flow heat exchangers. To compensate for the hot blower air used in
the aeration process, the liquor is cooled to around 20 C during the summer
months.
In order to maintain, the nutritional balance^ ' of the aerobic system,
pho'sphoric acid is added to the liquor just after the heat exchangers. At
the same point, sulfuric acid is added for pH control should the basin pH
exceed the desired 7.8 operating point. Following chemical addition, the
total flow.is discharged into two parallel aeration/clarification basins.
The treatment system utilizes a completely mixed, activated sludge
extended aeration concept with an integral clarifier. The aeration portion
of the plant contains two cubical concrete basins each with its own clari-
fier section. Bach basin has one submerged turbine aerator to achieve com-
plete mixing and oxygen transfer. Three rotary lobe positive displacement
air blowers shown on Figure k are used to generate the supply of air to the
submerged turbine aerator. The aeration-clarification configuration shown
351
-------
0-Z90S
Q
(i) i*»-
FIGURE 1. ScheinMic Diagram - Treatment Plant
-------
Figure 2. Process Surge Tank with Side Entering Mixer
Figure 3. Control Building and Surge Tanks
353
-------
Figure i|. Positive Displacement Air Blowers
354
-------
on Figure 5 allows the aerator to develop a horizontal velocity along the
surface of the aeration basin. This, in turn, causes a downward flow of
approximately 10 times the once-through flow in the "chimney" or the space
•provided between the aeration section and the clarification section. The
majority of this flow passes back into the aeration basin, carrying with it
the solids settled in the clarifier section. This action provides a theo-
retical recycle rate of 20096. The flow into the clarifier is equal to the
incoming waste. This flow enters at the bottom along the length of the
clarifier, passes vertically up through the basin, and is finally discharged
from the system* A scraper mechanism is used to move the settled sludge
down the sloped clarifier bottom to the chimney area where it is resuspended
and carried back to the aeration basin.
The treatment plant graphic control panel (see Figure 7) enables the
operator to monitor the physical operations of the plant including flows,
temperatures, tank levels, etc., and to make minor corrections as required.
The system continuously monitors the aeration dissolved oxygen, temperature
and pH and automatically controls the latter two. Based on these controls .
and chemical analysis made in the treatment plant laboratory, adjustments
are made to the system.
Shakedown and Start-Up
The checking and testing of the system conducted during February and
early Kkrch of 1979 went smoothly. The only major problems encountered were
a bad vibration in the south aerator mixer and an excessive pressure drop in
the air supply system. The pressure drop problem was easily corrected by a
modification to the sparge ring, but the vibration problem was not fully
t
corrected until late August. Additional construction delays were encountered
in the ammonia still area and the benzol yard area so that those areas were
not fully operational until July and September, respectively.
On Ifarch 11*, 1979, the north basins and process surge tank were filled
•with clean water. Waste ammonia liquor was then discharged to the surge tank
which resulted in an extremely dilute solution of feed stock. Approximately
20 gpm of this dilute feed was pumped into the aeration basin which had been
seeded with approximately 3000 gallons of activated sludge from Middle town,
Ohio's, POTW. During the following days, additional truckloads of sludge
were pumped into the system until the mixed liquor was at 1200 mg/1 MLTSS.
355
-------
HOUR! 5. 8oh«MMo of AMBllon / Oorlftartton
356
-------
Figure 6. Waste Water Treatment Facility
Figure 7- Graphic Control Panel
357
-------
Because the Middle town. POTW treats wastes from Armco's Middle town Coke Plant,
the microorganisms were acclimated to coke plant waste. As shown on Figure 8,
the total solids in the mixed liquor started to climb on day one and has con-
tinued to increase. At the end of thirty days, the mixed liquor had increased
to 6000 mg/1 and as shown on Figures 9 and 10, the total solids inventory has
continued to climb while the volatiles have generally been above 70$. The dip
in MLTSS concentration shown on Figure 10 is caused by the start-up of the
second aeration basin after correction of the vibration problems and install-
ation of a foam spray system. While operating with only one aeration basin,
the system consistently removed phenol and thiocyanate with little or no
removal of ammonia*
Discussion of Operating Data
Figure 11 shows the wastewater flows that have been treated in the first
year of operation. The sharp increase in September is caused by the intro-
duction of the benzol yard waste for the first time and the use of river water
in a foam spray system. Because the system experienced severe foaming while
operating on one basin, a river water spray header was installed around the
basins to help knock down the foam. After the second aeration basin was
started, and as the MLTSS continued to climb, the foam subsided allowing
decreased use of river water during early 1980.
The system has functioned well in treating phenol even during upset or
shock loading conditions. Figure 12 shows the phenol loadings that have bfeen
treated. The influent phenol monthly average has varied from a low of 80
kilograms per day (l80#/day) to a high of 230 kg/day (500#/day) with no effect
on the effluent quality. The highest monthly average discharge to date has
been 30 grams per day (1 ounce per day).
Thiocyanate removal has not been as spectacular as is shown on Figure
13* Thiocyanate has proven to be the hardest parameter to remove and the most
sensitive to varying operating conditions. For this reason, and the fact that
the wet chemical test for thiocyanate is easy, it has been used to determine
the relative health of the system; Figure 11; shows the daily influent and
effluent concentrations during "upset".conditions. In May, phosphate concen-
trations in the system were inadvertently depleted. The phosphate levels were
undetectable for more than a week before corrective measures were taken.
Figure .14 shows the removal of thiocyanate was completely lost and recovered
358
-------
ro
CO
CO
16 18
II 13
APRIL
19 21 23
1979
Figure 8. Mixed Liquor Totol Suspended Solids During Start-Up
-------
Ol
o
X
£•
S
20,000-
I8.0OO-
16,000-
14,000-
12,000-
£
S?
78
76
74
72
70
68
56
IO,000-(
1.
o
.5"
*"j
^^
•o
5
8,000-
6.00O-
4,000-
)6
2,000-
MAR
% Volatiies
APR
JUNE
i
JULY AU6
1979
i
SEP
I
OCT
I
NOV
I
DEC
I
JAN
FE8 MAR
1980
7
APR
Figure 9. Mixed Liquor: Total BIO Mass Inventory 8% Volatiles
-------
o
3
IT
16,800-
15,600-
14,400-
13,200-
12,000-
10,800-
9,600-
8,40O-
7,200-
6,000-
4,600-
3,60O-
2,400-
I.2OO-Y
One Bosin Operation
Two Basin Operation
• i i i i
MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AU6
1979
ii i i r^ i i i
SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
I960
Figure IP. Mixed Liquor Daily Average Concentration M.L.T.S.S.
-------
Q
Q.
O
O
O
O
O
MAR
APR
MAY
1 I
JULY AUG
1979
1 \
FEB MAR
1980
I
APR
Figure II. Average Monthly Waste Water Flows
-------
«*»
o
0)
a.
Effluent
(G/Day)
MAR
JULY AUG
1979
I
FEB MAR
1980
APR
Figure 12. Phenols: Influent ft Effluent Average Daily Loadings
-------
Influent
o
210-
190-
170-
150-
130-
110-
90-
o>
o
c
a
>,
o
o
Effluent
50-
40-
3O-
2O-
10-
MAR
I
APR
MAY JUNE JULY AUG
1979
I I I I I I I I
SEP OCT HQV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
1980
Figure 13. Thiocyanate (SCN)= Influent & Effluent Average Daily Loadings
-------
c
.2
**» 2
at c
en a
>.
u
.o
Je
6
e
1979
Figure 14. Upset Conditions Due To Lack Of Phosphorus Nutrient
As Indicated By Thiocyonote
-------
slowly. As Figure 13 shows, the treatment of thiocyarate has stabilized,
possibly due to the start-up of the second basin in September, with the
resultant increased bionass inventories, and no upsets have occurred since.
During the first seven months of operation, ammonia removal, as shown on
Figure 15» was poor due to the lack of caustic in the ammonia still and opera-
tion of only one aeration basin. The ammonia still system was started before
the caustic feed system and did not achieve fixed ammonia removal until late
May. The bioplant operated on one aeration basin until September 15, when
the second basin was put into service. During that four-month period, June-
September, ammonia removal was erratic and the system difficult to operate.
The plant would achieve nitrification, a drop in the pH would occur, and the
next day there would be no evidence of nitrification. On September 1$, 1979,
the second aeration basin was put into service which stabilized the system.
Soon nitrification began to occur consistently and the system has achieved
excellent ammonia removal to date. Since mid-October the system has had an
average influent loading of 85 kg/day (I90#/day) of ammonia nitrogen and 130
kg/day (285#/day) of thiocyanate and has discharged an average for the six
months of only 6 kg/day (l3#/day) of ammonia-nitrogen. An indicator of the
stability of the system is shown on Figure 16, which shows a shock loading in
early March, 1980. Around February 29, the last free tray of the ammonia
still became plugged with tar and pitch. After minor modifications and tun-
ing, the standby still was put on stream March 5 and operated until March 18.
Although the standby still did not exhibit the removal efficiency of the
primary still, it operated well enough to bring ammonia loadings at the bio-
plant back into range, eliminating the need for backup storage lagoons or
other treatment. During the first week of March, the treatment plant ammonia
feed was more than tripled to 3^0 kg/day (750#/iay)» yet the biosystem
achieved over 90$ removal of *Mrnnnia.. The highest quantity discharged during
this time was 30 kg/day (66#/day).
Figure 17 shows the food-to-mass ratio expressed in kilograms of BOD5,
phenol, and ammonia fed to the plant over kilograms of mixed liquor volatile
suspended solids. As is shown, the F:M ratios are currently very low, with
BOD5 in the range of 0.06 kg/kg ML7SS, phenol at 0.01 kg/kg ML7SS and ammonia
in the range of 0.015 kgAs MLYSS. These low ratios are primarily due to the
high inventory of mixed liquor solids.
366
-------
co
en
O
o
e>
CO
a
0)
o>
O
a
'E
o
E
E
MAR
APR
MAY
JUNE
1979
FEB MAR
1980
Figure 15. Ammonia Nitrogen = Influent and Effluent Total Daily Loadings
-------
o
O
o>
o
o
z
I
o
'c
o
E
E
15
17 19
21 23 25.
FEBRUARY
(980
Figure 16. Ammonia Upset- Influent 8 Effluent Total Daily Loadings
-------
-------
The suspended solids in the effluent as shown on Figure 18 have gener-
ally been quite low. With the exception of one peak period, solids in the
effluent have been less than UO kg/day (90#/day)» and have averaged 2$ kg/day
(55#/day) for the last six months. In August and September, solids were very
high in the one operating aeration basin when flows through the basin were
high. Subsequently, the sludge blanket in the clarifier section was nearly
at the water surface and a carry-over of solids resulted. In January, a
sludge wasting program was initiated and approximately 35 kg/day (77#/day) of
solids are currently wasted. Mass balance calculations indicate that bio-
logical growth has been equivalent to approximately 0.25 kg/kg of phenol
removal. The excellent performance in the clarifier is in part credited to
the design of the integral clarification concept. No polymers are added and
the flow receives no mechanical flocculation in the clarifier. The absence
of sludge recirculation pumps has prevented breakup of the floe as it is
returned to the aeration basin. The low effluent suspended solids may be
attributable in part to the use of sodium hydroxide in the ammonia still
rather than milk of lime. This contributes a much lower inorganic solids
loading to the system, thus allowing the microorganisms to form a better floe
with less "fine" solids carry-through to the effluent.
Operating Training and Responsibilities
The successful operation of this plant must be credited to outstanding
performance by the operators. The plant is under the direct control of one
day foreman with one operator present around the clock and an extra operator
on day turns. All of these men underwent an extensive three-week classroom
training program, with additional on-hand training before and during the
start-up stages. In addition, the operators are obtaining the required
experience and reviewing additional training material in preparation for ob-
taining State certification as licensed operators. The operators are conduct-
ing the majority of the chemical analyses with only cyanide and oil & grease
analyses contracted to outside labs. By m^rming the plant around the clock,
the various operations can be closely monitored and controlled. Figures 19,
20, and 21 show the close control that has been achieved on temperature, pH,
and dissolved oxygen. The average temperature has been controlled at 25 C
plus or minus 1°C throughout the last year. By close observation, the
operators can make corrections in the cooling water system before troubles
develop. Even though the pH on Figure 20 varies from 6.6 to 8.3, the
370
-------
to
t*» "O
-J- —
•-1 o
CO
0)
a.
-------
O
£
3
s
0)
Daily Maximum
---- x ---- x ----
Daily Minimum /
^X ---- X-
/
X"
MAR
JUNE
1 1 1
JULY AUG SEP
1979
OCT
1
NOV
1
DEC
1 1 1
JAN FEB MAR
I960
I
APR
Figure 19. Aeration Basin Temperature
-------
8.5-
8.O-
Maximum
Day
/\
/ V
/ \
to
7.5-
o
•o
c
o
55
X
0.
70-
x ---- x
6.5-
/
\
/ Minimum
Day
> '
6.O-
MAR
'
APR
I
MAY
i 1 1
JUNE JULY AU6
1979
SEP OCT NOV DEC
1 1 1 1
JAN FEB MAR APR
1980
Figure20. Aeration Basin Maximum & Minimum PH Data
-------
operators were able to correct this by adding acid or alkaline materials to
bring the system back into specification. The dissolved oxygen as shown on
Figure 21 is not usually a controlled parameter, but is used as a monitoring
tool. The operator can detect changes in the D.O. which may signal a pending
upset and take corrective action.
Capital and Operating Cost
The biological treatment system as originally constructed cost $2.15
million, with an additional $1*35 million for collection and ammonia still
systems. An additional $1.5 million was spent for miscellaneous sumps, cool-
ing towers, and related projects, bringing the total project cost to $5.0
million. Included in this figure is an estimated $800,000 for modifications
and relocations to retrofit the existing coke plant to accommodate the new
treatment plant. Eased on the total contaminated wastewater design flow of
11*0,000 GPD, the cost of the biological treatment plant was $l5/gallon. The
ammonia stills and collection system add $10/gallon, for a total capital cost
for the bioplant and associated pretreatment systems of $25/gallon. Direct
operating cost for the treatment plant and the ammonia stills for the period
July-December 1979 was about $18/1000 gallons of process liquor treated, or
approximately $1.30/ton of coke produced. The added cost of capital recovery
makes the treatment cost $30/1000 gallons of process liquor or $2.20/ton of
coke produced.
Conclusions
The treatment of coke plant waste liquors to achieve phenol and ammonia
removal in a single stage reactor has proven to be a viable treatment method,
although expensive when used in series with a caustic soda ammonia still.
Control of pH has been the most difficult factor because of the formation of
acid in the treatment process and the destruction of the available alkalinity.
Negative effects on nitrification or phenol removal by the introduction
of emulsified oil has not been a problem. Emulsified oil in the effluent is
averaging less than 5 mg/1 with an average inlet loading rate of over UO
mg/1.
Operating the system with the extremely high mi Ted liquor and long
sludge ages in the aeration basin has not been a problem. During periods of
high now, some carry-over of solids is evident but there is no indication of
a problem during normal operations.
374
-------
6.O-
8.O-
4.0-
0)
Co O
-~J C
Cn o
O
X
O
•o
0>
o
w
CO
3.0-
2.O-
|JO-
Average
Minimum Day
'*** ^
/ •"-^
\ ^^
1 1 1—
MAR APR MAY JUNE
JULY AUG
1979
SEP OCT
i — — i - \ — — r - 1 — — r-
NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
1980
Figure 21. Aeration Basin Dissolved Oxygen Data
-------
Although the operations of this plant have been extremely smooth, a
degree of caution must be exercised if this data is to be considered for other
treatment plants. At this writing, the plant has operated thirteen months
with only six months of satisfactory nitrification. Nitrification has only
occurred during the winter months. It is essential for complete demonstra-
tion of the plant to obtain a full year of operating data.
376
-------
References
1. Barker, J. B. and H. J. Thompson (1973) "Biological Removal of Carton
and Nitrogen Compounds from Coke Plant Wastes." Environmental Protec-
tion Technology Series. EPA-R2-73-167.
2. Eockenbury, M. R. and C. P. L. Grady, Jr. (197?) "Inhibition of
Nitrification Effects of Selected Organic Compounds," Journal WPCT
May 1977, 768.
3. Wilson, P. J. and J. H. Wells (1950) "Coal, Coke and Coal Chemicals,"
McGraw-Hill, New York.
4. Wong-Cheng, G. M. (1978) "Design and Operation of Biological Treatment
for Coke Plant Wastewaters," September 1978 (AISI Study).
5. Wong-Chong, G. M. and S. G. Caruso (1977) "Advanced Biological Oxida-
tion of Coke Plant Wastewaters for the Removal of Nitrogen Compounds,"
April 1977 (AISI Study).
6. Wong-Chong, G. M. and R. C. Loehr (1974) "The Kinetics of Microbial
Nitrification," July 1974, Presented at ASCE, BED Specialty Conference,
Pennsylvania State University.
7. Ganczarczyk, J. J. (1977) "Pilot Plant Studies on Second Stage
Activated Sludge Treatment of Coke Plant Effluent," October 1977 Report
to AISA.
8. Ganczarczyk, J. J. and D. Elion (1978) "Extended Aeration of Coke Plant
Effluents," May 1978, Presented at 33rd Purdue Industrial Wastewater
Conference.
9. Ganczarczyk, J. J. (1978) "Pre-Treatment of Coke Plant Effluents."
10. Charette, C. and J. Herbineaux (1977) "Chemical Products Plant Solves
Problem of Contaminated Wastewater," October 1977, Water and Pollution
Control.
11. "Clarifier Designed for TTse With Surface Aerator," November 1973,
Water and Pollution Control.
377
-------
TREATMENT OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATER
USING PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND
BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
By
Richard Osantowski and Anthony Geinopolos
Rexnord Inc. Corporate R&D
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
ABSTRACT: Pilot studies were performed concurrently at two coke plants to
investigate the effectiveness of physical-chemical and biological treatment
in meeting steel industry BAT guidelines for the by-product cokemaking
subcategory.
379
-------
TREATMENT OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATER
USING PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND
BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of this project was to investigate the technical and
economical feasibility of treating by-product cokemaking wastewater to
Best Available Technology (BAT) levels using physical-chemical and
biological methods. The wastewaters generated from the by-product recovery
process include excess ammonia liquor, benzol plant wastes and other
miscellaneous discharges associated with the production of coke. Pollutants
contained in these wastewaters typically include suspended solids, ammonia,
phenolic compounds, cyanide, sulfide, thiocyanates, oil and greases as
well as many toxic pollutants. Two plants were studied; the physical-
chemical test work was performed at Shenango, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.; the
biological study was conducted at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.,
Follansbee, W.V.. The plants investigated had operating treatment systems
for upgrading the raw wastewater to a Best Practical Control Technology
(BPT) Currently Available level.
The investigations were conducted using the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA's) mobile physical-chemical and biological treatment systems.
These pilot plants are housed in three semi-trailer vans as shown in
Figures 1-3.
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS (PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL RESEARCH SITE)
General
The physical-chemical investigation on Shenango's by-product cokemaking
wastewater was conducted between November 14, 1979 and January 17, 1980.
During the study, coke production averaged 1,673 metric tons (1,519 tons)
per day, while the average wastewater flow was 1,025 m3/day (0.271 mgd).
The corresponding water application rate (liters of water/metrie tons of
coke produced) during the study was 743 liters/kkg (178 gal./ton). Based
on BAT limits, the allowable pollutant concentrations in the effluent
would be:
BAT
Parameter Limit
pH 6.0-9.0
Ammonia, mg/1 13.4
Cyanide-T, mg/1 0.33
Oil and Grease, mg/1 13.4
Phenol, mg/1 0.27
Sulfide, mg/1 0.4
Suspended Solids, mg/1 27
Thiocyanate, mg/1 200
380
-------
Figure 1.
TRAILER
*5'U M B'W x I1'-6"H
SAMPLE
REFRIGERATOR
CLARIFIER
REVERSE OSMOSIS
SYSTEM
OZONE CONTACT
TANKS
Figure 2,
SAMPLE
REFRIGERATOR
(IOIOGICAI TREATMENT
SYSTEM NO. I
TtMPtRATURE
CONTROL SYSTEM
TRAILER
*5'L x 8'V x I3'-6"H
SIOLOCICAL TREATMENT
SYSTEM NO. 2
Figure 3,
381
-------
The advanced waste treatment trains that were investigated on a pilot scale
included the following:
KEY
1. ACL + FIL + AC
2. ACL + SBD + FIL
AC: activated carbon
ACL: alkaline chlorination
FIL: dual media filtration
SBD: sodium bisulfite
dechlorination
In the first pilot treatment train, the BPT wastewater was passed through
a two stage alkaline chlorination process for cyanide* phenol, sulfide,
thiocyanate and ammonia removal. The wastewater was then filtered for
suspended solids removal and dechlorinated on activated carbon. The second
treatment train again consisted of alkaline chlorination which was followed
by sodium bisulfite dechlorination and dual media filtration. The treatment
train arrangements are shown in Figure 4.
(I) ALKALINE CHLORINATION, FILTRATION, CARBON ADSORPTION
NaOH -
^-
\l-
\
2?
t
H2SO<
\1
\
2?
(Z) ALKALINE CHLORINATION, SODIUM BISULFITE DECHLORINATION, FILTRATION
H,SOt
NaOH i '• *
ta
KEY
Flu FILTRATION
AC: ACTIVATED CARSON
SBO: SOOIUH BISULFITE
OCCHLORINATION
Figure A.
Process trains investigated for treatment of by-product
coke plant wastewater.
Wastewater Treatment System
There are four process water streams associated with the by-product coke-
making operations at the plant investigated; namely (1) final cooler waste-
water; (2) phenolate wastes; (3) light oil separator effluent; and (4) hot
oil decanter underflow.
The final cooler waatewater originates from direct spray cooling of the
382
-------
coke oven gas and represents about 31 percent of the total plant flow. The
phenolate waste stream (excess flushing liquor) is passed through a free
ammonia still, dephenolizer and a fixed ammonia still prior to mixing with
other plant wastes. This stream comprises 47 percent of the combined coke
plant flow. The hot oil decanter discharge (-19% of plant flow) passes
through a dissolved-air flotation unit, containing 4.6 ia2(50 ft2) of surface
area. The underflow is then blended with other plant effluents. The
fourth major process stream, the light oil separator effluent, accounts
for approximately three percent of the coke plant effluent flow. The
discharges from these four principal coke plant wastewater sources are
combined and blended in a 643 m3 (170,000 gal.) equalization tank equipped
with mechanical mixers. The equalized effluent, representing a BPT waste-
water, is then fed to a full-scale advanced waste treatment system. Feed-
water to the mobile system was taken out of the equalization basin during
the entire study.
Characteristics of the wastewater obtained from the equalization basin
during the study are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1. COMPARISON OF BPT EFFLUENT LIMITATION GUIDELINES TO
ACTUAL PLANT VALUES OBSERVED DURING THE STUDY PERIOD
Parameter
Cyanide T, mg/1
Phenol, mg/1
Ammonia, mg/1
Oil and Grease, mg/1
Suspended Solids, mg/1
PH
BPT1
Limit
29
2
123
15
49
6.0-9.0
Analytical Value From
the Research Site
Average
85.2
142
506
54
103
—
Range
4.7-267.5
68-850
101-2,150
3-147
26-361
3.8-10.8
lDev. Doc., By-Product Cokemaking - EPA 440/l-79/024a, Oct. 1979
As shown in the table, concentrations of pilot system feedwater were well
above the BPT limits during the study.
Alkaline Chlorination Results
During the study, 40 alkaline chlorination test runs were performed. The
pilot test procedure consisted of passing the coke plant wastewater through
a series of completely mixed reaction tanks under alkaline and neutral pH
conditions in the presence of an oxidizing agent (sodium hypochlorite). In
the first reaction tank, sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite were
added to the wastewater to oxidize the cyanide present to cyanate. In the
second chamber, the wastewater was neutralized in the presence of excess
chlorine to oxidize ammonia. The treated wastewater was then filtered and
dechlorinated using either activated carbon or sodium metabisulfite. As a
byproduct of treatment, other parameters exerting a chlorine demand (sulfide,
phenol, thiocyanate, etc.) were also oxidized.
The alkaline chlorination system was run continuously over the test period
383
-------
to provide 24 hour composite samples for both conventional and toxic
analysis. Feed ammonia concentration ranged from 100 mg/1 to a high of
almost 2,200 mg/1 during the study. However, effluent ammonia was
typically less than 10 mg/1 as shown in Figure 5. A summary of selected
alkaline chlorination test results is shown in Table 2. Figure 6 indicates
that effluent ammonia was reduced significantly as the oxidation-reduction
potential (ORP) setting was increased. Operating in the 800-950 mv range
provided sufficient treatment while maintaining the lowest possible chlorine
residual. The data presented in Table 2 indicate that alkaline chlorination
was effective in reducing pollutant concentrations to below BAT levels with
the exception of total cyanide. Obviously, the presence of complexing
agents in the coke plant effluent prevented complete oxidation bf the
cyanide by chlorine.
'1
CE
7
1
cctra
2000
1800
1600
H00
1200
100(3
800
600
400
200
(
=
— }
1_
i
i
~~ \
•
i
- . i
INFLUENT
/ .'
:- / * / \
H /v A/ \
I \ /\ / '""•. . / EFFLUENT \
v '""'•••--/' A 'A y//^
"llAllf\/IMlf'lV(lllJ1 w ' iljl lllllM Ullli
1 5 18 13 20 25 30 35 40
RUN NUMBER
Figure 5. Alkaline chlorination effluent ammonia
concentration versus run number.
Based on the alkaline chlorination pilot results, a full scale treatment
system could be expected to routinely meet it's NPDES permit limitations for
all parameters except total cyanide. However, it should be remembered that
the average influent cyanide value of the wastewater tested was approxi-
mately three times the BPT limit (30 mg/1) and cyanide values as high as
nine times the BPT value were observed. It is unknown if BAT cyanide levels
could be consistently met if better BPT treatment were provided. Values of
cyanide-A exiting the pilot treatment system were typically <0.05 mg/1.
Dual Media Filtration Results
Dual media filtration tests were performed on the coke plant effluent as a
384
-------
TABLE 2. COMPARISON OF SELECTED ALKALINE CHLORINATION
RUN EFFLUENTS TO BAT LIMITATIONS
Run
No.
I .;
11
12
1 1
20
22
ORP
mv
900
960
960
950
9
-------
polishing step from November, 1979 to January, 1980. Tests were conducted
both with and without polymer.
Filtration results of the effluent without polymer are summarized in Table
3. Filtration removed significant quantities of suspended solids (712
removal). Table 3 also shows the average, maximum and minimum influent and
effluent characteristics when chemically pretreated coke plant effluent was
filtered with polymer as a coagulant aid. Overall removal of suspended
solids (93% removal) was greatly improved with 'addition of the polymer at
a dosage of 3 mg/1.
TABLE 3. DUAL MEDIA FILTRATION PILOT STUDY RESULTS
Suspended Solids, mg/1Suspended Solids, mg/1
No Polymer Polymer Added
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Inf.
51
139
7
Eff.
11
36
2
Inf.
71
152
10
Eff.
3
9
1
Activated Carbon Results
The use of activated carbon was investigated to determine its effectiveness
as a dechlorinating agent. The carbon will convert the excess chlorine,
produced by the alkaline chlorinatlon process into chlorides and other
harmless byproducts.
The average influent chlorine concentration to the carbon system during the
study was 63.6 mg/1. The average chlorine removal rate across the carbon
bed was 95 percent with a range from 83.9-100 percent. Removal efficiency
decreased as volume processed increased. The carbon was also effective In
reducing influent ammonia by 35 percent and TOG by 61 percent. Effluent
phenol concentrations from the carbon were decreased by 73 percent.
Sodium Bisulfite Dechlorination Results
Sodium bisulfite was investigated as a dechlorinating agent during the pilot
study. A plot of bisulfite:chlorine ratio and percent: chlorine removal
(Figure 7), shows that 100 percent of the chlorine can be removed at a
bisulfite:chlorine ratio of 2:1. The figure illustrates that chlorine
removal is a function of bisulfite to chlorine ratio. The studies were
performed at a wastewater detention time of 30 minutes under complete mixing
conditions.
Priority Pollutant Discussion (Physical/Chemical Test Site)
Priority pollutant analyses were performed on 63 samples of the coke plant
wastewater plus blanks during the Phase I (alkaline chlorination-filtratlon-
activated carbon) and Phase II (alkaline chlorination-sodium bisulfite
dechlorination-filtration) Investigations.
386
-------
u
D
-,:
:":
Ul
u
I
iee.0 p
90.a —
80.0 —
70.8 —
60.e r-
30.0 =-
10.0
-K-K-
III I ill III III II ll III III! ill I 111 ill IIIIlll ll
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.8 5.0
BISULFITE:!CL2 RflTIO
6.0
Figure 7. Plot of percent C12 removal versus bisulfite:C12 ratio.
Volatile Organics. Chlorination of the influent resulted in decreasing
the concentration of benzene, acrylonitrile and toluene by approximately
half. Chlorination increased chloroform concentrations from the 8 to 170
Ug/1 found in the raw influent to 3,700 - 22,000 yg/1 in the chlorinated
effluent. Dibromochloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, 1, 2 dichloroethane,
chlorobenzene and bromoform were not detected in the influent samples;
however, significant concentrations were found in the chlorinated effluent.
Neither Phase 1 or Phase 2 treatment systems were completely effective in
the removal of volatile organic priority pollutants. However, Phase 1
processes were superior, removing 10 to 100 times more volatile organics than
Phase 2. Only negligible volatile organics removals were observed during
Phase 2.
Semivolatile Organics. Phase 1 provided a more complete semivolatile
organic priority pollutant removal than Phase 2. The Phase 1 operation
removed all semivolatile organic priority pollutants to non-detectable
limits. Phase 2 reduced all semivolatile organics to less than 100 yg/1
except for naphthalene.
Metals. Phase 1 final effluent metals concentrations were very close
to the initial raw influent levels. Similarly, priority pollutant metals
were not removed in the Phase 2 operation.
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS (BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SITE)
General
The biological research work was performed at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
Corporation's Steuvenville East coke plant from October, 1979 to February,
387
-------
1980. The water application rate during the study period was 432 fc/kkg
(104 gal./ton).
As shown in Figure 8, three treatment trains were investigated. In the
first treatment train, plant wastewater from downstream of the coke plant
cooling tower was passed through a mixing tank, through the first stage
activated sludge system (carbonaceous removal) and then through the second
stage activated sludge system (nitrogen removal). The second treatment
train consisted of the first treatment train (bio-oxidation) followed by
activated carbon adsorption. The third treatment train included the compo-
nents of the first treatment train followed by dual media filtration.
The mix tank shown in Figure 8 was used for equalization, pH adjustment,
dilution, and chemical dispersal. As the wastewater flowed through the
first stage activated sludge system, carbonaceous material (BOD, Phenol, etc.)
was removed. Effluent from the first stage clarifier was pumped through
the second stage activated sludge system where ammonia nitrogen was oxidized
by the nitrification process. The use of powdered activated carbon to
remove toxics and improve settling was investigated. Final effluent from the
second stage activated sludge system was passed through the activated carbon
or dual media filtration systems late in the test program to complete the
second and third treatment train arrangements respectively.
Ill HCTIVATtQ 1UOCC. HITHIflCATIOII
tmutni
(11
siuiice.
C««MN
AS-2
t
\
Ml
ClAftl
b
•twin NT
()) MTIVATU JIUIWI, MITKIftCATIOIt. OU«l MOIA mtMTIO«
ClAHiritK
AS-2
t
UI
CUUMFlIt
^r
Figure 8,
Process trains investigated for treatment of
by-product coke plant wastewater.
388
-------
Wastewater Treatment System
There are two primary process water streams associated with the by-product
cokemaking operations at the plant investigated:
1. Benzol plant effluent.
2. Ammonia still excess liquor.
Strong ammonia liquor blowdown is stripped in the ammonia still by steam
and caustic soda. Due to the steam and caustic soda injection, the
volume of this stream increases and the temperature rises to -94°C (200°F).
Wastewater from the benzol plant is blended with the excess ammonia liquor
from the ammonia still for dilution and cooling purposes. This mixture,
of which about 25 percent is excess ammonia liquor, thereby is cooled to
44-67°C (112-152°F). After passing through an equalization tank and a
cooling tower, the wastewater has lost sufficient heat to make it amenable
to microorganism degradation. However, the waste still contains significant
concentrations of pollutants toxic to biological life. Therefore, down-
stream from the cooling tower, coal yard runoff and dilution service water
are added to the wastewater stream to make the waste acceptable to the
plant's single stage activated sludge treatment system.
The coke plant's equalized wastewater was used as a source of feed to the
pilot system during the study. Characteristics of this water are shown
below in Table 4. BPT and BAT limits are also shown in the table for the
plant investigated.
TABLE 4. FEEDWATER CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFLUENT
LIMITATIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SITE
Parameter
CN-T, mg/1
Phenol, mg/1
NH3, mg/1
O&G, mg/1
SS, mg/1
Sulfide, mg/1
SCN, mg/1
Diluted1
feed
9.7
657
767
17
70
30.7
451
BPT2
limit
52
3.6
217
26
223
-
-
BAT2
limit
2
0.11
32
20
86
0.6
1
1 Diluted in the ratio of 3 parts coke plant
equalized wastewater to 1 part service water.
2 Dev. Doc., By-Product Cokemaking-EPA440/l-79/024a.,
Oct., 1979.
As shown above, the pilot system feedwater was well above BPT limits for
phenol and ammonia during the test period.
389
-------
Biological Treatment Results
First Stage Carbonaceous Removal System. The first stage pilot
activated sludge system was effective in removing both BOD and phenol. The
feedwater was pH adjusted and diluted (3 parts coke plant wastewater to
1 part service water) prior to pilot scale treatment. Phosphoric acid
was also added.
Influent BOD ranged from 1,290 mg/1 to 2,550 mg/1 and averaged 1,800 mg/1.
The BOD removal efficiency was typically 95% with a range from 60 percent
to 99 percent. Good removals of phenol were.also observed in the first
stage system. Efficiency ranged from 90% to 100%. The average diluted
feed phenol concentration was 657 mg/1, with a range from 440 mg/1 to
920 mg/1. Removals of thiocyanate and TOG were also observed in the first
stage treatment system.
Second Stage Nitrogen Removal System. The primary objective of the
second stage bioxidation unit was to reduce influent concentrations of
ammonia through the nitrification process. The pilot system feed ammonia
during the study was quite variable, ranging from 293 mg/1 to 2,553 mg/1
after dilution. The average diluted feed ammonia concentration to the
pilot units was 767 mg/1. The influent wastewater to the second stage was
pH adjusted using sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide. Powdered activated
carbon was also added to reduce the effect of toxic shock loads and help
weight the nitrified sludge. Polymer was also added to the second stage
clarifier to minimize biomass losses over the weir.
Attempts to achieve a substantial population of nitrifiers were unsuccessful
during the first six weeks.of testing. Dilution to the second stage was
initiated on December 1, 1979 to help reduce the wide fluctuations in
feed ammonia concentration and therefore promote the growth of nitrifying
bacteria. This had a positive effect on the microorganism population and
nitrification began to take .place in early January, 1980. Excellent
ammonia removals were then consistently achieved for the duration of the
project as shown in Figure 9. Test results for a period of time when
nitrification was occurring are shown in Table 5.
TABLE 5. ANALYTICAL RESULTS FOR SELECTED TEST
PERIODS - NITRIFICATION SYSTEM
Dae*
1/16/80
1/18/80
1/21/80
1/23/80
1/23/80
1/28/80
SS
Inf.
47
34
26
27
41
57
(OB/1)
til.
56
66
61
31
59
93
NHa
Inf.
206
228
171
160
136
234
(mg/1)
Eff.
17
8
2
1
3
6
CN-
Inf.
2.0
3.6
3.6
8.3
9.5
13.3
-------
2259
£000
17SQ
isaa
1258
1003
750
sea
esa
a
IV
INFLUENT
EFFLUENT-
I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I M I I I I IT
111 IIUJ 1! Ill I
10/31 11/08 11/21 12/03 12/17 12/31 1/14 1/28 2/35
DFtTE
Figure 9. Influent ammonia versus AS-II effluent ammonia.
By comparing the Table 5 analytical results with the BAT limits shown in
Table 4, it is apparent that BAT guidelines could be met for all parameters.
Activated Carbon Results. The results of the biological test site
activated carbon study determined that carbon was effective in removing TOC
(53% removal), color (60% removal), BOD (40%) and SCN (79% removal) from
the second stage activated sludge effluent. There were also minor removals
of phenol, oil and grease and TKN.
Dual Media Filtration Results. Dual media filtration tests were also
performed on the nitrified effluent. Runs were conducted at filtration rates
of 122, 204, 326 and 407 i/m±nfm2 (3, 5, 8 and 10 gpm/ft2). During the
study, influent suspended solids averaged 190 mg/1. Removal efficiency
ranged from 17 to 64 percent.
During one of the dual media filtration runs, samples of influent, effluent,
and backwash were collected for metals analysis. The metals analysis data
are summarized in Table 6.
TABLE 6. DUAL MEDIA FILTRATION HEAVY METALS REMOVAL
Sample
Point
Influent
Effluent
Backwash
Heavy Metal Concentration, mg/1
Cu
0.06
0.05
0.86
Cd
0.03
0.03
0.13
Pb Zn
<0.1 2.4
<0.1 0.9
0.20 30.0
As
<0.0005
<0.0005
<0.0005
Se
0.56
0.42
2.33
Sb
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
391
-------
As seen in Table 6, copper, cadmium and selenium were removed In trace
amounts, while a significant amount of zinc was removed by the filter.
There were no measurable removals or arsenic or antimony.
Priority Pollutant Discussion (Biological Test Site)
Priority pollutant analyses were performed on the coke plant wastewater
treated in the experimental two stage biological system followed by the
pilot activated carbon adsorption unit. A total of 13 samples plus
appropriate blanks were collected during February, 1980.
Metals. The pilot treatment system was not effective in reducing
influent zinc concentrations. The mean influent concentration of zinc was
443 yg/1 and the effluent 400 yg/1. Zinc was found in high concentration
(630 yg/1) in the raw water added to the treatment system as makeup water.
Zinc concentrations in the carbon column effluent were reduced threefold
from the activated sludge effluent levels. Selenium was reduced by 772
from a mean Influent concentration of 1,370 yg/1 to a final effluent concen-
tration of 320 ug/1. The selenium concentration in the carbon column
effluent decreased approximately 25 percent from the activated sludge
effluent level. Arsenic was reduced from a mean influent concentration of
360 yg/1 to an effluent concentration of 99 yg/1. Influent silver concen-
tration was 18 yg/1 compared to an effluent level of 12 yg/1. All the
other priority pollutant metals were removed to concentration levels close
to or below detection limits.
Volatile _0_rganics_. The treatment process was effective in removing
all volatile organic priority pollutants.' Toluene was reduced from a mean
influent concentration of 607 yg/1 to a final effluent of less than 10 yg/1
(on two of the three sampling dates). While the activated sludge system
influent contained 6,100 yg/1 to 9,800 yg/1 of benzene, no benzene was
detected in the activated sludge or the final carbon column effluents. All
other volatile organic compounds in the activated sludge and carbon column
effluents were generally below the detection limits.
Base/Neutral Extractable Organics. The treatment process was effective
in reducing all monitored base/neutral extractable organics. The concen-
tration of all nine of the base/neutral compounds found in the influent
was reduced through the treatment process to less than 10 yg/1 in the
activated sludge final effluent.
Acid Extractable Qrganics. All acid extractable organic compounds
monitored were effectively removed by the treatment system. For example,
the system influent contained a mean concentration of 62 mg/1 phenol. Phenol
was reduced by the treatment process to less than the detection limit in the
final effluent. All other acid extractable organic compounds in the final
effluent were below the detection limit.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Physical-Chemical Test Site. Two physical-chemical treatment trains
were investigated. Train 1 consisted of alkaline chlorination, filtration
392
-------
and activated carbon. Train 2 consisted of alkaline chlorination, filtra-
tion and sodium bisulfite dechlorination.
1. The results of the pilot program indicated that alkaline chlorina-
tion was effective in reducing influent concentrations of ammonia,
oil and grease, phenol, sulfide, suspended solids and thiocyanate
to below future BAT levels. The presence of complexing agents in
the coke plant effluent prevented complete oxidation of the cyanide
by chlorine and as a result, BAT cyanide-T values could not be
consistently met.
2. Filtration provided effective polishing of the alkaline chlorinated
coke plant effluent, removing 71 percent of the influent suspended
solids. Suspended solids removal could be increased to 93 percent
with the addition of 3 mg/1 polymer.
3. Activated carbon and sodium bisulfite were investigated as dechlori-
nating agents. Activated carbon was found td consistently remove
95 percent of the incoming total chlorine. Sodium bisulfite
provided 100 percent chlorine removal at a bisulfite:chlorine
ratio of at least 2:1.
4. During the pilot study, 63 samples were analyzed for priority
pollutants. The results concluded that the physical/chemical
treatment trains investigated created several volatile organic
priority pollutants. Phase I technologies removed 73% of the
volatile organic priority pollutants to non-detectable limits;
Phase 2 technologies were effective in treating only 17% of
incoming volatile organic toxics to non-detectable levels. Semi-
volatile organics were all effectively reduced for Train 1.
Train 2 also reduced all semivolatile organics to less than 100
pg/l except for naphthalene. The physical/chemical treatment
trains removed only negligible concentrations of metals.
Biological Test Site. A pilot scale two stage activated sludge unit
was investigated for removing coke plant wastewater contaminants to below
BAT values. Filtration and activated carbon were also studied as polishing
steps.
1. The first stage activated sludge unit was capable of removing
95 percent of the influent BOD and from 90-100 percent of the
incoming phenol. Thiocyanate and TOG reductions were also
achieved.
2. Influent ammonia to the second stage activated sludge system was
quite variable, ranging from 293 mg/1 to 2,553 mg/1. It was
necessary to dilute the first stage activated sludge effluent to
maintain a consistent feed ammonia strength before nitrification
could be achieved. After a sufficient population of nitrifiers
were in the system, ammonia reductions of >97 percent were
consistently achieved. Suspended solids, oil and grease, thio-
cyanate and phenol were also reduced to below BAT levels.
393
-------
3. Activated carbon, when used as a polishing step for the nitrified
effluent, was capable of removing 53 percent of the influent IOC,
60 percent of the color, 40 percent of the BOD and 79 percent of
the remaining thiocyanate.
4. Dual media filtration was found to remove about 50 percent of the
suspended solids present in the second stage activated sludge
nitrified effluent.
5. Priority pollutant analyses were performed on 13 samples taken
from various points in the treatment system. All priority
pollutant metals were reduced to less than 100 yg/1 except for
selenium and zinc. The biological treatment train was efficient
in removing all volatile organics, base/neutral extractable
organics and acid extractable organics to non-detectable levels.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Rexnord acknowledges the cooperation and support of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. The assistance given by Robert Hendriks, Project
Officer was received with much appreciation. Deep appreciation is also
extended to Nick Buchko and Jim Zwickel of Shenango, Inc. and Bill Samples
of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation.
The information contained in this paper is part of a draft final report
being prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Modifications
to the enclosed material prior to publication of the final report are
probable.
394
-------
SINGLE STAGE NITRIFICATION OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATER
Dr. George Wong Chong
Environmental Research and Technology
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
and
Mr. John D. Hall
National Steel Corporation
Research and Development
Weirton, WV 26062
ABSTRACT
A laboratory scale study of single stage phenol oxidation-nitrification
activated sludge treatment of coke plant wastewater was conducted. The objec-
tives of the study were to determine:
the operating conditions at which a treated effluent would
contain an ammonia concentration of 10 mg/1 or less,
the effects of sudden changes in loadings of certain waste-
water constituents on the biological process,
the effects of the process on priority organic pollutants,
and
means of enhancing the biological process.
In this study, eight test reactors were used; the feed to these reactors was
undiluted ammonia still waste which was ammended to a constant composition of
ammonia, phenol and thiocyanate.
The results of the study show that the single stage phenol oxidation-nitrifica-
tion process can produce high degrees of treatment for ammonia, free cyanide,
phenol, thiocyanate and sulfide but it was ineffective in treating complex
cyanide. This process is also effective in controlling priority organic
pollutants found in coke plant wastewater. Sudden changes in the reactor
loadings of conventional pollutant constituents resulted in neither toxic nor
prolonged inhibitory effects. However, the process was sensitive in responding
to abrupt changes in feed composition and reactor composition. These responses
to changes should be tested on a full scale operation such that the true impact
of normal coke plant operations could be assessed. The preliminary evaluation
of activated carbon addition, carbonate addition and commercial mutant bacteria
addition as means of enhancing (increasing the rate of nitrification) were
inconclusive.
This study was conducted in fulfillment of an EPA Grant (No. R806234-01-2)
which provided partial funding for this program.
395
-------
SINGLE STAGE NITRIFICATION OF COKE PLANT WASTEWATER
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed "Best Available Technology
Economically Available," BAT, effluent guidelines for by-product coke plant
wastewaters may include: ammonia, cyanide (total), oil and grease, phenolic
compounds, sulfides, thiocyanates and priority pollutants. Alternative techno-
logies for achieving compliance with the proposed effluent guidelines are (a)
physical chemical technology and (b) biological treatment. The proposed BAT
biological technology suggests a multi-stage biological treatment system which
includes a phenol removal reactor, cyanide-ammonia oxidation reactor followed
by a nitrate reduction reactor and a final step aeration for the reoxidation
of sulfide. Figure 1 presents a flow diagram of the proposed BAT treatment
system showing a free/fixed leg ammonia still pretreatment stage. This report
deals with a single reactor alternative for phenol oxidation/nitrification.
Previously, National Steel conducted a preliminary examination of a single stage
biological reactor to determine the feasibility of this technology to produce
compliance with proposed BAT limitations. Although the evaluation had not
progressed sufficiently to conclude whether the process was a viable treatment
alternative, the results were sufficiently encouraging to warrant further
examination. The preliminary testing with a single stage pilot reactor,
treating coke plant ammonia still waste showed that both phenol oxidation and
nitrification could be achieved in single reactor system. However, too often
periods of sustained effective operation were interrupted by unidentified
episodes which completely disrupted the nitrification process; subsequent
start-up after an interruption required an extended period of reacclimation.
These extended periods were as long as seven weeks.
Undoubtedly, those unidentified disruptive episodes are causes for concern in
any decision to apply this technology on a full scale and In many respects they
reflect the level of understanding of this technology. Consequently, this
program was initiated. The objectives of the program were:
(1) To determine the operating conditions necessary to produce an effluent
with an ammonia concentration of 10 mg/1 or less and to determine the corres-
ponding concentration of the other conventional pollutants,
(2) To determine the effects of certain constituent compounds in coke plant
wastewater on the performance of the single stage phenol oxidation/nitrifica-
tion process,
(3) To conduct a preliminary examination of methods for enhancing the opera-
tion/performance of the single stage phenol oxidation/nitrification process,
(4) To determine the effects of the single stage phenol oxidation/nitrification
process on priority organic pollutants in coke plant wastewaters, and
396
-------
Flushing
Liquor
(WAL)
Free/Fixed
Ammonia
Still
Biological
Phenol
Removal
t
-<
Biological
Cyanide.& Ammonia
Oxidation
OJ
10
Discharge"
Step Aeration
Sulfide
Control
Biological
Nitrate
Reduction
I
Methanol
Figure 1. Flow Diagram of Proposed BAT Treatment System for By-Product Coke Plant
Wastewaters.
-------
(5) To develop a better understanding of the operation and performance of the
single stage phenol oxidation/nitrification process.
The program was essentially a laboratory investigation in which actual coke
plant wastewater was examined. This report presents the findings of this
program.
INVESTIGATIVE FACILITIES AND PROTOCOL
The experimental program was conducted at the National Steel Corporation
Research Center. Facilities for the biological wastewater treatment experi-
ments included: 1) a sludge bank reactor unit; 2) eight bench scale reactor
units and 3) support analytical facilities.
Sludge Bank Unit (SBR)
The sludge bank unit was a 160 gallon pilot reactor, Figure 2, which served
as a source of readily available acclimated sludge for the experimental pro-
gram. This pilot unit was used previously for the single stage biological
experiments which led to the study program. Although the unit was composed
of two discrete vessels, a single reactor effect was achieved by the common
heads between the two vessels and the high recirculatory rate. This reactor
has been in operation since October 1977. Feed to the pilot unit came from
the Weirton Steel Brown's Island coke plant ammonia still (ASW).
Because of the long term operation of this reactor, the sludge in the reactor
was fully acclimated to the wastewater. This readily available source of
acclimated sludge greatly facilitated the experiments which were conducted by
circumventing the long operating time required for sludge acclimation. Thus,
the experiments could be conducted to satisfy the hydraulic requirements for
steady state.
398
-------
pH
Controller
Temp.
Control
~85°F
CO
to
2000 Gal
Feed
Storage
Tank
Batch Filled
Feed Pump
Treated
Waste
Recirculation Pump
30 gpm
Figure 2. Sludge Bank Reactor Unit.
-------
Bench Scale Reactors
The bench scale reactors were all activated sludge type systems with a 31
liter aeration chamber and integral clarifier. Each unit was equipped with
its own feed system which enabled independent operation relative to operating
condition or feedwater composition. Figure 3 is an isometric diagram of a
bench scale activated sludge unit. The eight bench scale units were housed
in a temperature controlled cabinet. The temperature within this cabinet was
maintained at 85°F plus or minus 2 degrees.
One of the eight reactors, number 2, was operated exclusively as a control
reactor for the duration of the program. The other seven reactors were used
to study test variables. Often, a specific test condition was examined in
two reactors. All eight reactors were continuously monitored. When a spe-
cific test condition was not being examined in any reactor that reactor was
used for collecting additional control data.
The wastewater feed to the bench scale unit was ammonia still waste with the
major constituent concentrations adjusted as follows: 1) ammonia - (NH3) = 150
mg/1, 2) phenol = 500 mg/1, 3) thiocyanate = 300 mg/1 and 4) alkalinity -
1060 mg/1. In subsequent discussions the above ASW feed will be referred to
as a standard feed. It is recognized that in real practice the wastewater
will not have a constant composition. However, the variability in feed com-
position had to be minimized in order to better evaluate variable effects.
In specific phases of the program the feed was changed to meet desired
requirements.
Reactor Monitoring and Chemical Analyses
All the bench scale units were monitored daily for the following: 1) feed
and effluent flow rate, 2) reactor pH with appropriate adjustments when
necessary, 3) reactor DO, 4) reactor temperature and 5) reactor sludge volume.
Appropriate feed and reactor mixed liquor samples were taken for analyses as
per Standard Methods. Table 1 presents a schedule of sample analysis. Addi-
tional analyses were conducted as necessary. Two sets of samples were taken
for priority organic analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrograph.
SINGLE STAGE CONTINUOUS FLOW REACTOR KINETICS
Wong-Chong and Caruso(D examined the treatment of coke plant wastewater in
a single stage reactor for phenol degradation and nitrification. Their study
examined the treatment in batch and continuous flow reactors; both synthetic
and actual coke plant wastewater were used. The batch reactor experiments
provided information on the order of the different reactions involved, some
insight into interactions which might occur, and the sequence in which the
reactions occur. These observations are shown in Figure 4. These observa-
tions indicate that the nitrification reaction is the process controlling step
and the reaction is of zero order with respect to ammonia nitrogen. Thus,
the reaction can be mathematically described as
~- - kA/MLSS (1)
400
-------
Test Feed Reservoir
Air
Humidification
Seated
Effluent
Reservoir
Figure 3. Isometric Diagram of Bench-Scale Activated Sludge Unit
401
-------
Table 1. REACTOR AND EFFLUENT ANALYSIS SCHEDULE
Parameter Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Ammonia XX X
Cyanide, Free X X
Cyanide, Total X X
Thiocyanate X X
Sulfides X X
Phenol X X
Phosphates X
Alkalinity X
Nitrite & Nitrate X
Solids X
COD X
Oil and Grease X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
402
-------
- 250
120 -
6 8 10
Reaction Time hrs.
12
16
Figure 4. Reaction Sequence for Ammonia, Cyanide, Phenol and Thiocyanate In a Batch
Reactor.
-------
where EN = concentration of oxidizable nitrogen.
= NH4+ - N + 0.54 CNF- + 0.24 SCN~
k^/MLSS = oxidation rate for a given mixed liquor solids concentration
t = reaction time
Applying Equation 1 to a continuous flow, batch mixed reactor and performing
a material balance around the reactor produces the expression
EN = ENt - TkA - Aie-t/1 (2)
where EN = effluent oxidizable nitrogen concentration
EN-i - feed oxidizable nitrogen concentration
A! = boundary condition factor (constant of integration)
T - hydraulic residence time
at steady state condition, Equation 2 simplifies to
EN - ENi - TkA (3)
and from Equation 3, the reaction rate for a specific mixed liquor sludge can
be expressed
=-= («)
From the previous observations^ ' with various levels of mixed liquor solids,
kA was correlated as a function of mixed liquor solids as
k -= 15.2 (TVS) (5)
where TVS = mixed liquid volatile solids, g/1. The control reactors had
measured oxidation rates which had good agreement with those previously re-
ported, as shown in Figure 5. Details of these test experiments are presented
in Table 2.
Equation 2 can be used to describe both steady state and transient state
operations. Transient conditions can result from changes in feed flow rates
and substrate loadings. This occurrence is demonstrated in Figure 6.
The reactor was operating under the following conditions: 1)
reactor mixed liquor solids =4.20 g/1 TVS, 2) hydraulic residence time,
HRT, -3.9 days and 3) nitrogen oxidation rate =55.6 ing/I/day. The feed
flow rate was increased to produce a hydraulic residence time of 2.2 days.
From the above information, the reactor EN concentration can be predicted by
N - 104 - 96e~°'45T (6)
It must be noted that a major fraction of the residual oxidizable nitrogen
was due to ammonia, although the thiocyanate concentrations were very high.
However, these high thiocyanate concentrations were well within the range of
predicted values.
404
-------
Figure 5. Agreement Between the Oxidation Rates from
Control Reactors of this Program and that
Previously Reported.
200
Reported oxidation rate
curve as a function of
reactor solids
k= 15-2 TVS (Mellon Institute)
OControl reactors
experimental results
2.0 4.0 6-°
Mixed Liquor Solids, g/1 TVS
10.0
405
-------
Table 2. DETAILS OF THE OPERATION OF CONTROL REACTORS
Feed Composition
Phenol = 500 mg/1
CNF = <0.1 mg/1
NH3 =
SCN =
EN =
= 150
= 300
= 225
Reactor Operating Conditions
Reactor
1
2
3
3A
4(b)
6
7
7A(0
6
7
7
6
7
7
7
7
.5-7.6
.0-7.5
.2-7.7
.9-7.6
.0-7.6
.1-7.6
.1-7.4
.1-7.6
T
days
3.7
3.5
3.3
3.7
3.8
2.7
3.9
5.0
days
192
250
174
177
96
153
156
282
k
mg/1 /day
57.5
60
67
56
59
83
55
54
.9
.0
.2
.9
.0
.6
.9
MLTVS
4.24
5.10
4.65
4.14
3.47
5.05
4.20
3.43
MLSS
g/1
4.05
5.17
4.58
3.91
3.03
5.10
3.99
2.98
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
Average
Effluent Composition (d)
NH3
11±18
9±16
4±3
12±22
7±8
14+25
7+10
3±2
SCN
mg/1 CNF
5±6 <0.1
11±22 <0.1
11110 <0.1
13±19 <0.1
9±10 <0.1
11±19 <0.1
6±5 <0.1
29±46 <0.1
<()OH
Ug/1
20±20
17±16
17+11
25128
31±47
22±26
68±90
79+58
(a) Basis - suspended solids
(b) Feed contains 350 mg/1 SCN
(c) Feed contains 210 mg/1 NH3
(d) Negative values observed due to variability in the actual numbers.
406
-------
Figure 6. Prediction of Transient Conditions Using
Equation 2.
0
129
120
Predicted SCN = 134 mg/1
100
c
0)
o
o
u
01
60
O
4-1
•H
z
-------
The thiocyanate concentrations can be predicted by an equation similar to
Equation 2, where the thiocyanate concentrations are substituted for nitrogen.
Thus, for the situation shown in Figure 6, the degradation rate kgcN is
75.4 rag/ I/ day and
S - Si - 75.4 T - Be-T/T (7)
S = 134 - 28 e~°'A5T (7A)
From Equation 7A, the new steady state concentration of thiocyanate would be
134 mg/1 which compares well with those observed as shown in Figure 6.
In comparing the predicted with those of the observed, one notices a marked
difference, especially in the early stages of the transition period. At best
the mathematically formulations presented will provide an estimate of effects
resulting from changes. It must be recognized that biological treatment
systems are dynamic systems and during transition periods such as that shown
in Figure 6, there is a potential for the number of nitrifying organisms tn
increase resulting in the lower observed values. However, if the imposed
change results in events occurring at a rate greater than the growth ratey
of the organisms then there will be an accumulation of materials in the
reactor. These materials which accumulate in the reactor in turn could exert
an inhibitory effect on the micro-organisms once certain tolerance levels are
exceeded. Alteration of activity by inhibitory materials could result in
severe reductions in oxidation rates. The result would be observed rate
values greater than predicted.
In the course of biological treatment, certain quantities of excess sludge
are produced. This sludge production can be predicted by
U - b
where 9C = sludge retention time, days
b = microblal maintenance energy coefficient, day~l
U * specific substrate utilization rate, day~l
maximum sludge yield coefficient
From Equation 8, a plot of Qc~^ against U will produce values for ymax and
b. Figure 7 presents a plot of operating data taken from the control reactors
during the study. From this plot, the value of yraax is 0.7 mg SS formed per
mg of nitrogen oxidized and b is 0.004 day~l. With this information the
potential sludge production can be estimated from
ye Vmax
From Equation 9, the amount of sludge produced, Sp, can be determined from the
amount of nitrogen oxidized and the wastewater flow rate according to
Sp - Q (ZNln - ZNout)ye (10)
408
-------
10
-2
-4
I
8 12
u x 103
16
20
b « 0.004 day"1
mQm7jaJL
u - b
,ngNoxld
Figure 7. Sludge Production in the Single-Stage Phenol-Nitrification
Process for Coke Plant Wastewaters.
409
-------
where Sp - sludge production rate, mg SS/l/day
Q * wastewater flow rate, I/day
IN - concentration of oxidizable N, mg/1
EFFECTS OF REACTOR CONDITIONS
The reactor operating conditions of primary concern are: 1) mixed liquor
solids concentration, 2) hydraulic residence time, 3) pH and alkalinity,
A) dissolved oxygen concentration and 5) temperature.
Mixed Liquor Solids and Hydraulic Residence Time
In designing a biological treatment system there are essentially two main
factors which will affect the sizfe of the system. These are the mixed liquor
solids concentration and the hydraulic residence time. The mixed liquor
solids concentration is related to the reactions rates shown in Figure 5.
However, these rates can be influenced by other factors such as pH, tempera-
ture, and dissolved oxygen. The reaction kinetics presented earlier can be
manipulated to show the relationship between hydraulic residence time and
mixed liquor solids as follows:
TVS - £Ni".T2£NOU.t (11)
Thus, for a given wastewater stream and desired effluent quality, the size of
the aeration basin can be related to the mixed liquor solids concentration
using Equation 11. This equation indicates that the higher the mixed liquor
sludge concentration the smaller the volume of the aeration basin.
pH and Alkalinity
Two of the experimental pilot reactors were operated over a range of pH con-
ditions to determine the effect(s) of pH on nitrification, the results of
which are summarized in Figure 8. It is, noted that the range shown in Figure
8 is somewhat greater than the 7.0-7.5 range mentioned in the literature as
being the optimum environmental condition for the maintenance of the nitrifi-
cation reaction.(2) it is also noted that the sludge content of the two
reactors was different and the reactor with the greater mixed liquor sludge
concentration was used in examining the higher pH region. From Figure 5 it
would be expected that the reactor with the higher sludge content would have
a higher oxidation capacity. This greater oxidative capacity coupled with a
long hydraulic residence time may have counteracted any negative effect at pH
levels greater than 7.5. The result could be the higher efficiencies observed
at pH 7.7 and 7.9 when compared to optimum efficiencies discussed in the
available literature.
The data points at pH 8.1 and 8.3 on Figure 8 are also significant in that
steady.state conditions were not achieved during the experimental work-
suggesting that the real efficiency could have been lower than shown. The
detailed data for these two data points are presented in Figure 9. From
Figure 9, it can be seen that with a pH increase from 7.9 to 8.1, there was
a slight increase in thiocyanate concentration. In addition, further
410
-------
Figure 8. Effect of pH on Nitrification of Coke Plant
Wastewaters.
100 -
90
c
o
-------
0.3
g 0.2
•O
0)
ir
a.
o
2
4J
c
-------
increasing the pH to 8.3 resulted in a substantial increase in thiocyanate
concentration. Decreasing the reactor pH from 8.3 to 7.2 resulted in an
immediate reduction in the reactor thiocyanate concentration. In effect,
high pH levels, >8.1, appear to adversely affect SON degradation.
The mixed liquor thiocyanate concentration, possibly along with the synergis-
tlc effect of pH, appears to adversely affect the nitrification reaction.
Deterioration of nitrification appeared at a thiocyanate concentration about
100 mg/1 and pH of 8.3.
The effect of pH on the biological treatment process is further illustrated
in Figure 10. Figure 10 represents the performance of a reactor receiving
ammonia still waste as produced, i.e., the raw wastewater composition varies.
Further, in this test sequence the feed flow rate also varied, as shown. The
data in Figure 10 suggest the following: 1) both high and low pH conditions
affect nitrification, 2) the adverse effect of low or high pH can be counter-
acted by decreasing the wastewater flow rate and 3) high pH conditions affect
SCN degradation. In spite of the observed fluctuations, phenol treatment was
99.9% 4- effective, with effluent concentrations less than 200 vig/1.
The ammonia-nitrogen oxidation reaction produces acid according to the follow-
ing equation:
NH4 + 1.502 -»• N02" + 2H+ + H20 (12)
The formed acid tends to decrease the pH of the reaction medium, and in order
to maintain optimum reaction efficiency, alkalinity must be added to the
system to neutralize the acid produced. Stoichiometrically, 7.14 units of
CaC03 alkalinity are required to neutralize the acid generated from the oxida-
tion of one unit weight of ammonia-nitrogen. A series of tests was conducted
to determine the alkalinity requirements. Figure 11 presents the results of
those tests and the alkalinity requirement A, can be estimated from
A - 4.46N - 517
where A - CaCC>3 alkalinity required, mg/1
N « nitrogen oxidized, mg/1
The correlation shows that 4.5 units of CaC03 alkalinity are required for every
unit weight of nitrogen oxidized.
Dissolved Oxygen
In the course of the study, project efforts were taken to maintain all reactor
dissolved oxygen levels greater than 1.0 mg/1. There was no deliberate
affort to determine the effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Temperature
The temperature studies covered the range from 60°F to 95°F. From the temper-
ature evaluation it was determined that, 1) optimum reactor operating temper-
ature is between 70°F and 80°F, 2) sludge oxidation occurs at 95°F, 3) normal
413
-------
Figure 10. Performance of a Phenol-Nitrification Reactor Receiving As-Produced ASW.
g .6
QJ ^4
B .2
AJ
3 o
8
a 7
a
6
5
40
30
ed
fc 20
8
Legend
O Ammonia
2 46 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
Days of Operation
-------
en
• 6"
en
u
.4
0
8
7
6
5
40
30
c
o
•H
4-1
R3
G 20
QJ
§
10 -
figure 10. Performance of a Phenol-Nitrification Reactor Receiving As-Produced
ASW. (continued)
Legend
O Ammonia
D Thiocyanate
62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104
Days of Operation
-------
Figure H. Alkalinity Requirement for the Control of pH in
the Nitrification of Coke Plant Wastewaters.
4000
3000
o
CO
r-l
<
O
u
2000
1000
200
I
y - 4.46X - 517
Reactor D.O 1.0-5.0 mg/1
I
I
400 600 800
Nitrogen Oxidized, tag/1
1000
416
-------
operating residence times will have to be increased at reactor temperatures
below 70°F to maintain nitritication and 4) phenol oxidizing bacteria may be
adaptable to operating temperatures less than 70°F. Figure 12 shows the
nitrogen oxidation rates for the temperatures of 95°F, 80°F, 70°F and 60°F.
Optimum rate of nitrification was observed to be between 70°F and 80°F.
Significant decreases in the oxidation rate occur outside this boundary.
Extrapolation of the data line from the data point at 60°F into lower temper-
ature ranges and observing all data points up to a temperature of 80°F indi-
cates that the rate of nitrification increases with temperature throughout the
range. However, when the reactor temperature was allowed to increase beyond
the optimum range, the nitrification rate decreases possibly due to bacteria
cellular destruction.
Figure 13 is a graphic presentation of the reactor concentrations of
ammonia, phenol and thiocyanate at the evaluated temperatures. Although all
data points are connected by straight lines, it is noted that system adjust-
ments occurred between temperature changes. It was necessary to replenish
the mixed liquor suspended solids in the reactor after the 95°F evaluation.
Only a short evaluation period for a temperature of 80°F was performed as
prior experience during the initial phases of the project had shown that 80°F
was near an optimum operating temperature. The intent of the temperature
evaluation was to determine the stresses, if any, on the bio-process when
the temperature was allowed to vary from the established optimum temperature.
Two evaluations were made at the 95°F operating temperature, although only
one set of data is shown in Figure 13. In the first experiment it was noted
that a significant loss of mixed liquor suspended solids occurred, although
no deliberate sludge wasting was being practiced. After twenty operating
days, the reactor concentrations of ammonia, phenol and thiocyanate
had increased significantly indicating that the biological functions had been
severely inhibited. The obvious cause was the decrease in the mixed liquor
suspended solids or a lack of micro-organisms for contaminant oxidation. The
pilpt reactor'was replenished with sludge from the sludge bank to a mixed
liquor suspended solids concentration corresponding to the concentration when
the experiment originally began. Figure 14 shows volatile suspended solids
concentration versus time and the reactor residual ammonia, phenol and thio-
cyanate concentration at an operating temperature of 95°F. An immediate
decrease in the volatile suspended solids concentration was observed which
continued for 20 operating days. Correspondingly, there was a sharp decrease
in thiocyanate removal, followed by a decrease in ammonia and phenol oxidation.
It was concluded that at an operating temperature of 95°F (and above) the
activated sludge experiences combustion (oxidation or cellular destruction)
to a degree that renders the activated sludge system useless even though
other parameters such as hydraulic residence time, pH and DO were held con-
stant resulting in no external stresses to the bio-system.
In general, the mechanisms affecting the nitrogen oxidation rates below and
above the optimum rates appear to be different. At temperatures below the
optimum rate, bacterial action is reduced by lower metabolism rates. At
temperatures greater than optimum, nitrification is affected by sludge
417
-------
70
Figure 12. Nitrogen Oxidation Rate Versus
Reactor Operating Temperature.
pH =7.3
Retention Times 5.3 Days
MLSS =~2.3 g/1
60
l^»
5
.-1
»50
0)
|
4J
•3 40
I
£
M
8
30
20
10
1
I
60
70 80
Temperature °F
418
90
100
-------
(II
4J
id
§
^
u
o
•rl
g
rt
•H rH
c o
O C
0
M
C
-------
1600
&1400
•k
31200
o
CO
•giooo
•a
t 800
9
u 600
iH
•H
,5 400
o
200
>100
90
80
70
I 60
50
s
I
30
20
10
Figure 14. Residual Reactor Concentrations of
Ammonia, Phenol, and Thiocyanate
Corresponding to Volatile Suspended
Solids Concentrations, Reactor
Temp. - 95UF and Mo Sludge Wasting.
Reactor Thiocyanate
Concentration ppm
Reactor Ammonia
Concentration ppm
1
10
15 20 25
Operating Days
30
35
420
-------
oxidation reducing the quantity of bacteria available for contaminant removal.
To increase the oxidation rates at operating temperatures lower than optimum,
the residence time could be increased. Increased residence times will simply
allow for more contact time between the contaminants in the feed water and
the bacteria operating at reduced metabolic rates.
One exception to the effect of temperature at lower temperatures (<70°F), is
the apparent ability of the phenol oxidation organisms to adapt or acclimate
to the lower temperatures as can be observed in Figure 13.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS IN RAW WASTEWATER
Different components in coke plant wastewater were examined for their effects
on the biological phenol-nitrification treatment process. The components
examined were: 1) ammonia, 2) thiocyanate, 3) cyanide (free and complex),
4) light oil (by-product BTX), 5) sulfide and 6) phenol. The objective of
examining the effects of these materials was to understand the biological
process such that in the event of a shock loading upset condition, proper
corrective measures could be implemented.
Ammonia
The effects of ammonia were examined by incrementally increasing the concen-
tration of ammonia in the feed wastewater. Two pilot reactors, nos. 7
and 8, were used to (a) provide duplication of the observations and (b) to
observe the influence of mixed liquor sludge on those effects.
Figures 15 and 16 present the chronological observations on ammonia and thio-
cyanate concentrations. Other pertinent data such as mixed liquor solids,
hydraulic residence time, feed ammonia and INj_, mean pH and N-oxidation rate,
k, are presented. In Figure 15 it can be seen that with the reactor operating
at a HRT "5.2 days the feed ammonia concentration was increased from 210 mg/1
to 510 mg/1 in a 30 day period without any adverse effect on the effluent
ammonia and thiocyanate concentration. It is also noted that k^ also increased
from 56.0 mg/l/day to 104.5 mg/l/day. For the mixed liquor sludge concentra-
tion, the 56.0 mg/l/day oxidation rate was expected; however, the virtual
doubling of the oxidation rate was not expected. Apparently, by increasing
the ammonia content of the feed wastewater, a population shift in the sludge
occurred, i.e., there was an increase in the number of nitrifying organisms.
Another interesting facet of the data shown in Figure 15, is the apparent
failure. Up to the 35th day, the reactor functioned effectively, i.e., there
were low concentrations of ammonia and thiocyanate in the treated wastewater.
For the succeeding period, 36th to 50th day, the wastewater loading to the
reactor was increased, hydraulic residence time of 4.15 days, resulting in a
gradual increase in both ammonia and thiocyanate concentrations and the bio-
process appeared to be headed toward failure.
However, with a decrease in the reactor loading, hydraulic residence time of
5.5 days, for the final 10 days of the test, the ammonia concentration appears
to be stabilized at 40 mg/1 and tending toward even lower concentrations; the
421
-------
Figure 15. Effect of Increasing the EN Load on Reactor No. 7.
160
IS> T-l
fS» 4J
«
H
80
W
Feed NH-j
Feed EN±
HRT
PH
Mean TVS
SRT
210 mg/1 310
285 mg/1 385
5.0 days 5.2
55 mg/I/day
7.2 7.3
3434 mg/1
230-287 days
460
535
5.24
103
7.3
510
585
5.4
104
7.3
510
585
4.15
7.4
5.5
93.5
7.4
Legend
O NH3
D SCN
10
Days of Operation
-------
OJ
i
g
-
-
-
M
U
C«
<1)
-
=
:
U
200
160
120
80
—
_ Feed NH3
Feed EN
HRT
Reactor pH
kA
MLTVS
SRT
<<) OH
Figure 16. Effect of Increased £N Loading on Reactor No. 8.
260 mg/1 310
335 mg/1 385
5.0 days 4.3
7.2 7.4
67 mg/l/day 79
8200 mg/1
280-470 mg/1
>200 pg/1
360
435
5.2
7.2
85
560
635
5.2
7.3
120
650
725
4.7
7.4
154
750
825
4.7
7.4
176
Legend
O NH3
D SCN
10
20
30
40
50
Days of Operation
-------
Figure 16. Effect of Increased ZN Loading on Reactor No. 8. (continued)
750
825
4.1
7.5
201
70
80 90
Days of Operation
100
9.0
P.
8.0
=
jj
7.0
-------
thiocyanate concentration while high also, appeared to have peaked and began
to decline. During the final 10 days, the average k was 93.5 ing/I/day which
compares well with the 104 mg/l/day observed prior to the 35th day. In
effect the micro-organisms were effectively removing the substrate material
both in the feed and that which had accumulated in the reactor. The reactor
operational adjustment of reducing the loading rate (increasing the hydraulic
residence time) was an effective way of achieving recovery from the upset.
In the duplicate experiment, chronological data shown in Figure 16, the mixed
liquor sludge was about 8200 mg/1 TVS. With this reactor sludge concentration,
an estimate of k^ is about 120 mg/l/day from Figure 5. Thus, the effective
treatment during the initial 40 days of the experiment was not unexpected.
However, with the gradual increase in nitrogen loading to the reactor, feed
ammonia of 750 mg/1 and EN of 825 mg/1, kA increased to about 200 mg/l/day;
again almost a two fold increase. On the 78th day, the reactor loading was
again increased this time both in feed concentration, ZN of 975 mg/1, and
hydraulic residence time of 3.9 days. The reactor responded with an immediate
increase in ammonia concentration which gradually decreased with time.
At this point, the reactor appeared to be operating in a stabilized manner.
On the 99th day, the reactor loading was again increased by decreasing the
hydraulic residence time to 3.2 days. This increase in loading resulted in
an increase in the reactor thiocyanate concentration and an eventual increase
in ammonia concentration. The residual concentration of contaminants in the
reactor increased to what appeared to be a failure of the system for nitrogen
removal.
From the two series of experiments shown in Figures 15 and 16, it can be con-
cluded that the wastewater feed ammonia concentration per se had little effect
on the effectiveness of the treatment reactors. However, other factors such
as loading rates, hydraulic residence time, reactor pH and sludge concentra-
tion greatly influence the treatability of feeds with high concentrations of
ammonia.
Thiocyanate
The effects of thiocyanate were examined in two reactors, no. 3 and no. 4.
In reactor no. 4, the feed thiocyanate concentration was incrementally
increased from the normal 300 mg/1 to 500 mg/1. This reactor was observed
for a period of 55 days and there appeared to be no adverse effect on the
performance of the reactor as a result of the increased concentration of
thiocyanate in the feed wastewater. Table 3 presents the performance data
for this test, and the average effluent quality for the test was as follows:
1) ammonia concentration = 5 ± 5 mg/1, 2) thiocyanate concentration «• 9 ±
16 mg/1 and 3) phenol concentration «= 77 ± 219 yg/1. The reactor operating
conditions were: 1) hydraulic residence time = 3.9 ± 1.0 days, 2) mixed
liquor sludge = 3465 mg/1 TVS, 3) kA - 63 mg/l/day, 4) pH - 7.2 ± 0.2 and
5) temperature - 80-90°F.
Reactor no. 3 was used to examine the effect of direct spiked addition of
thiocyanate on the performance of the bio-process. Table 4 presents the per-
formance data for this series of tests and the indications are that spiked
concentrations of thiocyanate up to 40 mg/1 did not have any adverse effect
on the reactor operating at the conditions shown.
425
-------
Table 3. EFFECT OF FEED SCN CONCENTRATION ON PERFORMANCE
OF A REACTOR WITH 3465 rag/I TVS
Reactor Concentration^3) Feed^3)
Day of
Operation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15'
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Reactor
PH
7.2
7.0
7.1
7.0
7.2
7.0
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.0
7.3
7.1
7.2
6.9
7.1
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.3
7.0
7.3
7.6
7.3
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.2
7.2
7.0
7.1
7.0
7.0
7.4
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.3
7.0
7.3
7.5
7.2 ± 0.2
HRT,
Days
6.2
5.3
4.7
4.3
4.2
4.0
4.5
4.8
4.5
6.7
4.2
3.6
3.7
3.6
3.7
4.0
3.6
3.8
3.9
4.9
5.6
5.9
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.4
3.4
2.7
2.8
3.0
3.4
3.2
3.4
4.6
3.5
2.8
2.7
3.3
2.4
2.7
3.9 ± 1.0
NH
6
8
5
3
9
6
6
7
5
3
4
4
6
9
2
4
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
16
4
15
10
0
1
1
25
2
2
5 ±
3 SCN
mg/1
8
12
3
5
4
0
3
2
2
8
12
73
6
7
7
4
5
6
5 9 ± 16
4>OH
pg/1
62
20
30
0
0
16
7
3
148
10
16
10
966
16
3
2
16
2
143
77 ± 219
SCN
mg/1
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
350
350
350
350
350
350
350
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
(a) Other feed components NH*
(b) Negative numbers observed
-150 mg/1; $OH - 500 mg/1, Alkalinity
due to variability in actual numbers.
426
60 mg/1
-------
Table 4. EFFECT OF SPIKE ADDITIONS OF SON ON REACTOR PERFORMANCE <
Reactor Concentration
Day of Reactor HRT, NH3 SCN <|>OH SCN
Operation pH Days _ mg/1 _ yg/1 mg/1
0 7.2 4.8 3
1 7.2 4.6 6 7 45
2 7.2 4.1 4
3 7.4 4.0 9 34
4 7.1 4.4
5 7.2 4.5
6 7.2 4.0 16 1 16 10
7 7.2 4.3 9 10
8 13 8 11 10
9 6 20
10 8 6 10 20
11
12
13 7.0 3.7 8 3 0 20
14 7.3 3.9 7 30
15 7.2 3.3 7
16 7.2 3.8 9
17 7.0 4.1 40
18 7.1 02
19 7.6 4.0 5
(a) Reactor operated with 3790 mg/1 TVS mixed liquor solids; temperature
74-86°F.
(b) SCN added to reactor to give concentrations shown.
427
-------
In the test series shown in Figure 15 (ammonia concentration evaluation),
where the reactor was operated at a pH ~7.4, the thiocyanate accumulated up
to about 160 mg/1 without any apparent adverse effects on the nitrification
reaction. On the other hand, the data in Figure 9 (pH evaluation) show
nitrification was adversely affected at a thiocyanate concentration about 90
mg/1 at a pH of 8.3, indicating a possible aynergism between thiocyanate con-
centration and pH. This possibility was further reinforced by the observations
shown in Figure 16 (ammonia concentration evaluation) where the eventual
reactor failure could be attributed to the combined effect of high pH and
high thiocyanate concentration.
Free Cyanide
The coke plant wastewater used in this study program contained less than 0.1
mg/1 of free cyanide, CN^, and to determine the effect of this material, the
feed water was spiked to 40 mg/1 CNf. The response of the biological treat-
ment system to the free cyanide spiked feed is shown in Figure 17. Because
of the generally low level of free cyanide in the wastewater, the micro-
organisms were not fully prepared to respond to the new feed. The result was
an accumulation of free cyanide in the reactor. The presence of free cyanide
adversely affected the nitrification reaction resulting in the ammonia concen-
tration increasing to about 120 mg/1. The most surprising feature of this
experiment was the ability of the nitrifying organisms to acclimate or tolerate
the high free cyanide concentration, 12 mg/1. This acclimation or tolerance
resulted in the rapid reduction of the reactor ammonia concentration.
Throughout this test, the reactor thiocyanate concentration was about 2 mg/1
and the phenol concentration was less than 0.2 mg/1. This observation was
surprising because it was previously reported'^' that 0.5 mg/1 free cyanide
completely inhibited the nitrification reaction and 3.0 mg/1 inhibited the
thiocyanate reaction. However, it does demonstrate that the nitrifying
organisms can tolerate and adapt to high concentrations of free cyanide.
Complex Cyanide
The complex cyanide content of the wastewater used varied from 6 to 108 mg/1.
Furthermore, it was noticed that these compounds tended to pass through the
biological reactor unaltered and without exerting any adverse effect on the
reactor performance. In spite of these observations, a test reactor was
assembled to monitor the effect of complex cyanide. The raw wastewater was
spiked with potassium ferri-cyanide, K.3Fe(CN)g, to produce a complex cyanide
concentration of 84 mg/1. Figure 18 shows the complex cyanide concentrations
observed during the operation of the test reactor and compares these observa-
tions with a predicted profile. The basis for the prediction profile are:
1) no alteration of complex cyanide, 2) operating conditions of the reactor,
i.e., hydraulic residence time of 3.9 days and 3) an initial complex cyanide
concentration of 25 mg/1 in the reactor. This prediction profile is mathema-
tically described as:
C = Ct - 59e~°'256T (13)
There is no real reason for the difference between the prediction and observed
values, and the magnitude of these differences does raise some questions re-
garding the ineffectiveness of biologically degrading the complex ferro-
cyanides. In the course of this test, the following are the reactor conditions:
1) ammonia concentration - 3.7 ± 2.6 mg/1, 2) thiocyanate concentration -
428
-------
Figure 17. Effect of Free Cyanide on Nitrification.
0.4
•:•
0.2
:
a
100
75
CO
iJ 50
ai
SJ 25
Start Feed w/CNF = 40 rag/1
Legend
O NH3
Free CN
5 10
Days of Operation
15
20
429
-------
Figure 18. Complex Cyanide Profile Through Reactor No. 7.
tA>
o
80
60
g 40
iH
I
U
20
No Loss of CN,
- 59e
-0.256t
I
10 15
Days of Operation
20
25
-------
3.6 ± 2.6 mg/1, 3) phenol concentration = 32 ± 26 yg/1, 4) hydraulic residence
time - 3.9 days, 5) pH = 7.3 ± 0.2, 6) temperature = 80-90°F and 7) reactor
dissolved oxygen concentration = >1.0 mg/1.
Light Oil
In the by-product operation of coke plants, light oils are produced. These
oils are mixtures of benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX). In the course of
these product operations, there is always the possibility that some of these
light oils could reach the wastewater treatment system. With this possibility
in mind, the effects of these light oils on the performance of the' biological
treatment process were examined. Because these light oils are nearly immiscible
in the wastewater, it was believed that they would enter the biological treat-
ment system as a "slug." Thus the procedure for this evaluation was to add
certain quantities of the light oil directly to the reactor.
The performance data for the test reactor are presented in Table 5. Despite
the two ammonia peaks at days 2 and 25, the overall performance data appear to
be very similar to data obtained from control reactors maintained during the
study. In effect the light oil does not appear to have any direct adverse
effect on the nitrification reaction.
There is a potential for an indirect adverse effect, i.e., reduction of the
oxygen transfer and mixing capabilities of the aeration equipment. Light oils
entering the aeration basin could change the surface chemistry characteristics
of the mixed liquor; the most likely characteristic which could be altered is
the surface tension of the liquor. A severely decreased surface tension could
adversely affect both mixing and oxygen transfer.
Sulfide
In most coke plants where vacuum-carbonate desulfvirization is practiced, the
blowdown from this unit is processed through the ammonia still with the waste
ammonia liquor. In the free leg still, almost all of the acid gases including
H2S are removed. The ammonia still waste used in the course of this study
contained relatively low concentrations of sulfide, about 25 mg/1. However,
there is always the potential of high sulfide containing wastewaters being
inadvertently routed directly to the wastewater treatment system.
The effects of a wastewater containing high concentrations of sulfide were
examined by progressively increasing the sulfide content of the feed waste-
water from the normal 25 mg/1 to 500 mg/1. Figure 19 summarizes the results
of this evaluation showing the feed wastewater sulfide concentration had
virtually no effect on the reactor ammonia, thiocyanate and phenol concentra-
tions. It was, however, observed that the wastewater sulfide tended to
suppress the pH of the reactor requiring more frequent measurement and con-
trol.
Direct addition of sulfide to concentrations up to 40 mg/1 to another test
reactor also had no effect on the treatment process.
Throughout the course of this study program the reactor effluent sulfide con-
centrations were generally less than 0.5 mg/1.
431
-------
Table 5. EFFECT OF LIGHT OILS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE-STAGE
PHENOL-NITRIFICATION REACTOR(a)
Reactor Concentration
Day of
Operation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Reactor
PH
7.1
7.1
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.3
7.5
7.6
7.2
7.1
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.4
7.6
HRT,
Days
4.3
4.0
4.3
4.2
4.7
4.3
4.2
4.2
3.9
3.9
4.1
4.0
3.8
4.7
4.3
4.1
4.2
4.0
3.6
4.1
3.9
3.7
3.9
4.2
4.0
3.8
2.9
4.0
3.5
3.5
3.2
3.1
3.7
NH3
mg/1
6
21
5
2
4
—
-
10
5
6
7
6
—
—
2
8
6
10
7
-
-
3
3
6
22
8
-
-
6
5
6
10
4
8
4
10
6
8
SCN
2
4
1
0
0
5
0
0
4
0
3
0
5
5
9
2
4
0
4>OH
yg/1
0
0
0
0
41
20
34
10
20
3
92
20
30
45
45
13
0
13
Oil Addition
mR/1
10
10
20
20
50
100
200
500
1000
1500
2000
7±5 3±3 23 ±24
(a) Standard Feed: NH3 - 150 mg/1; SCN - 300 mg/1; $OH - 500 mg/1; ..Reactor
Mixed Liquor Solids - 4330 mg/1 VSS; Temp. ~74-84°F; Reactor DO >1.0 mg/1
(b) By-product Light Oil added directly to reactor in amounts to yield con-
centration shown.
432
-------
Figure 19. Effect of Sulfide on Nitrification of
Coke Plant Wastewaters.
e
o
o
o
o
4-1
w
0)
8P
M
I
30
20
10
O Ammonia Cone. - mg/1
D Thiocyanate Cone. - mg/1
A Phenol Cone. - jjg/1
100 200 300 400
H2S Concentration in Feed
500
433
-------
Phenol
Phenol is a major constituent of coke plant wastewaters. The concentration
of phenol in the wastewater depends on the type of coal being processed, the
coking operation and the by-product recovery practice. The phenol concentra-
tion of coke plant wastewaters could be as high as 2000 mg/1. The ammonia
still waste used in this program contained an average of about 120 mg/1.
This concentration was adjusted to 500 mg/1 for the standard feed. The
effect of phenol on the performance of a phenol-nitrification reactor was
examined from two directions; 1) spike additions to the reactor and 2) pro-
gressive increases in the feed phenol content.
Spike Additions. Phenol was added directly to the reactor in amounts
which would produce a predetermined instantaneous reactor concentration. The
additions were made in progressive increments starting from 0.5 mg/1 up to
20 mg/1. Table 6 presents the data for this series of tests and the indica-
tions are that the nitrifying organisms were capable of acquiring tolerances
up to about 30.0 mg/1 without adversely affecting nitrification.
Increases in Feed Phenol. The effect of increased feed wastewater phenol
content was examined in reactor nos. 5 and 6. The mixed liquor solids were
the major difference between the two reactors. Figure 20 presents the per-
formance profile for reactor no. 5. Throughout the 40 days of operation with
the high phenol feed there was effective nitrification and phenol removal.
Similar performance was observed in reactor no. 6, data from which are shown
in Figure 21. However, it is noted that after the 30th day both the thio-
cyanate and phenol concentrations gradually increased. While it is evident
that the phenol concentration was increasing it must be recognized that the
concentrations were still relatively low, about 200 yg/1. The thiocyanate
concentrations, on the other hand, were significantly high, about 150 mg/1.
The precise cause for the increase in phenol and thiocyanate concentrations
after the 30th day is not evident. However, the inability to account for 81%
of the wastewater nitrogen, alludes to the possibility that denitrification might
have occurred during this period. Denitrification would occur if there were
low dissolved oxygen levels in the reactor. If this was the situation, then
there could have been competition between the nitrifiers and the thiocyanate
oxidizing organism for the available oxygen. The results tend to show that
the nitrifiers prevailed. It was unfortunate, due to dissolved oxygen
measuring equipment problems, that the reactor dissolved oxygen levels which
are generally taken during a test series were not taken during this evaluation.
However, the few readings taken during the final stages of this evaluation
somewhat confirms the supposition presented above, where, at the low dissolved
oxygen level, "0.5 mg/1, there was a definite trend for both the phenol and
thiocyanate concentration levels to increase.
In the operation of reactor nos. 5 and 6, there was no deliberate sludge
wasting. The only sludge lost was that in the effluent, about 80-100 mg/1.
This mode of operation insured the retention of the nitrifying organisms in
the reactor and is quantitatively expressed by the extremely long sludge
retention times of 179-325 days. Under a more traditional mode of operation,
sludge retention times of 30-50 days, the nitrifiers and thiocyanate organisms
434
-------
Table 6. EFFECT OF SPIKE ADDITIONS OF PHENOL ON THE PERFORMANCE
OF A PHENOL-NITRIFICATION REACTOR(a)
Day of
Operation
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
Reactor
PH
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.5
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.2
7.6
7.4
7.3
7.6
7.4
7.5
7.8
HRT,
Days
4.0
3.9
4.3
4.0
4.3
4.4
3.1
Reactor Concentration
NH3
SCN
(mg/1)
OH
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
47
38
3.6
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.1
4.2
3.2
4.1
4.6
4.8
4.9
0
0
0
0
24
25
26
0
0
0
*
*
0.05
0.12
0.05
0.02
14.75
2.32
20.60
17.00
29.50
*
0
21.21
OH Addition^)
(mg/1)
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
10
10
20
(a) Reactor operation conditions:
•Average mixed liquor solids - 3620 mg/1 TVS
•Temperature
•All sludge produce was retained in the reactor, except for that lost
in effluent ~100 mg/1 SS. Approximate SRT "134 days.
(b) Phenol added directly to reactor in quantities which would produce con-
centrations shown. Additions were made on days shown only.
(c) Analytical result was unrealistic and questionable.
(d) Reactor DO was ~0.2 mg/1. Generally the DO was >1.0 mg/1.
435
-------
Figure 20. Effect of High Feed Phenol Concentration on Nitrification - Reactor No. 5,
Feed Concentration
NH3
SCN
150 mg/1
300 mg/1
1250 mg/1
1500 mg/1 3500 mg/1 4000 mg/1
200 mg/1
300 mg/1
4000 mg/1
-£»
(A>
CTi
t-i
f.
a
tt
-------
Figure 21. Effect of High Feed Phenol Concentration on Nitrification in Reactor No. 6.
0.4
0.2
a)
.
P. 6
•e- 0j
to
c
o
a
OH - 4000 mg/1
D.O = 3.7
OH « 5000 mg/1
.4>OH
10
20
81% Denitrification D.O ~0.5
30 40
Days of Operation
-------
would be washed from the reactor and in all likelihood an adverse effect would
have been observed.
From the observations on reactor nos. 5 and 6, it would appear that the key
factors maintaining nitrification in situations of high phenol wastewater con-
centrations are long sludge retention times and adequate mixed liquor dis-
solved oxygen. Throughout the entire study program, phenol removal efficiencies
greater than 99.9% were achieved under an extremely wide range of conditions.
PROCESS ENHANCEMENT
From the preceding section, it is evident that the reaction rates for the
nitrification reaction are relatively slow. Thus, any economical means of
enhancing these reaction rates would be of significant value. In this program
three approaches were examined as possible modes of enhancing the phenol-
nitrification process. These are: 1) addition of activated carbon to the
reactor, 2) the application of mutant strains of bacteria and 3) carbonate
nutrient supplement.
Activated Carbon Addition
There are numerous reports on the ability of activated carbon to extend or
enhance the capacity of the activated sludge treatment system when added to
the mixed liquor.(3, 4, 5) Further, with impending BAT effluent limitations
on priority organic compounds there was the potential of the added benefit
of controlling these pollutants by simply adding controlled amounts of
activated carbon to the aeration basin of the activated sludge process. With
the prospects of these benefits in mind, a preliminary evaluation of activated
carbon addition to the phenol-nitrification process was undertaken.
This preliminary evaluation was designed to test the effects of a one time
addition of carbon on the performance of a phenol-nitrification reactor.
Sufficient finely grounded activated carbon was added to the reactor to
increase the suspended solids level by 1400 mg/1. This reactor was operated
with a standard feed wastewater and the performance characteristics are pre-
sented in Table 7. The test period can be divided into four segments -
Segment A - Before carbon addition
Segment B - Carbon addition
Segment C - Acclimation
Segment D - True evaluation
In segment A, before the carbon addition, the reactor performed at a k^ rate
of 78 mg/l/day. For the mixed liquor sludge used, a k^ rate of 80 mg/l/day
is predicted, (see Figure 5). In segment B, immediately following the car-
bon addition, the observed oxidation rate was 85 mg/l/day, well within the
limits of that predicted and previously observed. However, after seventeen
days of operation, about day 23, there was a gradual increase in the reactor
thlocyanate concentration; an event which covered about 15 days. Prom the data
in Table 7 there appears to be no reason for this excursion in the thiocyanate
reaction. Also, it appeared as if the effort to push the reactor, days 20
through 26, by increasing the feed flow could have resulted in the increased
430
-------
Table 7. PERFORMANCE OF REACTOR NO. 5 WITH 1400 mg/1 ACTIVATED CARBON
ADDED TO THE MIXED LIQUOR^)
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
\ 23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
£H
7.3
7.1
7.3
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.1
7.6
7.3
7.1
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.2
7.5
7.4
7.5
7.4
7.2
7.2
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
HRT,
Days
3.3
2.9
2.3
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.5
2.7 ± 0.3
2.7
2.8
3.2
2.3
2.4
2.1
4.3
2.8
3.4
2.8
2.6
2.4
1.8
1.6
1.8
2.6
2.6 ± 0.7
2.9
1.7
1.7
4.3
1.9
5.1
5.5
5.8
—
11.6
5.7
5.4
5.0
4.3
4.4
4.2
DO
mg/1
3
4
4
4
2
3
3
3
6
6
3
3
5
5
3
3
3
2
6
4
4
4
3
5
5
5
5
5
3
5
NH3
mg/1
12
-
-
0
32
3
18
13 ± 11
0
6
0
0
14
0
0
0
—
1
0
1
1
9
-
-
44
20
6
9
12
-
3
2
4
8
8
-
-
6
3
10
SCN
mg/1
4
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
2
0
2
3
2
20
25
12
103
67
81
81
47
0
cfrOH
yg/1
22
3
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
20
13
16
41
34
13
56
7
0
71
52
Activated Carbon Addition
to 1400 mg/1 SS on day 7
k • 85 mg/l/day
439
-------
Table 7. PERFORMANCE OF REACTOR NO. 5 WITH 1400 mg/1 ACTIVATED CARBON
ADDED TO THE MIXED LIQUOR^8) (CONTINUED)
Reactor Conditions and Concentrations
Day of
Operation
/ 40
/ 41
' 42
43
44
\ *5
\ 46
I 47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
/ 55
/ 56
/ 57
58
59
60
61
62
63
\ 64
\ 65
V 66
pH
7.2
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.5
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.3
HRT,
Days
4.3
4.4
4.6
2.6
4.1
3.9
3.9
5.1
4.6
4.9
4.4
4.8
4.3
4.0
4.3
4.4
6.5
7.9
4.8
4.1
3.3
3.4
2.9
3.6
3.8
2.8
2.4
DO
mg/1
5
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
2
5
5
5
5
3
5
5
5
5
4
5
4
NH3
mg/1
7
-
—
10
0
0
0
2
_
3
11
0
2
1
—
—
7
9
9
9
-
-
3
9
9
9
3
SCN
mg/1
0
9
3
5
5
3
0
0
0
0
0
7
5
1
0
3
OH
yg/1
34
41
80
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
84
30
128
41
37
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
7.4
7.1
7.3
6.9
6.9
7.6
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.4
7.3
7.2
6.8
6.6
7.1
7.0
1.5
1.9
1.7
1.6
1.6
^ 1.4
1.7
1.6
1.5
-
-
1.9
1.7
1.4
1.5
1.5
1.6
6
5
2
2
5
1
1
2
2
5
4
3
4
4
3
4
0.6
9
2
12
13
0
2
4
11
0
1
7
0
4
5
4
0
0
3
4
19
92
125
5
6
0
21
0
10
3
10
27
34
10
13
0
23
23
high pH
440
-------
Table 7. PERFORMANCE OF REACTOR NO. 5 WITH 1400 mg/1 ACTIVATED CARBON
ADDED TO THE MIXED LIQUOR*a> (CONTINUED)
Day of
Operation
Reactor Conditions and Concentrations
HRT, DO NH3 SCN <|>OH
mg/1 mg/1 mg/1 yg/1
7.4
7.6
7.5
7.7
6.5
6.8
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.9
7.3
7.5
7.4
7.4
6.6
6.6
7.1
7.1
1.6
1.7
1.7
1.7
—
1.5
1.3
1.4
1.4
1.2
0.9
1.9
1.3
1.4
1.8
1.9
1.3
1.5
1.6 ± 0.2
0.8
0.6
0.6
0.6
2.2
0.8
0.4
6
4
3
4
5
4
5
5
3
5
5
6
3
62
78
99
15
35
54
31
26
0
0
0
0
0
13
16
3
0
±
(a) Reactor temperature 79-88°F
Feed to reactor: -NH3 = 150 mg/1
•SCN = 300 mg/1
•OH - 500 mg/1
0
0
7
1
7
0
0
16
0
23
low DO
low DO
k « 136 mg/l/day
5 0
4 ± 5(c,d)
(b) Values on days 85-88 and 89 and 90 omitted.
(c) Values on days 73 to 75 omitted.
(d) Negative numbers observed due to variability of actual numbers.
441
-------
ammonia concentrations. A possible explanation is that the carbon might have
gleaned out trace quantities of toxic or inhibitory materials from the waste-
water thus creating an environment of relatively high levels of these toxic/
inhibitory materials. The results were ammonia and thiocyanate excursions, and
the need to re-acclimate the sludge.
Following this acclimation period, the reactor was once again pushed and in
segment D it can be seen that high levels of treatment were achieved. There
were a few accountable excursions. Nevertheless, the oxidation rate was
much higher than that previously observed, RA of 136 nig/I/day. It is not
conclusive that this increased oxidation rate was due to the carbon because
no effort was made in the course of this experiment to determine the amount
of new sludge formed. Further, in previous experiments it was observed that
the biological sludges used can be pushed to produce much higher oxidation
rates than those predicted by the correlation shown in Figure 5 (k^ =15.2 TVS
mg/l/day).
From the above data, the ability of the activated carbon to enhance the bio-
logical reaction when added to the mixed liquor remains unconfirmed and should
be re-examined.
The addition of activated carbon to the experimental reactors did produce
other positive effects, these include: 1) the elimination of foaming in the
reactor, 2) improved settleability of the sludge and 3) significant improve-
ment in the color of the effluent from a definite brown to a pale straw color.
Analysis for priority organic pollutant control showed that the activated
carbon addition to the mixed liquor did not produce any better control than
other reactors which operated without carbon. This observation must be
qualified by the facts that (a) carbon addition to the reactor was a one-time
addition and (b) the sample analyzed was taken after 1055 1 of wastewater had
been treated over an operating period of 103 days. These conditions could
have been well beyond the breakthrough point for the carbon used. The impact
of the priority pollutants regulations and the potential of this mode of oper-
ation as a control technology are more reasons for another examination of
carbon addition to the mixed liquor.
Application of Commercially Available Mutant Bacteria
In the preliminary studies which lead up to the present program, the experi-
ence after an upset was a lengthy time consuming effort to re-establish nitri-
fication in the test reactor. One of the goals of this program is to develop
an understanding of the process such that more effective corrective measures
could be taken in the event of an upset. However, it was also felt that other
means of accelerating the recovery would be beneficial. Certain suppliers of
mutant strains of bacteria claim their products are capable of accelerating the
recovery of biological treatment systems that are experiencing problems. Thus
it was decided to test two mutant strains — a "hydrocarbon degrader" and an
"ammonia recoverer."
These organisms were tested in a combined dose at rates recommended by the
supplier. The mixture was added to a reactor in which nitrification activity
was disrupted and the data in Figure 22 show the chronology of events. On the
basis of the present understanding of the biological process involved in the
442
-------
a
o
U
Figure 22. Effect of Mutated Bacteria on Ammonia, Thiocyanate
and Phenol Degradation in a Pilot Reactor Experiencing
Loss of Nitrification and Phenol Oxidation.
7
6
300
oc
g
-e-
4-1
a
QJ
x
01
en
C
o
n)
QJ
O
O
U
(-1
O
4J
U
CO
01
200
100
(a)
Legend
(a) Added 1 gm Phenobac
+ 1 gm Nitrobac
(b) Added 1 gm Phenobac
(c) Added 5 gms Phenobac
+ 5 gms Nitrobac
<}iOH
10 15
Days of Operation
443
20
25
-------
single stage phenol oxidation-nitrification of coke plant wastewater, it
appears that the initial failure (loss of nitrification) of the reactor was
due to the synergistic effect of the high thiocyanate concentration (>300
mg/1) and high pH (~8.6). The three additions of the bacteria show no
immediate effect on phenol or ammonia. It appears that the thiocyanate
response was due to the increase in activity as a result of the change in pH,
and the return of nitrification activity was in response to the inhibitory
stress of high thiocyanate and pH being relieved. The results of the experi-
ment, the data in Figure 22, appear to show no real clear cut benefit from the
bacteria addition. Thus it was decided to repeat the experiment under more
controlled conditions.
Figures 23 and 24 show the chronology of events for the test reactor and a
control reactor. In this experiment, there were rapid responses to high phenol
and thiocyanate concentrations in both test and control reactors. However, there
was a more rapid nitrification response in the test reactor; but in earlier
experiments there were also observations of unexpectedly high nitrification rates
when the reactor received high ammonia loadings. Thus, the indications are
still not clear that the commercially available mutant bacteria will be
beneficial in producing immediate recovery from an upset episode. However,
the results are sufficiently interesting that this possibility could be applied
on a hit or miss understanding or a more detailed and controlled experimental
program be conducted to delineate the true potential.
Carbonate Nutrient Supplementation
The organisms responsible for thiocyanate and sulfide oxidation, and nitrifi-
cation are autotrophs. They utilize carbonate as their carbon source in cell
synthesis. It is generally believed that carbonate supplied by the activity
of the heterotrophs and that solubilized during aeration would satisfy the
carbonate needs of the autotrophs. However, there was no supporting evidence
in the reports reviewed. Consequently, a test reactor was operated with
supplemental carbonate in the feed wastewater to test the premise that the
autotrophic reactions were not carbonate limited.
Sodium carbonate was used as the carbonate source and not as a source of
alkalinity. The feed to the test reactor was supplemented with 1000 mg/1 of
Na2CC>3. This carbonate addition did result in an increase in both pH and
alkalinity. However, appropriate corrections were made to maintain the
standard feed alkalinity of about 1000 mg/1 and a reactor pH of 7.2 by acid
addition. It is recognized that acid addition would liberate some of the
carbonates as C02« However, both the feed pH and the pH of the reactors are
maintained sufficiently high such that the bicarbonate pH end-point of 6.5
is not exceeded. Thus, while some carbonate was lost, sufficient remained
to test the premise.
The performance data for this experiment is shown as that for reactor no. 4
in Table 2. From a comparison of the data for reactor no. 4 and the other
reactors it can be concluded that sufficient carbonate is supplied by the
activity of the heterotrophs and through aeration to prevent a carbonate
limited condition. In effect, carbonate addition did not enhance autotrophic
activity.
-------
•a
ll
o
u
O
a
300
2.9 ppm
Legend
(A) Added
(B) Added
(C) Added
(D) Added
1 Gram Phenabac & Nitrobac
1 Gram Phenabac
1 Gram Nitrobac
1 Gram Phenabac
t
(A)
ttt
(B)(C)(D)
15
20
Days of Operation
25
Figure 23.
Effect of Mutated Bacteria on Ammonia, Phenol and Thiocyanate De-
gradation at a pH of 8.6.
445
-------
Wi
o
6 *"
>300
300
oc
a.
g. 200
I
2
100
O
o
10
15
20
25
30
Days of Operation
Figure 24. Effect of Mutated Bacteria on Ammonia, Phenol and Thiocyanate De-
gradation Corresponding to Control for Mutant Bacteria Experiment
Shown on Figure 23.
446
-------
CONTROL OF PRIORITY ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
Thirteen grab samples were taken for gas chromatograph/mass spectrograph, GC/MS,
analysis in an effort to determine the fate of priority organic pollutants in
the course of the treatment of coke plant wastewaters. The treatment train
under consideration is shown in Figure 25. Each sample was prepared and
handled in accordance with the EPA specified protocol. The analysis examined
78 organic compounds covering the range of purgables (volatiles), base/neutrals
and acid extractables. This discussion will be directed at only those compounds
which were detected.
The thirteen samples analyzed covered two treatment schemes:
• A conventional phenol biological reactor (Weirton
Steel's Brown's Island Coke Plant), and
1 An advanced single-stage phenol-nitrification bio-
logical treatment.
Table 8 presents the analytical data for the conventional phenol biological
reactor scenario. This data strongly suggest a significant reduction in the
purgables as the wastewater traversed the ammonia still. However, higher
concentrations of purgables appear in the bio-plant effluent. Overall there
were lower concentrations of priority organic compounds in the bio-plant
effluent than the ammonia still waste entering the plant, especially the base
neutrals and acid extractables.
Table 9 presents the data for the advanced single stage scenario, more pre-
cisely treatment across a phenol-nitrification activated sludge reactor. This
data also show an overall decrease in the concentrations of the priority
organic compounds. On the average, the concentration of the compound detect-
ed was less than 10 yg/1. There was only one exception, methylene chloride.
Further, the concentrations observed in the effluent from the experimental
bio-reactors were much lower than that from the Brown's Island plant.
In evaluating the data in Table 9 it is apparent that the effluent qualities
from the different reactors are all about equivalent. However, it must be
recognized that reactor no. 5 dated November 13, 1979 was operated with
activiated carbon added to the mixed liquor. It appears that the carbon
addition did not improve the quality of the treated effluent relative to
controlling the priority organic pollutants. This observation should not
be viewed as being totally negative because it must be noted that the carbon
addition was a one-time addition and the effluent sample for GC/MS analysis
was taken after about 1055 liters of wastewater had been treated over a 103
day period. - It is very likely that after this extended service that the
adsorptive capacity of the carbon might have been exhausted.
In a comparison of the phenol values determined by the GC/MS procedure and the
Standard Methods wet chemistry procedure, there were significant discrepancies,
as shown in Table 10. Three major factors are believed to be responsible for
these discrepancies. The first factor is the fact that several phenols, other
447
-------
Flushing Liquor,
Light Oil Inter-
ceptor Sump,
Barometric Conden-
ser,- Desulfurizer
Slowdown
Ammonia
Still
ASU
Bio-Plant
or
Experimental
Reactor
Bio-Plant/Reactor
Effluent
Figure 25. Treatment Train for By-Product Coke PJant Wastewater under
Consideration for Effect on Priority Organic Pollutants.
-------
Table 8. PRIORITY ORGANIC POLLUTANT PROFILE THROUGH THE WEIRTON STEEL
BROWN'S ISLAND COKE PLANT WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
ASW
11/7/79
Bio Plant
Effluent^'
9/14/79
9/15/79 11/7/79
(all concentrations in yg/1)
ND
12.34
ND
3.04
Bio Plant
Effluent(c)
11/12/79
210.73
ND(^)
2.26
185.21
4,507.34
960.89
ND
6,356.25
449.34
ND
31.59
ND
ND
0.53
0.24
7.81
3.92
2.35
ND
125.64
30.24
38.52
41.40
64.11
23.76
48.30
48.52
ND
•
ND
ND
257*88
ND
ND
14.51
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.41
0.16
11.48
3.78
0.25
ND
ND
1.00
2.21
ND
5.39
0.34
2.95
310.22
ND
5.82
302.82
17.01
7.00
ND
ND
10.56
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Sample Source
Date
Compound
Purgables
methylene chloride
1,1-dichloroethane
chloroform
1,1,1-trichloroethane
benzene
toluene
Base Neutrals
bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane
naphthalene
acenaphthalene
acenaphthene
diethylphthalate
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
phenanthrene
anthracene
di-n-butylphthalate
fluoranthene
pyrene
benzo(a)anthracene\
chrysene J
butylbenzylphthalate
benzo (b) fluoranthene*)
benzo(k)fluoranthene)
benzo(a)pyrene
Acid Extractables
phenol
2,4-dimethylphenol
(a) All wastewaters (flushing liquor, light oil interceptor scrap, barometric con-
denser, and desulfurize blowdown) collected together for processing through an
ammonia still.
(b) Feed to bio-plant, normal operation of ammonia still (consistent with present
discharge permits).
(c) Brown's Island operating conditions: MLSS '1000 mg/1; HRT "2.2 days; SRT "5-10
days.
(d) Analyzed for but not detected.
ND
324.70
312.38
ND
58.22
ND
ND
12,073.50
ND
632.88
261.33
418.20
1,591.80
ND
ND
ND
97,834.80
302.35
ND
1,038.00
837.76
525.70
ND
236.32
441.90
21,897.44
ND
23.63
13.29
28.06
85.54
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.01
ND
210.71
210.57
421.74
ND
276.48
744.19
1.02
ND
449
-------
Table 9. PRIORITY ORGANIC POLLUTANT PROFILE THROUGH PHENOL-NITRIFICATION BENCH SCALE ACTIVATED
SLUDGE REACTORS TREATING COKE PLANT WASTEWATER
No. 2
Feed
8/23/79
ASw(a)
11/7/79
No. 1&5
FeedO>>
9/14/79
No. 1
Effluent
9/19/79
No. 5
Effluent
9/19/79
(all concentrations in
5.14
ND^d)
8.54
2.17
0.37
ND
ND
ND
93.14
66.13
ND
213.44
ND
502.16
467.19
527.00
1,310.23
ND
ND
ND
ND
60,378.00
174.91
5.78
ND
1.92
8.67
18.78
ND
ND
ND
43.38
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
528.66
462.84
560.58
ND
242.59
1,716.34
ND
32,249.32
255.04
1.91
ND
0.43
2.64
1.01
ND
467.76
ND
37.26
161.46
5.99
ND
31.95
869.52
152.55
162.69
457.02
W>
ND
ND
ND
65,820.00
256.34
71.28
ND
1.18
2.81
0.17
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.28
ND
0.35
ND
2.47
0.22
0.33
ND
ND
ND
ND
N&
0.56
ND
75.75
ND
0.43
1.48
0.17
ND
ND
Z.-14
4.O9
0.53
ND
ND
ND
8.98
1.74
1.64
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.32
0.08
ND
No. 2
Effluent
11/12/79
Pg/D
417.18
ND
6.38
ND
8.42
ND
ND
0.19
0.23
ND
ND
0.98
ND
1.15
35.18
ND
2.70
1.03
2.28
10.16
ND
0.84
ND
No. 8
Effluent
11/12/79
5.43
ND
3.28
11.00
6.60
ND
ND
ND
0.57
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.87
3.48
3.07
6.65
ND
3.86
7.67
ND
0.15
ND
No. 5
Effluent
11/13/79
4.21
ND
1.00
17.90
10.70
ND
ND
ND
0.22
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.41
3.46
1.95
5.58
ND
0.87
7.80
ND
0.23
ND
Sample Source
Date
Compounds
Purgablea
methylene chloride
1,1-dichloroethane
chloroform
1,1,1-trichloroethane
benzene
toluene
Base Neutrals
bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane
naphthalene
acenaphthalene
diethylphthalate
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
phenanthrene
anthracene
di-n-butylphthalate
fluoranthene
pyrene ^
benzo (a)anthracene£
chrysene J
butylbenzylphthalate
benzo(b)fluoranthene\
benzo (k )fluorantheneJ
benzo(a)pyrene
acenaphthese
Acid Extractables
phenol
2,4-dimethylphenol
(a) Ammonia still operated to produce low ammonia concentration, < 150 ing/1. This ASW subsequently amended with
ammonia, phenol, thiocyanate and other components as required; this amended ASW was used as feed to experi-
mental reactors.
(b) Same as (a) but used in the preparation of feed to reactors nos. 1 and 5.
(c) Reactor 5 operated with activated carbon added to the mixed liquor;
(d) Analyzed for but not detected.
-------
Table 10. COMPARISON OF TOTAL PHENOL VALUES DETERMINED BY GC/MS AND
STANDARD METHODS PROCEDURES
Total Phenol Concentration, yg/1
Sample GC/MS Standard Methods
ASW Feed to BI-Bio Plant, 9/14/79 98,000 280,700
WAL + (Charge to Ammonia Still), 11/7/79 12,244 207,400
ASW Feed to BI-Bio Plant, 11/7/79 21,897 176,600
ASW (Still Operated for Low NH3), 11/7/79 32,504 193,000
BI-Bio Plant Effluent, 9/14/79 0.13 34
BI-Bio Plant Effluent, 11/12/79 1.02 52
ASW* (Still Operated for Low NH3) 66,000 268,000
Feed for Reactor Noa. 1 & 5 Before
Alteration
Feed ASW to Reactor No. 2, 8/23/79 61,000 500,000
Effluent from Reactor No. 1, 9/19/79 0.66 ND^)
Effluent from Reactor No. 5, 9/19/79 2.44 ND
Effluent from Reactor No. 2 0.84 ND
Effluent from Reactor No. 8, 11/12/79 0.15 ND
Effluent from Reactor No. 5, 11/13/79 0.25 ND
(a) Not detectable.
451
-------
than those measured by GC/MS, are present in the wastewater. The second
more important factor is the relatively poor solvent extraction efficiencies
for such materials when applying the EPA protocol. The third factor, which
is probably the most troubling, is the observation of "crossover" of extract-
ables, i.e., acid extractables compounds were found in the base neutral
extraction and vice versa. The severity of this "crossover" appeared to vary
from sample to sample but was most severe with the high concentration samples.
The problem of extraction efficiency is not limited to the phenols only.
Stamoudix et al(&) demonstrated poor extraction efficiencies for several com-
pounds in single component systems using the EPA extraction protocol; data
reproduced in Table 11.
Table 11. RECOVERY EFFICIENCIES FOR DIFFERENT ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
EXTRACTED FROM SPIKED DISTILLED WATER (DATA OF
STAMOUDIS ET AL)
Compound Name % Recovery
0-xylene 42
3-octanone 71
1-heptanol 70
n-butylbenzene 32
phenol 61
cresol 75
o-ethylphenol 105
d^Q-anthracene 133
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
It is anticipated that the Federal government will issue Best Available Tech-
nology Economically Achievable (BAT) limitations that will severely limit the
discharge of ammonia, sulfides, cyanides, phenol and priority pollutants in
coke plant wastewater discharges. Preliminary indications are that the tech-
nology to meet the limitations will be staged biological treatment followed
by alkaline chlorination and filtration or activated carbon adsorption followed
by alkaline chlorination and filtration. A study of a single stage phenol-
nitrification process for the treatment of coke plant wastewaters was under-
taken to evaluate its potential as an alternative to either stage biological
treatment or activiated carbon technology. Objectives of the single stage
phenol-nitrification process study were:
1. To determine the operating conditions necessary to achieve an effluent of
10 ppm or less of ammonia and measure the corresponding concentration of
other pollutants;
2. To determine the effect (inhibitory) of certain constituent compounds and
ions in coke plant waters;
3. To conduct preliminary examination of methods for enhancing the operation
of the process;
452
-------
4. To determine the effect of the process on priority organic pollutants in
coke plant waters and
5. To develop a better understanding of the different reactions and inter-
actions, operation of and performance of the process.
The study was essentially a laboratory investigation in which actual coke
plant wastewaters were examined. In addition, in evaluating the biological
degradation of priority organic pollutants, a set of samples was taken from
an existing industrial facility whiph represented a current Best Practical
Treatment (BPT) facility. Water used in the laboratory work was an actual
coke plant wastewater that was chemically adjusted as needed for the study.
The specific conclusions from the study are:
1. The single stage phenol-nitrification process has the potential of pro-
ducing an effluent concentration of NH-j = 10 mg/1, total cyanides = 10-
110 mg/1; phenols = <200 yg/1; and sulfide =0.5 mg/1 from ammonia stripped
undiluted coke plant wastewater.
2. Typical required operating conditions:
a. Detention Time - 3 days
b. Biomass Concentration - 2-3 grams per liter
c. Dissolved Oxygen - Above 1.5 mg/1
d. Temperature - 80°F
e. pH - 7.0 to 7.7
3. The process is effective in the degradation of organic priority pollutants,
Major factors that influence the degree of priority pollutant degradation are
hydraulic and sludge residence time. Longer residence time improves removal.
4. The process is very effective upon free cyanides but ineffective upon
complex cyanides.
5. The rate of nitrogen oxidation observed in the control reactors was in
agreement with the correlation
kA = 15.2 TVS, mg/I/day
where TVS = mixed liquor total volatile solids, g/1. Sludge growth was
determined, Yraax of 0.7 mg SS/mg N oxidized; biological maintenance energy
utilization rate, b, of 0.004 day1.
6. Optimum pH condition for the phenol-nitrification process is in the range
of 7.0-7.7 with the temperature range being 80-90°F.
7. Alkalinity requirements are 4-5 mg as CaC03 per mg of nitrogen oxidized.
8. Sudden nitrogen loading increases to the reactor can be tolerated for
reasonable periods of time provided reactor conditions, especially pH and DO,
453
-------
are maintained at near optimum conditions without severe disruption of biolo-
gical activity. It must be noted that the effluent quality may change, i.e.,
ammonia concentrations may increase.
9. A 67% increase in thiocyanate loading did not affect nitrification.
10. Thiocyanate concentrations up to 150 mg/1 in the reactor did not disrupt
the nitrification process but a synergistic effect between thiocyanate con-
centration and pH greater than 8.0 did produce inhibition at lower concentra-
tions .
11. Reactor pH's greater than 8.0 noticeably inhibited thiocyanate degrada-
tion.
12. Free cyanide severely inhibited nitrification, but the nitrifying organisms
were capable of acclimating to concentrations up to 12.0 mg/1 free cyanide.
13. Free cyanide concentration up to 12 mg/1 did not affect the thiocyanate
organisms.
14. Complex cyanide concentrations between 10-110 mg/1 were found to pass
through the biological process unaltered.
15. The direct addition of by-product light oil to the reactor in an amount up
to 2000 mg/1 did not appear to have any effect on the biological reactions.
In practice this occurrence might affect the oxygen transfer and mixing
ability of the aeration equipment.
16. Both direct addition of sulfide to the reactor to concentrations up to
40 mg/1 and progressively Increasing the sulfide loading rates to test
reactors produced no adverse effects.
17. The nitrifying organisms were capable of acclimating to phenol concentra-
tions in the reactor up to 30 mg/1.
18. Wastewater with phenol concentrations up to 5000 mg/1 were effectively
treated. Throughout the study, treated wastewater phenol concentrations were
consistently less than the 0.5 mg/1 BAT limit proposed (Alternate 1).
19. Process enhancement by the addition of activated carbon to the mixed
liquor was not conclusive. Additions of activated carbon aesthetically im-
proved the appearance of the effluent. It also appeared to enhance the
settleability of suspended solids in the effluent.
20. In the treatment of coke plant wastewater, the autotrophic reactions are
not carbonate limited.
21. The process was found to require close operator attention, close control
of the environment within the reactor and reasonably constant loading rates.
454
-------
REFERENCES
1. Wong-Chong, G. M., and S. C. Caruso, "Biological Oxidation of Coke Plant
Wastewaters for the Control of Nitrogen Compounds in a Single Stage Reactor,"
Proc. of the Biological Nitrification/Denitrification of Industrial Wastes
Workshop, Wastewater Technology Center, Canada Center for Inland Water, Bar-
lington, Ontario, Canada, 1977.
2. Wong-Chong, G. M., "The Kinetics of Microbial Nitrification as Applied to
the Treatment of Animal Wastes," Ph.D. Thesist Cornell University, Ithaca,
N.Y., 1974.
3. "duPont PACT Process" Bulletin published by E. I. duPont de Nemours and
Company, Wilmington, Delaware.
4. Robertaccio, F. L., "Powdered Activated Carbon Addition to Biological
Reactors," Proc. 6th Mid-Atlantic Industrial Waste Treatment Conference,
U. of Del., November 15, 1972.
5. Adams, A. D., "Improving Activated Sludge Treatment with Powdered
Activated Carbon," Proc. 28th Annual Purdue Industrial Waste Conf., Purdue
University, May 1-3, 1973.
6. Stamoudis, V. C., R. G. Luthy and W. Harrison, "Removal of Organic Con-
stituents in a Coal Gasification Process Wastewater by Activated Sludge
Treatment," Argonne Nat'l Lab, Energy and Environmental Systems Division
Report ANL/WA-79-1.
455
-------
NITROGEN AND CONTAMINANT CONTROL OF COKE PLANT EFFLUENTS
IN AN UPGRADED BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM
T.R. Bridle, H. Melcer, W.K. Bedford, B.E. Jank
Wastewater Technology Centre, Environmental Protection Service
Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario
ABSTRACT
Bench scale treatability studies were conducted to evaluate the
performance of the single sludge pre-denitrification nitrification process
configuration for nitrogen and contaminant control of coke plant effluents.
Complete nitrogen control was achieved provided wastewater dilu-
tion was practised or low levels of powdered activated carbon (PAC) were
added to the bioreactors. The minimum aerobic SRT required to achieve
complete nitrification at 20-24°C was 22 days. Operation at high system
SRT (60 d) did not facilitate nitrification of undiluted wastewater.
However at anoxic and aerobic HRT's of 0.5-1 and 1-3 days, respectively,
complete nitrogen control and high levels of contaminant removal were
effected in undiluted wastewater by maintaining a PAC level of 500 mg.L"1
in the reactors. The equivalent PAC feed concentrations ranged from 20
to 50 mg.L"1. The addition of PAC overcame Nitrobacter inhibition,
which was evident in the treatment of both diluted and undiluted wastewater.
The organic carbon in the wastewater was used as the energy
source for denitrification and no supplemental organic carbon was required
to achieve complete denitrification provided the feed FOC/TKN ratio >3.5.
The fate of trace organics was monitored using GC/MS methodology.
Enhanced trace organic removal was effected through PAC addition.
Parallel units operated with and without calcium indicated that
up to 3000 mg-L"1 of dissolved calcium in the wastewater was not detrimental
to biological activity. Analysis confirmed that calcium phosphate tetra-
baslc was precipitated discretely in the reactors. Phosphoric acid require-
ments increased 10-fold when calcium was present.
457
-------
NITROGEN AND CONTAMINANT CONTROL OF COKE PLANT EFFLUENTS
IN AN UPGRADED BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
The complete mix activated sludge process is generally used for the
treatment of coke plant wastewaters in North America. The oxidation of phen-
olics, cyanide, thiocyanate and sulphides is achieved but few full-scale
facilities achieve nitrification and no bioplants currently practise complete
nitrogen control. This study has sought to determine the process conditions
by which nitrogen control can be achieved economically. Inherently, this
requires an optimum balance between the nitrification and denitrlflcatlon
processes. Evaluation of full-scale industrial experience^ and cost analysis
data" ied to the adoption of a single sludge pre-denitrificatlon nitrifi-
cation process configuration for further study. The cost saving advantages
offered by this process are twofold; firstly, the supplemental carbon required
for denitrification is minimised or eliminated by the presence of raw waste-
water organic carbon and secondly, alkalinity requirements are greatly
reduced by coupling the nitrification and denitrification processes.
Accordingly, bench-scale treatability studies were initiated at the
Wastewater Technology Centre, Burlington, Ontario, to produce a non-acutely
lethal (to rainbow trout) effluent low In nitrogen concentration. Reactors
were operated from October 1978 to April 1980. This period may be conven-
iently divided into two phases, the first being concerned with startup
and acclimation and the second, with the determination of process conditions
required to achieve high levels of nitrogen removal from a full .strength coke
plant wastewater.
Wastewater was provided by Dominion Foundry and Steel Limited
(Dofasco), Hamilton, Ontario. This comprised a mixture of limed ammonia still
effluent and a light oil interceptor sump wastewater.
A U.S. EPA survey of steel industry effluents10 reported the presence
of 73 of the 129 priority pollutants. The level to which this technology was
successful in removing trace contaminants was evaluated by GC/MS analysis.
This analysis was extended beyond the EPA priority pollutant list to include
those trace contaminants that are indigenous to coke plant wastewaters.
458
-------
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Three identical process trains, A, B and C, were operated in para-
llel. Figure 1 depicts the process sequence for each train; a complete mix
anoxic reactor (Dl), a complete mix aerobic reactor (D2), and an upflow clari-
fier.
Operating procedures for reactor control have been detailed
previously^. Briefly, feed rates of 5 to 15 L«d~^ were selected, allowing
ranges of nominal anoxic hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 0.5 to 1.0 day
and nominal aerobic HRT's from 1.1 to 3.0 days to be effected. Mixed liquor
was recycled from the clarifier to the anoxic reactor at a ratio of 8:1.
Strict SRT control was maintained. Aerobic reactor pH and DO were controlled
at 7.0 and 3.0 rag-lT1 respectively. Temperature in the reactors varied
from 20 to 24°C. An effluent phosphorus residual was maintained by control-
led phosphorus addition to the anoxic reactor.
PHOSPHORIC CONTROLLED
ACID Na,C03
-Q* — .-.ADDITION
ANOXIC
REACTOR
(P1)
H
TO INDICATING
CONTROLLERS
X. CONTROLLED
REACTOR
-------
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Phase I
The seven-month initial phase incorporated startup and sludge accli-
mation, the objective being to establish fully equilibrated nitrifying sys-
tems. SRT was initially maintained at 60 to 70 days. Removal of 80% of the
filtered organic carbon (FOG) and 99% phenol were quickly achieved but the
systems were unstable with regard to nitrification and to oxidation of cya-
nide and thiocyanate. This behaviour was attributed to the wide variations
in feed characteristics.
Pseudo-equilibrium conditions were subsequently achieved by control-
ling feed characteristics; raw feed was diluted 2:1 to 4:1 with tapwater and
respiked with phenol, thiocyanate and methanol to achieve initial feed para-
meter concentrations. Values of equalized feed parameters are listed in
Table 1. SRT values were then allowed to decline to a mean of approximately
30 days. Typical system operating parameters are summarized in Table 2 and
typical effluent quality in Table 3.
Oxidation of carbonaceous material improved to 94% FOG removal and
almost total phenol removal. The organic carbon requirements for the
pre-denitrification systems were approximately twice the theoretical require-
ments confirming Sutton^al's observations11. Maintenance of the FOC/TKN
level above a minimum of 3.5 ensured complete denitrlfication. This para-
meter is intimately associated with ammonia still operation. Excessively
high ammonia levels in the still effluent will exceed the organic carbon
availability in the wastewater and require carbon supplementation to maintain
denitrification. This study showed that nitrification was sensitive to
ammonia variability. In the early part of Phase I, this variation was
four-fold before subsequent equalization reduced it to 1.6. Data from
a full-scale plant treating a high-strength organic chemical wastewater^ sup-
ports these findings; nitrification was achieved consistently provided the
TKNjaajj/TKNj^au ratio <2.0. Equalization is not normally feasible in a steel-
works environment since there is a constraint on land availability. However,
efficient still operation can produce an effluent with approximately
100 mg'L"1 ammonia and thereby derive a three-fold cost saving since
a greater amount of ammonia is recovered and neither carbon supplementation
nor equalization are required.
460
-------
Table 1, FEED CHARACTERISTICS - STEADY-STATE OPERATION, PHASE I
Parameter
FOC
Phenol
TKN
NH3-N
TCN
CNS
Median
(mg-IT1)
470
215
130
75
1.0
170
95%*
(mg.IT1)
570
245
185
120
1.6
180
Variability**
1.21
1.14
1.42
1.60
1.60
1.06
* 95% of values were equal to or less than this value.
** 95% value divided by median.
Table 2, TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS - PHASE I
Parameter
HRT (d)
Temp (°C)
DO (mg-IT1)
pH
TSS (mg-L"1)
VSS (mg.L"1)
OUR (d"1)
SVI (mL.g"1)
Anoxic Reactor (Dl)
1
20- 24
0.3
7.5-8
2000 - 2800
1200 - 1500
• -
—
Aerobic Reactor (D2)
3
22 - 24
3.0
7.0
2000 - 2800
1200 - 1500
0.15 - 0.3
50 - 100
Clarifier
Effluent
-
-
30
20
-
—
Table 3, TYPICAL AEROBIC REACTOR EFFLUENT QUALITY - PHASE I
(SRT >30d at 20 to 24°C)
FOC Phenol TKN NH3-N N02~N N03-N TCN CNS TN*
Effluent (mg.L"1) 30 0.050 5 <1 15 0 <1 <1 20
% Removal 94 >99.9 96 >99 - - ~50 >99 85
* Total Nitrogen
461
-------
The minimum SRT required to maintain nitrification (as measured by
TKN disappearance) was identified as 30 days which equates to a minimum aero-
bic SRT of 22 days. All the oxidized nitrogen was completely denitrified.
The absence of effluent NO-j-N indicated the inhibition of Nltrobacter by
some specific trace contaminants in the coke plant wastewater. This phen-
omenon has been observed by other investigators2^. Nevertheless, the 4:1
dilution of raw wastewater permitted nitrification and denitrification to pro-
ceed but was insufficient to prevent Nitrobacter inhibition.
Theoretical relationships indicate that 7.07 units of alkalinity as
CaC03 are consumed per unit of NH3~N nitrified and 3.57 units of alkalinity
are generated per unit of N02~N or N03-N denitrified12. The stoichlometric
net alkalinity requirement for the combined process can be estimated from the
degree of nitrification and denitrification achieved. Approximately 50 to 60%
of the alkalinity required in this system configuration was supplied via
Na2C03 addition (for pH control), the remaining requirement being satisfied
by the residual alkalinity in the feed wastewater. On the basis of feed and
effluent data in Tables 1 and 3, the alkalinity requirement was 2.38 g
CaC03/gTN removed.
Fish bloassay tests were carried out to assess the toxicity of the
effluent. The tests involved 96-h static bioassays using juvenile rainbow
trout (Salmo gairdneri). Results indicated that the effluent was non-lethal,
with zero mortality.
Phase II
The mode of equalization used in Phase I restored mean concentrations
of the major pollutants, FOG, phenol and thiocyanate, by respiking, but dilu-
ted the level of trace contaminants. Ammonia variability was reduced which
allowed nitrification to proceed as far as nitrite formation. Oxidation to
nitrate did not occur since Nitrobacter growth was inhibited probably by the
presence of the trace contaminants, albeit at low concentrations. Thus
nitrogen control was achieved but the discharge of nitrite is environmentally
unacceptable. In practice, to exercise nitrogen control by dilution and then
discharge the nitrite would be an inappropriate procedure. Thus the main
thrust of the treatability work was directed to defining the process condi-
tions required to achieve high levels of nitrogen removal from a full
strength coke plant wastewater.
462
-------
Part 1 - Effect of Full-Strength Wastewater
Raw wastewater from Dofasco was used as received except that metha-
nol was added as required to maintain the FOC/TKN ratio >3.5. Table 4 sum-
marizes feed characteristics.
Table 4, FEED CHARACTERISTICS - PHASE II (PART 1)
Parameter
FOC
Phenol
TKN
NH3-N
TCN
CNS
Median
(mg.L-1)
535
185
155
80
4.4
210
95%*
(rag. IT1)
640
269
214
88
4.8
237
Variability**
1.20
1.45
1.38
1.10
1.09
1.13
* 95% of values were equal to or less than this value.
** 95% value divided by median
At the start of Phase II, all three systems were operating at equil-
ibrium SRT values between 30 and 35 days. Nitrification deteriorated signifi-
cantly in all systems within two weeks of restoring the full strength feed;
effluent ammonia concentration varied from 30 to 100 mg-L"*. This was not a
satisfactory mode of operation.
Part 2 - Effect of PAC Addition
In order to re-establish nitrification, powdered activated carbon
(PAC) was added to systems B and C at rates equivalent to 33 and 50 mg.lT1 in
the feed. System A did not receive PAC, remaining as the "control". The
resulting equilibrium reactor conditions are summarized in Table 5.
The feed characteristics for the remainder of the study are pre-
sented in Table 7. With the exception of organic carbon including phenol,
the feed characteristics are very similar to those recorded earlier in the
study. The feed organic carbon content increased steadily over the period
that these data were averaged. Also*improved operation of the ammonia still
reduced ammonia variability considerably below that experienced in the early
part of Phase I.
Two weeks after PAC addition, System A remained unchanged whereas
nitrification was reestablished in B and C. Nitrobacter inhibition had
463
-------
Table 5, EQUILIBRIUM OPERATING CONDITIONS - PAC AND SRT EVALUATION
2
Average Reactor Solids
(ing L~l)
Reactor
System
Phase II
Part 3 •<
Phase II f
Part 2 <
A
A
B
C
HRT (d)
Anoxlc Aerobic
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 3
SRT Biological
(d) MLVSS
40 1780
60 2330
30 1920
40 2090
MLSS PAC
2580 0
3880 0
3000 250
2750 500
Clarifier
Equivalent Effluent
PAC Feed VSS
* «
(mg'L"1) (mg'L'1)
0 6
0 7
33 9
50 8
Table 6, MEAN REACTOR EFFLUENT QUALITY - PAC AND SRT EVALUATION
Reactor
System
Phase H
Part 3
Phase II
Part 2 '
»
*
**
***
* A
_A
B
C
Anoxlc
FOC
Effluent***
Z Removal -
Effluent 76
Z Removal -
Effluent 66
Z Removal -
Effluent 59
Z Removal -
Reactor
NOJ.-N* FOC
- 31
- 94
0.2 35
- 94
1.4 31
- 95
2.8 28
- 96
Phenol
0.034
>99.9
0.041
99.98
0.040
99.98
0.031
99.99
TKN
72
54
97
42
6
96.5
7
95.7
NH3-N
68
91
0.6
99.2
0.2
99.8
Aerobic Reactor
N02-N N03-N TCN
4.0 0.0 3.4
23
4.1 0.3 4.4
47
4.7 6.9 3.9
52
1.5 10.7 3.9
51
CNS
1.1
99.5
1.2
99.4
1.3
99.4
0.9
99.6
ON
5.5
78
2.8
89
4.8
81
TN**
76
51
101.4
41
17.6
90
19.2
89
Total oxidized nitrogen.
Total nitrogen, TO 4- NOT-N.
Expressed in mg.L~l.
-------
ceased since oxidation to nitrate had occurred. This trend continued to be
observed over a 2-month period. Typical reactor effluent quality data are
reported in Table 6.
Table 7, FEED CHARACTERISTICS - PHASE II (PARTS 2-5)
Parameter
FOC
Phenol
TKN
NH3-N
TCN
CNS
ON***
PH
Median
680
300
180
88
8
240
25
9.3
95%*
810
460
235
120
24
355
62
10.5
Variability**
1.19
1.53
1.30
1.36
3.00
1.48
2.48
1.13
* 95% of the values were equal to or less than this value.
** 95% value divided by median.
*** Organic nitrogen, calculated as TKN-(NH3-N)-(CNS-N)-(TCN-N).
Two sets of data are shown for system A in both Tables 5 and 6:
the effect of high SRT was being examined concurrently in system A and so
pertinent data is included in these tables although the effect is addressed
in part 3. The data demonstrating the effect of PAC compares the three
systems A, B, and C, during the second month of operation in this mode, under
well-equilibrated conditions.
Effluent distribution data for TKN in Figure 2 shows that system A,
the conventional pre-denitrification nitrification, could not nitrify full
strength Dofasco wastewater confirming the observations in Part 1. Low
levels of PAC addition in system B, enabled nitrification to proceed almost
to completion. A higher nitrite concentration than in system C indicated
that some minor inhibition of Nitrobacter had occurred. The higher level of
PAC addition used In system C eliminated this Inhibition and complete nitrifi-
cation to nitrate was evident. Inhibition may have been due to the presence
of one or more trace contaminants that were possibly adsorbed on to the PAC
in systems B and C. Thiocyanate oxidation was achieved to the same degree In
A, B and C (as was the oxidation of phenol and FOC) indicating that, in the
case of coke plant wastewater, the nitrification process appears to be the
most sensitive to inhibitory trace contaminants.
465
-------
5 1015203040506070808590 95 98
PERCENT OF OBSERVATIONS & STATED VALUE
Figure 2, Effluent TO data; PAC evaluation.
Part 3 - Effect of High SRT
Control data from system A during the FAC evaluation trials showed
that nitrification of full strength wastewater could not be achieved at a sys-
tem SRT of 40 days (Table 6). The system SRT was Increased to an equilibrium
level of 60 days to determine whether nitrification could be sustained at a
higher SRT without PAC addition. A comparison of the effluent quality data
for system A for both SRT values shows little change Indicating that the
single sludge pre-denitrification nitrification system was not capable of
nitrifying full strength coke plant wastewater at elevated SRT values.
Removal of FOC, phenol and thiocyanate remained unimpaired.
Part 4 - Effect of Calcium Precipitation
Most steel mills use combined free/fixed leg ammonia stills for the
removal of ammonia. The most common alkali used for pH elevation in the fixed
leg of the still is calcium hydroxide. As a result, the calcium content of
limed weak ammonia liquor ranges from 1500 to 3000 mg-L"1. Observations
made in Phase I* revealed precipitation of calcium in the reactors, with the
result that the mixed liquor volatile fraction was reduced to less than 50%.
466
-------
Other work1*** has attributed process Instability to the formation of an
inactive sludge caused by the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Conse-
quently, parallel studies were conducted in Phase II to define the effect of
precipitated calcium salts on the nitrification performance of the single
sludge process configuration. To this end, two reactor systems were operated
in parallel. System A was fed wastewater as received from Dofasco, con-
taining between 1500 and -2500 rag-IT1 of calcium. The feed to sys-
tem C was carbonated at elevated pH to reduce the calcium content to levels
always lower than 100 mg-lT1. Both systems received PAC at a rate sufficient
to maintain a reactor concentration of 500 mg-L"1. The reactor systems were
operated at steady state conditions (Table 8) for a four week period. The
mean reactor effluent quality data for this period are shown in Table 9.
They show no significant differences in nitrification performance and process
stability (Figure 3). There was, however, an increase in effluent soluble
organics in system C . This could be attributed to the lower adsorptive
capacity of the lower PAC loading in the influent to system C .
20-
O)
U.
111
'g
?
6
5
SYSTEM FEED Ca~
-------
Table 8, STEADY STATE OPERATING CONDITIONS - CALCIUM EFFECT
00
Reactor
System
A
C
Table 9
Reactor
System
A
C
Feed
Calcium HR1
(mg-L"1-) Anoxic
1500 - 2500 1
<100 1
Average Reactor Solids Clarifler
(mg'L""1) Equivalent Effluent
C (d) SRT Biological
Aerobic (d) MLVSS
3 40 2680
2 40 2900
MLSS
7230
4100
PAC Feed VSS
PAC (mg-L"1) (mg-L"1)
500 50 12
500 33 10
, MEAN REACTOR EFFLUENT QUALITY - CALCIUM EFFECT
Anoxic
FOC
Effluent* 83
% Removal -
Effluent 81
% Removal -
Reactor
NOT-N FOC Phenol TKN
4.7 38 0.076 10
- 94.6 99.98 94.3
5.7 47 0.086 9
- 93.4 99.98 95.1
Aerobic Reactor
NH3-N
0.9
99.0
0.7
99.1
N02-N N03-N TCN CNS ON
2.5 21.2 4.5 1.2 4.4
49 99.5 82
2.4 13.3 6.3 2.1 4.2
27 99.1 83
TN
33.7
81
24.7
86
* Expressed in mg
-------
Mixed liquor solids data In Table 8 Indicate that the volatile frac-
tion Increased from 37 to 70% when the feed was pretreated for calcium
removal. Phosphorus requirements for system G were reduced markedly; rough
balances indicated a tenfold reduction In P requirement. This observation
tended to indicate the Inorganic material precipitating in system A, was a
calcium phosphate. To confirm this, and to define the structure of the pre-
cipitate, sludge samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scan-
ning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
analysis. XRD analysis indicated the Inorganic phase in sludge A to be cal-
cium phosphate tetrabasic (4 CaO^Os) However, EDS. analysis would tend to
indicate that the material is octa calcium phosphate.
In general, observation of sludge A showed that the calcium phos-
phate did not coat the floe. Rather, it was discretely precipitated through-
out the floe suspension and could not be responsible for any reduction in per-
formance. This data complements the process data which showed no difference
in performance between systems A and C.
Part 5 - Effect of Hydraulic Retention Time
In Phase I, studies were conducted at fixed anoxic and aerobic HRT's
of one and three days, respectively. These values were chosen based on both
theoretical and practical considerations, and Included a safety factor of two.
Since the HRT Impacts severely on system capital costs, studies were conducted
to define the limiting hydraulic requirements capable of effecting consistent
nitrification. This was accomplished by operating the three systems in para-
llel at varying HRT's; 0.5, 0.67, and 1.0 day for the anoxic reactors and
1.1, 2 and 3 days for the aerobic reactors. The experimental conditions eval-
uated, and steady state reactor conditions achieved, are shown in Table 10.
Mean effluent quality achieved at these operating conditions is summarized in
Table 11.
A general deterioration in effluent quality with decreasing aerobic
HRT was observed with increasing effluent SS, FOG and phenol and an increas-
ingly unstable tiltrificatloti process as shown in Figure 4. These effects may
have been compounded by the decreasing adsorptive capacity of the decreasing
PAC loading at the lower HRT's. An increase in the level of effluent organic
nitrogen with deereasing.HRT may have been due to the presence of heterocyclic
nitrogenous compounds that were not adsorbed by the PAC and which may, there-
fore, have contributed to the inhibition of nitrification.
469
-------
Table 10, STEADY STATE OPERATING CONDITIONS - HRT EFFECT
Average Reactor Solids Clarlfier
(mg.L*1) Equivalent Effluent
Reactor
System
A
B
C
HRT (d)
Anoxic Aerobic
0.67
1
0.5
Table 11, MEAN
Reactor
System
A
B
C
Effluent*
% Removal
Effluent
% Removal
Effluent
% Removal
2
3
1.1
REACTOR
Anoxic
FOC
119
114
106
SRT
Anoxic
10
10
15
EFFLUENT
Reactor
NO-jr-H
0.5
0.7
0.8
(d)
Aerobic
30
30
30
QUALITY
Biological
MLVSS
5 500
3 630
6 920
- HRT EFFECT
MLSS
16 200
9 550
13 840
PAC Feed VSS
PAC (mg-L"1) (mg-L"1)
500
500
500
33 18
50 10
18 49
Aerobic Reactor
FOC
41
94.5
38
95.0
60
91.9
Phenol TKN
0.084 7
99.8 96.0
0.072 7
99.8 96.0
0.098 27
99.7 86.5
NH3-N
1.7
98.0
1.1
98.7
19.8
78.7
N02-N
3.0
9.7
8.3
N03-N TCN CNS ON
18.7 8 1.1 2.2
21 99.5 91
8.3 8.1 1.1 1.2
21 99.5 95
3.4 8.3 1.4 4.1
18 99.4 84
TN
28.7
84.4
25.0
86.0
38.7
80.0
* Expressed in mg-L""l.
-------
Denitrification did not appear to have been affected by HRT over
the range examined (Figure 5) indicating that the full denitrification capacity
of the system had not been exploited.
90 96
5 « 20 30 «0 50 «0 70 80
PERCENT OF OBSERVOTIONS * STATED WLUE
TEM ANOXIC HRT (d)
• A 0.67
o B 1.0
A C 0.5
0.1
2 5 10 20 30 40 5060 70 80 90 95 98
PERCENT OF OBSERVATIONS S STATED VALUE
Figure 4, Effluent NH -N Data;
HRT effect.
Figure 5, Denitrification performance;
HRT effect.
471
-------
TRACE ORGANICS REMOVAL
Coke production generates a great variety of poly-nuclear aromatlcs
(PNA's) many of which are not identified In the list of priority pollutants.
The U.S. EPA have shown7*13 that adsorption was the main removal mechanism
for PNA' s in sewage treatment plants. The analysis of trace organics in this
study was conducted to Identify and quantify these compounds.
Aliquots of feed, final effluent and waste activated sludge from
systems A and C were analyzed by GC/MS and HPLC for the presence of trace
organics. These samples were taken during the period when the effect of cal-
cium on nitrification performance was being evaluated, and thus the reactor
conditions and effluent quality depicted in Tables 8 and 9 are representative.
Both systems were operated at 40-day SRT, with 500 mg«L~l PAC. However, the
aerobic HRT's were different - 3 days in system A and 2 days in system C.
Some selected data is shown in Table 12. It must be mentioned that only one
replicate of each sample was analyzed, and while the limited quality assur-
ance program indicated good recoveries of spiked compounds (58 to 108%), the
absolute values reported must be treated with caution.
The data Indicated the presence of 16 base-neutral and acid extrac-
table priority pollutants. In addition, 32 non-priority pollutants, primar-
ily heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds, were Identified. These compounds
could not be quantified due to lack of standards. The units expressing trace
organic concentrations have been selected to facilitate data comparisons on a
similar numerical basis. Concentrations are expressed at a ppb level in both
the liquid streams and the sludge so that the fate of the trace organics may
be traced more easily through the treatment process. Operation at a 3-day
aerobic HRT generally produced a 'cleaner* effluent, with marked improvement
in removal of PNA's. Not all PNA's were accumulated in the sludge. Of the
PNA's in the feed only indeno-pyrene, naphthalene, pyrene and benzo-a-anthra-
cene were adsorbed on the sludge. Although significant quantities of
phthalates and naphthalene accumulated in the sludge, mass balances indicate
that more than 90% of those compounds were biologically degraded. In con-
trast, the indeno-pyrene and pyrene remained adsorbed on the sludge.
A substantial concentration of organics can occur which illustrates
the role of the sludge as a "sink" for some organics. Benzo-a-anthracene,
for example, was not detected In the feed but was present at 360 ng/g In the
sludge. Mass balance calculations show that, assuming no losses to other
removal mechanisms, a concentration factor of approximately 4000 was In effect.
472
-------
Table 12, SELECTED TRACE ORGANICS DATA
U»
System 'A*
I
Anthracene
Benzo-a-pyrene
Chrysene
Diethylphthalate
Bis (2 ethyl hexyl) phthalate
Fltioranthene
Fluor ene
Indeno pyrene
Naphthalene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
Benzo-a-anthracene
Cl Pyrldine
Quinoline
1H tndole
9H Carbazole
9H Anthracene Carbonitrile
P henanthri dine
Phenanthridinone
Indolizine
Feed
Cug'L"1)
1.0
0.5
4.0
300
Trace
2.6
4.0
0.7
760
3.5
2.2
ND
-H-
4+
++
•H-
+
+
+
•f
Effluent
0.3
0.4
1.7
100
Trace
1.0
1.5
0.2
ND
0.75
0.7
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Sludge
(ng'g"1) '
ND
ND
ND
9 100
11 000
ND
ND
9 500
7 900
ND
740
360
+
+
+
++
•H-
ND
+
ND
System 'C* Detection
Feed
(\ig-L~1)
1.0
ND
18
1 310
150
4.1
3.0
1.2
3 800
Trace
ND
ND
-H-
•H-
-H-
•H-
+
+
+
+
Effluent
1.4
1.5
4.0
110
Trace
2.0
3.0
ND
ND
0.5
2.0
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Sludge
(ng.g"1)
ND
ND
ND
6 600
20 000
ND
ND
1 800
2 600
ND
ND
160
•f
+
•f
•H-
++
-H-
-H-
-H-
Limit
0.25
0.1
0.4
10.0
10.0
0.1
1.0
0.2
10.0
0.4
0.6
0.6
Note: Sludge values reported on a dry sludge basis.
ND * not detected.
+ = a minor peak.
-H- =» a major peak.
-------
The feed concentration of benzo-a-anthracene would then have been
0.09 yg'lT1 which is below the detection limit of 0.6 pg-lT1. It could be
concluded that other organics are undetected in the feed but will be adsorbed
to significant levels in the sludge.
None of the heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds identified in the
feed could be detected in effluents A or C . However, compounds such as
9H carbazole, 9H anthracene carbonitrile, indolizine, phenanthridine and
phenanthridinone were accumulated in the sludge.
The degree to which PAC addition aided in adsorption of PNA's and
heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds could not be determined. The literature1*.
does, however, indicate that many PNA's are readily adsorbed by PAC. No
conclusive evidence has been generated to identify the mechanism by which PAC
addition prevents inhibition of nitrification but it is possible that this
occurs by the adsorption of the heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds.
474
-------
CONCLUSIONS
1. Complete nitrogen control of Dofasco coke plant wastewater can
be achieved In a single sludge pre-denltrlfIcatlon nitrifi-
cation system only by the addition of low levels of PAC (at
approximately 50 rag-IT1).
2. Over the temperature range, 20-24°C, nitrification was stable
at aerobic HRT's in excess of two days; denitrification is
stable at anoxic HRT's of 0.5 day or greater.
3. The organic carbon in the wastewater can be utilized as the
energy source during denitrification. At FOC/TKN ratios >3.5,
carbon supplementation is not required.
4. The presence of high levels of calcium in the wastewater does
not affect nitrification.
5. The efficient operation of the ammonia still is critical to
the maintenance of a stable nitrification process. It is
essential to minimize variation in wastewater ammonia levels:
TKNjnax/TKN^an should be should be I2-0.
6. GC/MS analysis identified 32 heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds
and 16 priority pollutant organics in the feed. The
pre-denitrification nitrification system, with PAC addition,
operated at a high SRT and HRT, is capable of effecting good
removal for most of these organics. Both adsorption and
biodegradation are major removal mechanisms.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their appreciation to Dofasco for their cooper-
ation in providing the wastewater used in this study. In addition, appreci-
ation is expressed to Dr. Derek Houghton of McMaster University for his
invaluable assistance in generating the SEM/EDS results.
475
-------
REFERENCES
1. Ashmore, A.G., «£ a!l, "The Biological Treatment of Carbonization
Effluents, I", Water Research, 1_, pp. 605-624, 1967.
2. Beccari, M., et^ aL, "Results and Perspectives of Coke Oven Wastewater
Treatment Documentary", Cebedeau. 412, pp. 145-150, 1978.
3. Bridle, T.R., et^ al^ "Operation of a Full Scale Nitrification
Denitrification Industrial Waste Treatment Plant", Water Pollution
Control Federation Journal, 51, 1, pp. 127-139, 1979.
4. Bridle, T.R., e£ al^ "Biological Nitrogen Control of Coke Plant Waste-
waters", Proceedings of 10th IAWPR Conference, Toronto, Ontario, June, 1980.
5. Bridle, T.R., et^ al, "Biological Treatment of Coke Plant Wastewaters
for Control of Nitrogen and Trace Organics", Presented at 53rd Annual
Water Pollution Control Federation Conference, Las Vegas, 1980.
6 Catchpole, J.R. and R.L. Cooper, "The Biological Treatment of Carbon-
ization Effluents, III. Water Research. £, pp. 1459-1474, 1972.
7. Convery, J.J., e£ al^, "Occurrence and Removal of Toxics in Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities", Presented at 7th Joint U.S./Japan
Conference, Tokyo, Japan, May, 1980.
8. Cooper, R.L. and J.R. Catchpole, "The Biological Treatment of Carbon-
ization Effluents, IV", Water Research, 7_, pp. 1137-1153, 1973.
9. Environmental Protection Service, "Meat and Poultry Products Plant
Liquid Effluent Guidelines", Report EPS l-WP-77-2, Ottawa, July,
1977.
10. Robertson, J.H., et a^, "Water Pollution Control", Chem. Eng, 87_ (13),
pp. 102-119, June 30, 1980.
476
-------
11. Button, P.M., e£ al^ "Single Sludge Nitrogen Removal Systems",
Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality Research
Report No. 88, 1979.
12. U.S. EPA, "Process Design Manual for Nitrogen Control", EPA 625/l-7l-002a,
October, 1973.
13. U.S. EPA, "rate of Priority Pollutants in Publicly Owned Treatment
Works", EPA-440/1-79-300, October, 1979.
14. U.S. EPA, "Carbon Adsorption Isotherms for Toxic Organics",
EPA 600/8-800-023, April, 1980.
15. Wilson, R.W. e£ al^, "Design and Cost Comparison of Biological Nitrogen
Removal Systems", Presented at 51st Annual Conference Water Pollution
Control Federation, Anaheim, California, 1978.
477
-------
HYDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
AN INVESTIGATION OF FOREIGN BY-PRODUCT COKE PLANT AND
BLAST FURNACE WASTEWATER CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
HAROLD HOFSTEIN AND HAROLD J.KOHLMANN
HYDROTECHNIC CORPORATION
ABSTRACT
A study was made to determine if more advanced processes
for the treatment of by-product coke plant and blast furnace gas
cleaning wastewaters were used in foreign plants than in domestic
ones. Some unusual techniques for the treatment of blast furnace
gas cleaning wastewaters were found. Aeration of gas cleaning
wastewater prior to clarification improved settling and resulted
in a greater rate of recirculation. Filtering the wastewater
through slag or flue dust removed cyanide although the removal
mechanisms is not known.
Treatment of by-product coke plant and blast furnace gas
cleaning wastewater is, generally, not more advanced in foreign
plants than in the United States. However, blast furnace gas
cleaning water in foreign plants is generally recycled to a greater
degree.
Discussions were held with plant and corporate personnel at
26 plants in 14 countries and with regulatory agencies in 10 of
the 14 countries, to determine the regulations imposed upon the
plants, the incentives provided to reduce pollution loads to re-
ceiving waters and to investigate treatment technology.
Recommendations for research projects are made as there ap-
pears to be promising areas for improvement of wastewater treatment
techniques.
479
-------
INTRODUCTION
In its continuing effort to make information available on
the most advanced and efficient methods of reducing water pollu-
tion from iron and steel production, the U.S. EPA Industrial En-
vironmental Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, con-
tracted with Hydrotechnic Corporation to perform an engeneering
study of foreign steel plants. This was to determine if there were
water pollution control practices being employed for by-product
coke plant and blast furnace wastewaters that were superior to
those used in the United States. In fulfillment of this contract
Hydrotechnic visited 25 plants in 14 countries. Plants in the
United States, Canada and Eastern Bloc nations were not included.
The plants visited account for over 23 percent of the steel pro-
duced outside of the three areas mentioned. One of the plants
visited was a by-product coke plant only and one plant consisted
of a single blast furnace. Neither of these plants had other
production facilities normally associated with steel plants.
Three factors were considered in determining the selection
of the plants to be evaluated:
Based on published literature and personal correspond-
ence, the likelihood of the plants utilizing exemplary
or innovative treatment technology.
Based on prior investigation, the relative abundance
or lack of water in the plant area.
480
-------
Based on published information, the degree of environ-
mental concern in the countries where the plants are
located.
Of the 25 plants visited, 23 provided information that was
useable to permit evaluation of their wastewater treatment systems.
These 23 plants are listed below by country.
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
BELGIUM
ENGLAND
FRANCE
ITALY
JAPAN
MEXICO
NETHERLANDS
SOUTH AFRICA
SWEDEN
TAIWAN
WEST GERMANY
Plant requested anonymity
Broken Hill Proprietary - Newcastle Works
Australia Iron & Steel - Hoskins Kembla Works
SIDMAR
British Steel - Scunthorpe Works
- Orgreave Works
Pont-a-Mousson
Italsider - Taranto Works
Nippon Kokan KK - Ogishima Works
Sumitomo Metal Ind. - Kashima Works
Kobe Steel Ltd. - Kakogawa Works
Kawasaki Steel - Chiba Works
Altos Hornos de Mexico
Hoogovens
ISCOR - Pretoria Works
- Newcastle Works
- Vanderbijlpark Works
Svenskt Stal - Norrbottens Jarnverk
Surhammars Bruks - Spannarhyttan
China Steel
Roechling Burbach
Thyssen
Hoesch Huttenwerke
-------
In addition to visiting plants and corporate engineering
staffs, and observing wastewater treatment operations at the pro-
duction facilities, nine government agencies were consulted. In
a tenth country a trade association was consulted. The agencies
provided information on how regulations affected the degrees of
treatment and on the incentives provided for increasing recircula-
tion of water within the production facilities.
The nine governments were:
Argentina
Australia (New South Wales)
Japan (two agencies)
Mexico
Netherlands (two agencies)
South Africa
Sweden
Taiwan
At the meeting with the trade association,VDEh representing
the West German Iron and Steel Industry, a representative from
the local West German water and waste agency was present.
SUMMARY
1. By-Product Coke Plants
The volume of waste ammonia liquor produced at foreign by-
product coke plants ranged from 0.14 to 0.24 m /Mg (34 to 178 gpt)
482
-------
These volumes are higher than those encountered in the United
States by-product coke plants evaluated.
The treatment of by-product coke plant wastes at foreign
plants is basically similar to that practiced in the United
States. Single stage biological treatment is used at 14 of the
by-product coke plants visited. Nine of these fourteen plants
add dilution water to reduce high ammonia concentrations in the
wastewater to levels not toxic to the organisms. At one plant
in Japan salt water is used. All plants utilizing biological
treatment add nutrients, usually in the form of phosphoric acid.
Two of the plants pretreat the wastes by filtering the wastewater
through a coarse coke bed. This procedure removes tar that may
be detrimental to the biological oxidation process. Two other
plants further treat their effluent by sand filtration and, follow-
ing, by activated carbon adsorption.
Of the 23 by-product coke plants for which some data was
available, fourteen plants discharged their biologically treated
wastewater to public waters, five plants treated their wastewater
in free ammonia stills and then discharged them, one plant treated
its wastewater in both free and fixed ammonia stills prior to
discharge, one plant utilized a free ammonia still and a dephe-
nolizer prior to discharge, one plant provides no treatment at all
prior to discharge and one plant uses the raw waste ammonia liquor
to irrigate a grass crop that is used for animal feed, reportedly
with no ill effects to the animals.
-------
2. Blast Furnaces
Blast furnace gas cleaning systems were used at all of the
plants visited. The gas washer wastewater application rate varied
depending on the wet type of gas cleaning system used. The rates
varied from 2.1 to 28 m /Mg (507 to 6715 gpt) of iron produced.
The weighted average application rate was 6.09 m /Mg (1460 gpt).
All but one of the plants visited treat their gas washer
wastewater for solids removal prior to reuse or discharge. This
plant is under Government directive to provide treatment within
the next two years. Of the 23 blast furnace installations studied,
three do not recycle their wastewaters. The remaining 20 plants
have recycle rates ranging from 27.4 to 99.2 percent with a weighted
average rate of 92.4 percent.
Two of the plants provide treatment of their blowdowns for
.cyanide removal. One uses alkaline chlorination and one uses
Caro's Acid (H2S05)• Three other plants reported unexpected cyanide
reductions which are not due to planned treatment. One of these
plants reported that the cyanide reduction is a result of seepage
of water through the accumulated sludge in its flue dust ponds; one
reported cyanide reduction due to sparging of steam in its clarifier
to prevent freezing, and the third reported cyanide reduction when
the gas washer wastewater blowdown was used to quench slag.
484
-------
- 7 -
3. Regulatory Agencies
Regulatory agencies of nine foreign governments were visited
to gain insights into the regulatory climate and the relationship
that these agencies have with industry. This information provides
a better understanding of the individual plant pollution control
practices. Countries that are members of the European Economic
Community (EEC) have been issued a policy directive with regard to
control of water pollution in the community. To date the regula-
tions of the individual countries have taken precedence over the
EEC directive.
In addition to the regulatory agencies, VDEh, a West German
trade association which represents the iron and steel industry,
was visited. In attendance at the meeting with VDEh were repre-
sentatives from several steel corporations and a representative
of a local West German Federal Government authority.
Only two of the ten countries from which regulations were
obtained have or will have regulations specific to the iron and
steel industry. All others have regulations which pertain to the
quality of water discharged to, or the effect of the discharge on,
the receiving body. The regulations are based upon the use that
is made of the receiving body: i.e., potable water, fishing, re-
creation, etc.
485
-------
It was reported that input from outside of industry had
little effect in the establishment of regulations. Generally,
the bases for regulations are: preservation of public health,
minimizing environmental effects, aesthetic considerations and
water conservation. The economic impact of the regulations on
the individual plant, the industry and the country is considered.
All agencies reported that the industries or individual
companies to be affected by proposed regulations are conferred
with prior to the establishment of the regulations.
In all of the countries variances to the regulations are
subject to negotiation both prior to and subsequent to promulga-
tion. They may be based upon available technology and/or economic
conditions. The final regulations as they apply to the individual
plants may be referred to differently in each countries, e.g., in
England, they are called "consent conditions" and in South Africa,
"relaxed standards."
4. Comparison between Foreign and United States Treatment
A comparison of foreign and United States by-product coke
plants and blast furnace wastewater treatment systems reveals
that:
in general, the treatment applied to these wastewaters
in foreign plants is similar to that used in United
States plants;
486
-------
effluents from foreign plants are not monitored for
pollutant content to the same degree that United States
plants are, i.e., more parameters are monitored in the
United States than in foreign countries;
foreign plants generally recirculate blast furnace gas
washer water to greater degrees than do United States
plants.
Table 1 shows the comparative compliance with United States
effluent guidelines limitations as presented in the "Draft Dev-
elopment Document for Proposed Effluent Limitations and Standards
for the Iron and Steel Manufacturing Point Source Category" (EPA
400/l-79/024a, October 1979) for the foreign plants observed and
the plants for which detailed data was available in the United
States.
An indication of water use efficiency can be obtained by
comparing the degrees of EPA compliance to mass limitations. A
larger portion of the foreign blast furnace treatment systems
that meet the guidelines limitations at BAT levels with respect
to concentrations also meet the guidelines limitations with re-
spect to mass discharges for suspended solids and cyanide. This
indicates that less water is being discharged per unit of produc-
tion resulting in the lower mass discharges.
'4B7
-------
TABLE T. COMPARATIVE COMPLIANCE OF FOREIGN AND.U.S. BY-PRODUCT
COKE PLANT AND BLAST FURNACE NASTEHATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
WITH U.S. EPA DRAFT EFFLUENT GUIDELINES FOR BPT AND BAT
AREA
FOREIGN
U.S.
FOREIGN
U.S.
FOREIGN
U.S.
FOREIGN
U.S.
COKE
PLANT
OR BLAST
FURNACE
BY
PRODUCT
COKE PL ANT
ii
a
n
BLAST
FURNACE
it
it
ii
LEVEL
OF
TREATMENT
BPT
«
BAT
n
BPT
n
BAT
tl
PARAMETER (EXCLUDING PRIORITY POLLUTANTS)
SUSPENDED
SOLIDS
5
100%
100%
5
60%
6O%
5
80%
80%
5
40%
60%
13
100%
69%
6
100%
•00%
13
8%
15%
6
17%
0%
CN
10
100%
100%
5
100%
80%
10
70%
50%
5
0% I 0%
14
100%
93%
6
83%
67%
J4
29%
29%
6
33%
17%
CNS
NL
NL
, f
2
0%
0%
5
0%
0%
NL
NL
NL
NL
OIL AND
GREASE
2
I007o
IOO%
4
50%
75%
2
100%
100%
4
50%
75%
NL
NL
NL
NL
PHENOL
II
73%
45%
4
100%
100%
10
10%
10%
4
50%
50%
2
100%
too%
6
100%
83%
2
50%
50%
6
50%
33%
PHENOLICS
NR
—
—
5
67%
67%
NR
—
—
2
50%
50%
NL
N
NL
NL
AMMONIA
9
11%
22%
5
40%
60%
9
11%
11%
5
40%
40%
5
100%
60%
6
100%
83%
5
20%
0%
6
33%
0%
SULFIDE
NL
'NL
1
0%
0%
4
25%
50%
NR
— .
—
6
83%
67%
NR
—
—
6
40%
0%
FLUORIDE
NL
NL
NL
NL
5
40%
80%
5
100%
80%
5
2O%| 0%
j
0%
N
-------
5. Other Observations
While visiting Australia the opportunity to visit the John
Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd. organization was taken to discuss the hot and
cold mill water systems at its Westernport Bay facility. The hot
strip mill operates with the lowest blowdown of any such facility
in the world and features four recirculating water systems. One
is a completely closed non-contact cooling water systems for the
reheat furnace skid cooling. The other three systems have the
water cascaded with the makeup water consisting of a mixture of a
purchased supply and collected storm water. The makeup is applied
to the area where highest quality water is required. Blowdown is
cascaded from high water quality systems to facilities which may
tolerate lower quality. The contact cooling water is filtered,
cooled and recirculated. Blowdown from the system discharges to
Westernport Bay via the plant's cold mill effluent lagoon. The
plant reports that the total discharge from the mill is 0.2 m /Mg
(48 gpt) with mass discharges of 0.002 kg/Mg (Ib/lOOOlb) each of
suspended solids and oil.
Their cold mill complex consisting of a hydrochloric acid
pickler, a five stand cold reduction mill, a coating line and a
paint line is also an excellent example of conservation and reuse
which also results in significant pollution control. The key to
minimizing plant water use is the segregation of water systems.
All non-contact cooling water is collected, cooled and reused in
a separate system. Sanitary sewage is collected and treated
489
-------
separately. Waste pickle liquor is regenerated in a hydrochloric
acid regeneration plant.
The process water is treated in two separate systems: one
is the industrial water treatment system in which the relatively
clean wastewater from stands 1 and 5 of the cold mill and the
picler process water are treated, cooled, combined with tertiary
treated sanitary wastes and returned to the mill for reuse. The
second wastewater treatment system receives the cold mill rolling
solution blowdown and dumps, the pickle liquor regeneration plant
excess rinse water, galvanizer alkali dumps, and the industrial
water treatment plant blowdown. These wastes are treated for
discharge to receiving waters.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
1. Blast Furnaces
A unit operation, not known to be practiced in the United
States, was observed at two foreign plants, August Thyssen in
West Germany and Chiba Works of the Kawasaki Steel Corporation.
It is the aeration of gas washer water prior to settling in
clarifiers or thickeners. A portion of the settled sludge is
recirculated back to the aeration basin to act as a seed for
precipitation of carbonates. The purpose of this operation is
to increase the cycles of concentration while not increasing the
likelihood of scale formation in the recirculation system.
490
-------
Four methods of cyanide removal other than alkaline chlori-
nation from gas washer wastewater were noted. Three of these
methods were not utilized as intentional unit operation, i.e.,the
purpose of the operation was not for the specific purpose of cya-
nide removal although removal was noted. These operations are:
Sparging steam through the waste. At one plant in
Sweden (Spannarhyttan) cyanide reduction was noted
after steam sparging. Steam was utilized to prevent
freezing of water in the clarifier and apparently
resulted in cyanide reduction from an influent con-
centration of 30 mg/1 to 2.4 mg/1.
Filtration of blast furnace wastewater through flue
dust. Two plants owned by Hoesch Estel in West Germany
utilize sludge disposal as the means of blast furnace
gas washer water blowdown. The sludge is discharged
to flue dust ponds and the excess water seeps through,
is collected in an underdrain pipe, and discharges to
a river. Alkalinity is added at both plants, at one
in the form of cold mill sludge and at the other in the
form of caustic (sodium hydroxide). It was noted that
the cyanide concentration in the liquid phase of the
sludge was 0.2 mg/1 and the cyanide concentration of
the underdrain flow was 0.1 mg/1. The plant has theor-
ized that the reduction is due to metallo-cyanide
491
-------
complexes being formed and being adsorbed on the flue
dust. No work has been done to confirm this hypothesis.
Use of gas washer wastewater for slag quenching. One
plant, ISCOR's Pretoria Works in South Africa, reported
that when a portion of the gas washer wastewater blow-
down is used for slag quenching the leachata from the
slag pile is free of cyanide. The plant has not re-
ported the cyanide content of the raw water but stated
that they believe that the reason for the lack of
cyanide in the leachata is due to biological activity
in the slag pile. No work has been done to verify this
hypothesis.
Pont-a-Mousson in France uses Caro's Acid (H2SO5) for
cyanide destruction. The plant discharges a quantity
of gas washer water from the flue dust settling pond
on a batch basis to chemical treatment tanks where
Caro's Acid is added. It reacts with and oxidizes the
cyanide. In the process some phenol reduction is also
observed.
2. Coke Plants
Of the 23 by-product coke plants observed, 14 utilize bio-
logical methods for treatment of their wastewater. At China
492
-------
Steel the by-product coke plant wastes are pretreated by fil-
tration through a bed of coke to remove excess tars that might
interfere with the biological process. After the filtration
step, sanitary wastes from the entire plant are combined with
the coke plant wastes and treated in an activated sludge process.
One plant combines untreated coke plant wastewater with
blast furnace gas washer water blowdown and uses the combined
wastes for irrigation of grass fields. The grass crop is used
for cattle fodder. No ill effects to the cattle have been re-
ported. This method cannot be considered as innovative treatment
but rather as an innovative means of disposal.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
Plant and corporate managements are intimately familiar
with wastewater treatment practiced at the individual plants
and are usually apprised of potential problems before they ac-
tually occur. Operators, in many cases, are familiar with the
theoretical as well as the practical aspects of the treatment
plant operations.
Generally, housekeeping was observed to be of a high order.
Water was not running where it was not needed. In plants where
space permitted green areas were set aside both to enhance the
appearance of the physical plant and to reduce noise in the plant
environs.
493
-------
In one blast furnace cast house all runners were covered
with hoods and a vaccum applied. This resulted in a noticeable
lack of fugitive emissions.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on observation at 25 foreign plants visited that
operate either by-product coke plants or blast furnaces, or both,
it is concluded that the wastewater treatment practiced in for-
ign plants is basically similar to that practiced in the United
States. Generally, blast furnace gas washer water is recircu-
lated to a greater degree than at United States plants.
Two plants in Japan reported that the by-product coke
plant wastewater passed through a tertiary treatment phase, i.e.,
sand filtration followed by activated carbon adsorption. Of all
the plants observed or reported, these were the only plants that
apparently addressed the problem of priority pollutants; however,
no data with regard to the efficiency of removal of priority pol-
lutants or effluent levels was provided when it was requested.
Foreign effluent quality regulations are usually negotiated
between government and industry on a case by case basis. The
economic impacts of the regulations are a major concern.
494
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Research should be conducted to quantify the pollutant re-
ductions attainable and to ascertain the mechanisms by which the
reduction of cyanide occurred for two of the methods observed.
These methods are:
Sparging of steam through wastewater. Research on this
method should also include the effects on air quality
and energy requirements.
Filtering the wastewater through flue dust. The re-
search on this method should also include the possible
effects on the air quality at sinter plants or briquet-
ting plants if the cyanide containing flue dust is
used as a feed stock.
Research should also be conducted to determine the effect
of increased recirculation at blast furnace gas washer opera-
tions. Specifically, the method of increasing recirculation by
aerating the solids laden gas washer water prior to settling
should be investigated.
Treatment of by-product coke plant wastes by biological
means is a generally accepted and proven procedure. However,
the authors believe that coke plant wastewater can be combined
with blast furnace gas cleaning blowdown water prior to treat-
ment. During discussions with steel plant personnel both in the
495
-------
United States and abroad, this concept was raised. The only
concrete objection raised was that the heavy metals present in
the blast furnace wastewater would be toxic to the biological
systems. However, fluoride which is present to some degree in
blast furnace gas washer wastewater, is a limited U.S. guide-
line parameter and lime precipitation will be required to remove
the fluoride. When lime is added to precipitate calcium fluo-
ride, hydroxyl ions will, at the proper pH values, form metal
hydroxide precipitates. The removal of these precipitates
should reduce heavy metals to varying degrees to levels that
would be well below those toxic to biological systems. Therefore,
when lime is added, two benefits are realized: (1) the fluorides
are reduced to acceptable levels, and (2) toxic metals are re-
duced to permit discharge to a biological system where the
regulated biodegradable contaminants can be oxidized. Confirma-
tion of this concept should be proven by a research program.
Further research should be performed to verify a second
stage biological process to nitrify the ammonia in the combined
wastewater streams.
496
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SETEC-CE-80-044
FACTORS INFLUENCING BIOLOGICAL
NITRIFICATION
OF STEEL INDUSTRY WASTEWATERS
by
Ronald D. Neufeld
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
ABSTRACT
Laboratory experiments were conducted on the rate of ammonia
bio-oxidation by an autotrophic culture of strict nitrifiers. The quantitative
influence of pH, un-ionized (free) ammonia, phenol and elevated temperatures
on Michaelis-Menten type nitrification biokinetics was evaluated.
Total ammonia and pH act via a "substrate inhibition" mechanism
to nitrification. The maximum specific rate of nitrification decreases
proportionally to the square root of ambient phenol concentrations. Temperatures
in excess of 30°C decrease the maximum specific rate of nitrification, decrease
nitrifier yield coefficients, nad increase the "Michaelis-Menten" constant
leading to an overall decrease in rate kinetics and potential process instabilities
at such elevated temperatures. Conclusions based on engineering calculations
are presented to illustrate design and operational considerations for the
biological removal of wastewater ammonia.
KEYWORDS;
nitrification; biological treatment; activated sludge; biokinetics;
phenol; nitrosomonas; free ammonia; toxic inhibition; temperature; coke plant;
steel industry;
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This project is jointly supported by the AISI, and the
U.S. EPA-IERL. The author sincerely thanks Mr. John Ruppersberger,
technical project officer from the EPA for his in-depth review
of this manuscript.
4*7
-------
"FACTORS INFLUENCING BIOLOGICAL NITRIFICATION OF STEEL INDUSTRY
WASTEWATERS"
Ronald D. Neufeld, University of Pittsburgh, Dept. Civil Engineering
INTRODUCTION
The overall objective of this research is to conduct basic studies into
possible causes of biological nitrification process instability as currently
observed in many industrial wastewater operations, and in the longer term,
to propose rational and pragmatic process operational alternatives for
the biological oxidation of ammonia.
Research activities to date have centered on quantification of the
influence of key reproducible parameters on the biokinetics of nitrification,
and calculations to illustrate the effect of changed biokinetics on
nitrification process design and operational strategies (1,2).
Theoretical Considerations
Although several genera of autotrophic bacteria have been identified as
capable of causing nitrification, the genera nitrosomonas and nitrobacter
are considered responsible for most naturally occurring nitrification as:
2NH+ + 302 nitrosomonas
and
2NO- + 02 nitrobacter - > 2NQ- (2)
The key to a rational utilization of any biological process to
non-stereotyped applications is an understanding of the appropriate
biokinetics and defining bio-relationships. For nitrification applications,
it has been found that appropriate utilization of Michael is-Menten kinetic
theories can serve in most cases to describe the system with reasonable
clarity. Accordingly, the specific experimental goal of this research effort
is to develop, from a deterministic base, modifications of nitrification
bio-kinetic relationships described by Michaelis-Mentel kinetics to account
for apparent industrial process instability observations.
Nitrification process instability can be caused by the interactions of
organic "external agent" via a toxic inhibition mechanism, and/or
via a substrate inhibition mechanism with high enough levels of un-ionized
ammonia as governed by the aqueous ammonium-ammonia equilibria.
In addition, all biological organisms exhibit optimum temperature ranges
for substrate utilization. At lower temperatures, classical Arrhenius theory
predicts a decrease in reaction rates t while at elevated temperature,
simultaneous enzyme-protein denatuation predicts a similar decrease in rate
biokinetics.
498
-------
Biokinetics
The defining equations for biological reactions may be written by
equations 3 and 4 as:
v - Vmax S ' (Km + S) (3)
where;
v - specific nitrification rate ( Ib NH, used/lb VSS-day)
V = maximum specific utilization rate
max
K =* "Michaelis-Menten" constant (mg NH./L)
n j
S » substrate level (mg NH3/L)
and
dX/dt - a(dS/dt) - bX (4)
where;
X * biomass concentration (mg VSS/L)
t = time
a = yield coefficient (Ib VSS grown/lb NH3 utilized)
b = decay coefficient ( 1/tlme)
The above equation is often approximated by a one-constant equation of
the form:
AX = (a)Qb AS (5)
for conditions of steady state continuous culture performance. The
observed net yield coefficient, (a)ob» is tne measured harvest of biomass
per unit ammonia removed.
Substrate Inhibition Models
Many substances act as nutrients at low concentration levels, and serve to
inhibit biokinetics at higher levels.
Mathematically, the relationship for substrate inhibition may be modified
from equation (1) as :
v = Vmax / { 1 + (Km/S) + (S/Ki)n } (6)
where Ki - inhibition constant
n • order of inhibition
This type of relationship has been found to best describe nitrification
biokinetics as will be shown below.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
A culture of nitrifying organisms was developed in our laboratory two years
prior to undertaking this effort. The organisms were acclimated to a
499
-------
synthetic ammonia waste, with sufficient inorganic carbon (sodium bicar-
bonate) and trace nutrients in open semi-continuous systems with hydraulic
detention times of about 2 days and sludge ages varied in the range of 5
to 20 days. At no time during the course of this research were the organisms
fed any carbon source nutrient other than Inorganic carbon. The organisms
exhibited a red color found to be typical of pure nitrification bio-systems.
The experimental approach to determining biokinetics under a variety of
conditions is that of batch respirometric evaluations. The philosophy
behind this approach is to measure specific oxygen utilization in a constant
temperature chamber fitted with adissolved oxygen probe so that the initial
sample would not be destroyed upon monitoring and analysis. It was noted
consistently during the course of these experiments, that ammonia was
oxidized to nitrite, and at no time during testing was nitrite oxidized to
nitrate. Thus for purposes of this research, oxygen utilization data could
be directly correlated with specific rates of ammonia oxidation in direct res-
pirometric evaluat ions .
A calibrated Orion specific ion probe with Orion model 407 analyzer was used
for all ammonia analysis. Alkalinity, volatile suspended solids, nitrite,
nitrate, and other trace material analysis were conducted in accord with
Standard Methods (3) .
Un -Ionized Ammonia Kinetic Considerations
Aqueous ammonia is thought to undergo the following reactions in water;
H20 + NH3 - N^total * K" + OH~
where H+ + OH~ - H20
The total ammonia in an aqueous solution is the sum of the un-ionized and
ionized forms of ammonia, for which all practical purposes is
^3 total ' ^3 + ml <8>
un-ionized and ionized
From the equilibrium expression for the dissociation of un-ionized ammonia
(9)
" (N!W
and K - (H+) (OH~) (10)
w
the following may be derived for the ratio of un-ionized ammonia to total
aqueous ammonia as:
500
-------
NH- . . ,
3 un-ionized
(11)
total (K) (H+)
w
Thus, the ratio of un- ionized ammonia to total ammonia in a stream is a
function of pH and temperature, with temperature influencing the numerical
values of K. and K .
1 w
Figure 1 is a summary plot of specific ammonia utilization rate (v - gNH_
used/gvss-Day) as a function of aqueous un-ionized ammonia level at pH=8.0.
The equation of the smooth curve fit through data points is:
V-1-2 / (1+ +
It should be noted that in these equations, the order of inhibition (n) is one.
Table 1 is a summary of results of correlation of all laboratory data in accord
with the substrate inhibition equation #6.
TABLE 1
Summary of Nitrification Biokinetic Parameters
PH
7.0
8.0
9.0
V
max
g NH3/g VSS-DAY
0.7
1.2
0.95
K
m
mg/L NH3
0.184
0.184
0.184
mg/L
500
500
200
n
1
1
1
Application to Design and Operation
Using values of yield coefficient "a" of 0.13 g VSS/g NH and decay co-
efficient "b" of 0.04 DAY as also found in this research, an overall equation
relating sludge age (9) to effluent ammonia from a one stage activated sludge
reactor may be derived as:
_i— = a (v) - b (13)
9
Figure 2 is a series of calculated curves predicting the influence of pH
and sludge age on effluent total ammonia (ionized + un-ionized). This curve
was calculated from laboratory data presented on Table 1 and figure 2 coupled
with the ammonia-ammonium/pH equilibrium relationship of equation 9. Also
501
-------
outlined on this figure is a proposed Pennsylvania discharge standard
of 10 mg NH-/L illustrating the influence of pH and sludge age to meeting
this standard.
INFLUENCE OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURES ON NITRIFICATION
While much Municipal oriented research has been conducted on the effect
of low temperatures on nitrification, little research to date has been
published on the influence of elevated temperatures on nitrification
bio kinetics.
There is some controversy in the literature as to the optimum temperature
for nitrification. Buswell et al., (4) cite 30°C to 36°C as the optimum
for Nitrosomonas. Painter and Loveless (5) reported 34°C to 35°C as an
optimum for NiEFobacter, while Laudelot and VanTichelen (6) found 42°C was
the best for the same organisms. Gibbs (7) reported that 53°C to 55°C
inactivated nitrifiers. Sawyer and Bradney (8) in their BOD work showed
that pasteurization at 55°C proved very effective in the inactivation of
nitrifiers. Shammas, in his doctoral dissertation (9), indicated no optimum
temperature for nitrification with a constant "activity" in the temperature
range of 15 C to 35°C with 50 percent of the nitrification activity (rate)
occurring at around 12 C.
It has been assumed by many that the cell synthesis coefficient remains
constant and independent of temperature. Sayigh and Malina (10), Zononi (11),
and Sawyer and Rohlich (12) however, have shown this assumption not to be true.
Sayigh and Malina (10) observed cell synthesis coefficients of 1.67, 1.35, and
1.52 (Ib MLVSS synthesized/lb soluble COD removed) at 4 C, 10°C, and 20°C
respectively. At 31 C, they showed the cell synthesis coefficient decreasing
to 0.62.
Experimental
For this series of experiments, the nitrifiers were acclimated to specific
temperatures by equipping the complete mix semi-continuous reactors with
inexpensive "fish tank heaters". The sludge was held at the desired temper-
ature for a period of at least two sludge ages prior to data gathering.
Data was collected in a manner similar to the the above except that a specially
designed reactor with water bath was employed. The steady-state data presented
below are for nitrifiers acclimated to the temperatures indicated at pH =8.0 .
Figure 3 is a plot of maximum specific ammonia utilization as a function of
temperature illustrating that at a temperature range of 22 C to 30°C.
Via = 1.26 Ib NH3/lb VSS-day, and for temperatures in the range .of 30 C to 45°C,
Vm - 3.78 - 0.084 (T) (14)
Figure 4 is a plot of Km with temperature illustrating an apparent slope
reversal at temperatures on either side of 30°C. Figure 4, is a plot
of observed yield coefficient (defined in equation 3) as a function of
temperature.
502
-------
Application to Design and Operation
For any temperature, values of "Vin" and "Km" may be obtained. These
values may be substituted into equation #3 for evaluation of "v" as
a function of effluent ammonia (ammonia level surrounding the biota) .
This relationship may be substituted into equation 13 to develop a
continuous relationship of sludge age (9) vs. effluent ammonia at any
given temperature. Figure 6 is a family of such curves of effluent
ammonia vs sludge age as functions of wastewater temperature.
In order to best interpret the concepts developed by this figure,
a cross plot of sludge age vs. temperature was developed for a family
of effluent ammonia levels. This was done by placing horizontal lines
across the curves of figure 6 at various effluent ammonia levels, and
plotting the points of intersection on figure 7. The cross plots were
done for effluent ammonia levels of 5 mg/L to 50 mg/L. As can be best
seen from figure 7, the joint effects of temperature on Vm, Km, and
yield coefficient as shown on figures 3, 4, and 5 respectively serve to
cause the nitrification process to become unstable at elevated temperatures.
The relative flatness of the curve at temperatures below 30 C indicates
a process stability for nitrification, which is also in accord with some
steel industry observations.
From a biochemical viewpoint, the overall decrease in rate kinetics at
temperatures observed in excess of 30 C may be anticipated due to progres-
sive denaturation of enzyme proteins. Two simultaneous reactions are occurring
at the same time; an increase in rate of biological nitrification (the
foward reaction) , coupled with an increased rate of chemical protein
denaturation (an analogy to the reverse rate) resulting as an apparent
optimum in overall reaction rate at a temperatureof about 30 C (86 F)
followed by a decrease in overall nitrification rate as the temperature
exceeds 30 C. It should be noted that extrapolation of kinetic parameter
and yield coefficient data appears to show that an upper limit for sustained
(but slow) biological nitrification for these mesophilic organisms is
about 45°C ( 113 F) ; a value which closely agrees with textbook information
on the microbiology of nitrosomonas organisms.
INFLUENCE OF TRACE ORGANICS -PHENOL
In summary of a third research effort in this overall project, phenol
was found to effect only the Vinax term of equation #3 in a manner proportional
to the square root of the phenol concentration(l) . An overall rate
expression for the influence of phenol on nitrification at pH-8.5 is:
4.14 (N)
{4.4 + /TK2.78 + N)
An operational model of the form of equation #13 may be written as:
m [p 13[ Q.92 {NH3-N> - 3-0.04] day'1 (16)
{(1 + /P" )(2.78 + NH.-N)}
4~4 J
503
-------
SUMMARY OF RESULTS AND SPECIFIC CONCLUSIONS
Based on laboratory results obtained to date coupled with theoretical
considerations for biological systems we find the following:
1) PH acts in conjunction with total ammonia level to
cause the "un-ionized" (or free) ammonia concentration
in solution to act as a master variable influencing
nitrification biokinetics. Free ammonia level acts
as a substrate inhibitor to nitrification biokinetics,
with a maxima in specific nitrification removal rates
existing at free ammonia levels of about 10 mg/L.
2) Un-ionized ammonia begins to inhibit nitrification at con-
centrations greater than 10 mg/L.
3) Suggested sludge ages to maintain effective nitrification
when un-ionized ammonia is neither limiting or inhibitory
(considering a safety factor of about 2) is
pH 7.0: 15-18 days
pH 8.0: 9-12 days
pH 9.0: 12-15 days
4) Nitrification biokinetics appear very sensitive to elevated
temperatures with rates of nitrification increasing to an
apparent maxima at 30°C, beyond which the overall rate
decreases. This is found to be caused by a decrease in
the maximum rate of nitrification (Vmax), a decrease in the
observed yield coefficient, and Increase in Michaelis-
Menten constant (Km) at temperatures in excess of 30°C.
5) Based on theoretical calculations coupled with laboratory
experiments, it is suggested that wastewater temperatures
be kept below 30°C to assure stable nitrification producing
effluents of 10 mg/L ammonia or less.
6) Trace organics have been found to act as toxic inhibitors
to nitrification biokinetics. As one example, phenol was
found to inhibit the maximum rate of specific ammonia
utilization (Vmax) in a manner proportional to the square
root of the phenol concentration.
7) Work is continuing in the area of evaluation of the influences
of SCN, ethyl pyridine, and other trace substances on the
biokinetics of nitrification. It is anticipated that an
overall model, or linkages of models may be developed for a
better understanding and design of "one-stage" systems for
carbonaceous and ammonia removals from coke plant and other
phenolic based wastewaters.
504
-------
REFERENCES
(1) Neufeld, R.D., Hill, A.J., Adekoya, D.O.,
"Influence of Uh-ionized Ammonia and Phenol on Nitrification
Biokinetics for Steel Industry Wastewaters" Annual Progress
Report for the year ending August 1, 1979, AISI Project #78-395
(2) Neufeld, R.D., Rieder, C.B., Greenfield, J. H., "Influence
of Elevated Temperatures on Nitrification Biokinetics as
Applied to Steel Industry Wastewaters" Annual Progress Report
for the year ending August 1, 1980, AISI Project #78-395
(3) APHA, AWWA, WPCF, "Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater" 14th Edition, 1975
(4) Buswell, Shiota, Lawrence, and Meter, "Laboratory Studies on
the Kinetics of the Growth of Nitrosomonas, with the Relation
to the Nitrification Phase of the BOD Test," Applied Micro-
biology, 2 (1954)
(5) Painter, H.A. and Loveless, J.E., "The Influence of Metal Ion
Concentration and pH Values on the Growth of a Nitrosomonas
Strain Isolated from Activated Sludge," Journal of General
Microbiology, 52, (1968)
(6) Laudelout, H. and Van Tichelen, L., "Kinetics of the Nitrite
Oxidation by Nitrobacter Winogradski." Journal of Bacte-
riology, 79, pp. 392-442. (1960)
(7) Gibbs, W.M., "The Isolation and Study of the Nitrifying
Bacteria," Soil Science, Vol. 8, No. 6, P. 427. (1920)
(8) Sawyer, C.N. and Bradney, L., "Modernization of the BOD Test
for Determining the Efficiency of Sewage Treatment Processes,"
Science of Sewage Works, 18, p. 1113. (1946)
(9) Shammas, Nazih Kheirallah "Optimization of Biological Nitri-
fication" PhD Dissertation, Dept Civil Engineering, University
of Michigan, 1971
(10) Sayigh B.A., Malina, J.F., "Temperature Effects on the Activated
Sludge Process" JWPCF 50 no.4, 678-687, April 1978
(11) Zononi, A.E., "Secondary Effluent Deoxygenation at Different
Temperatures" J.W.P.C.F. 41, 640, (1969)
(12) Sawer, C.N., Rohlich, G.A. "The Influence of Temperature upon
the- Rate of Oxygen Utilization by Activated Sludges" Sewage
Works Journal Vol II, No. 6, P 946-964 (1939)
505
-------
FIGURE 1
> .11
UMMZBD MMGMA (NH*> fmgj.)
1000
I
FIGURE 2
AMMONIA vs, SLUDGE AGE
1.4
1.2
I
J» 08
_»
as
i
O 04
O2
Vnwa vs. Temperature
ii i-p
FIGURE 3
ft- 378-j084{T«C)
tor TJfcKTC
20 » 2B 32 36 40
TEMP (*C)
SludB. Ag» fa«y»>
506
-------
Km vs. Temperature
Observed Yield Coefficient
IUU
60
60
40
30
20
8
3
2
'• -
FIGURE H i -
I
1 -
i
tog Km- -18829 +.06228(1) j
for T i 30» C \~ » /
tog Km • 153-0.030(7)
for 2Z«C i T i 30"C
10 2O 30 40 S
TEMP CO
at
.07
(0)ob feVSS/«N»g
> & 8 & i & 8
a
0
Temperature
i i • • * •
' «*•<-» . JiSTILr
e "X FIGURE 5
D $S.
(a)oB>OJ935-aO043(T*C) .N
tar 3C**T*48*C ™ NS
N
1 1 1 1 • IV
D 24 26 32 36 40 44
TEMP CO
Calculated Required Sudan Age
to meet Indicated NH. Effluents
vs.
Temperature
Effluent NH, Concentration
vs.
Sludge Age
90
eo
70
I «,
so
I «
I 30
" 20
10
20
24
28 32
TEMP CO
FIGURE 7
36
40
020 3040906070809000 110 BO
SLUDGE AGE (day*)
FIGURE 6
507
-------
FLOTATION OF IRON-CYANIDE COMPLEXES
FROM IRON AND COKE PLANT WASTE WATERS
R. 0. Bucsh
Research Engineer
International Nickel, Inc.
Sterling Forest
Suffern, NY 10901
G. W. Lower
Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931
D. J. Spottiswood
Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
ABSTRACT
Distribution curves indicate that long chain quaternary amines will complex
cyanide, ferrocyanide and ferricyanide. The neutral organometallic complexes
formed are hydrophobic because of the long chain alkyl groups of the amine
and therefore should be capable of attachment to an air bubble and concentrated
in the froth product. This concept was tested on synthetic ferricyanide
solutions and to a limited extent on ferrocyanide solutions in a small con-
tinuous flotation column. Ferricyanide removal was found to be a function of
retention time, initial ferricyanide concentration, mole ratio of amine to
ferricyanide, and chloride interference. The air flow rate and solution pH
in the range of 4 to 10 had relatively minor effects. Under optimum conditions
ferricyanide removals of approximately 80% were achieved in a single stage
flotation.
509
-------
FLOTATION OF IRON-CYANIDE COMPLEXES
FROM IRON AND COKE PLANT WASTE WATERS
Soluble cyanide species exist in by-product coke plant effluents in concen-
trations of 7.0 to 110 mg/H of cyanide. The cyanide is present as metallic
cyanide complexes, principally ferrocyanide and ferricyani.de, as well as free
cyanide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued regulations
limiting the discharge of cyanide as given in the BATEA guidelines to 0.25 mg/£.
These regulations are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 1985.
Economic removal of the relatively low levels of cyanide in these effluents
requires a process capable of high volume treatment at low cost. Flotation
processes such as used in the mineral industry meet these requirements. However,
in contrast to flotation of fine mineral particles, cyanide removal requires the
flotation of an ionic species or microparticulate particles. One possible method
of achieving this ionic flotation is to complex the ionic cyanide species with a
hydrophobic complexing agent to produce a neutral ion-pair complex capable of
attaching itself to an air bubble. Grieves and Bhattacharyya2 have demonstrated
that a cationic surfactant, ethylhexadecylammonium bromide allows removal of
ferrocyanide in a batch foam separation process. They also demonstrated that
microparticulate iron-ferrocyanide would respond to this reagent.
In the present study the ion flotation of ferricyanide was studied using a
quarternary amine surfactant, tricaprylmetnylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336,
General Mills), in a single stage column flotation process.
COMPLEX FORMATION
In order to determine the ability of the amine to complex cyanide species,
distribution tests were run using a chloroform solution containing 1% amine and
aqueous solutions of 2.0 mg/fc FeCCN)^"1, 20.0 mg/Jl Fe(CN)g3, and 20.0 mg/Jl CN~
respectively. As shown in Figure 1 the amine extracts all of these ions from
the aqueous phase indicating complex formation and therefore the possibility of
their removal by flotation.
FLOTATION OF FERRICYANIDE
All flotation tests were carried out in a continuous flotation column using
synthetic solutions of K3Fe(CN)6 containing 36.8 mg/fc Fe(CN)63. The column had
an inside diameter of 4.7 cm and an effective length of 47 cm. A fritted glass
disc with a pore size of 25-50 micrometers was used as a gas dispenser. A diagram
of the apparatus is shown in Figure 2. The general flotation procedure was to
disperse the amine in a small volume of feed solution and add this dispersion - to
the bulk of the feed in the conditioning tank. After a period of conditioning,
usually 10 to 12 minutes, the feed solution was pumped through the column counter-
current to the air flow and the froth product removed. Unless otherwise stated
an air flow rate of 0.16 Jl/min/cm2 and a flotation time of 1.74 minutes was used.
The effectiveness of flotation was determined by the fraction removed, Fr,
and by the removal factor, RF, as defined below:
Fr - (Af Vf - AU Vu)/Af Vf (1)
RF - 1 - Au/Af (2)
510
-------
4.0
3.0
I
Ol
c
o
u 2.O
O
L.
y
.'c
a
O)
i_
O
1.O
0 0.1 0.2
Aqueous-Ferrocyanide (tig/ml)
80
70
60
ai
50
o
.y 40
u
£
-« 30
a
E1
o
20
1 0
0
0.1 O.2 0.3 0.4
Agueous-Ferricyanide
0.5
80
7O
60
E
01 50
§ 4O
>>
U
I
y
|30
6
20
1 0
O
0.5 1.0 1.5
Aqueous -Cyanide
2.0
2.5
Figure 1. Distribution equilibria for
. apeciec.
-------
To Vacuum
en
H->
ro
Pump
Constant
Head Tank
IU1
Conditioner
— Air Supply
r
Overflow
Trap
Air-flow
Meter
Anti-syphon
Underflow
Outlet
Underflow
Solution
Tank
Air Inlet and
Trap Assembly
Figure 2. Flotation apparatus.
-------
where Af and Ay are the cyanide concentrations in the feed and underflow respec-
tively, and Vf and Vu the volumes of the feed and underflow. The fraction removed
gives the fraction of total cyanide in the overflow and is a function of the amount
of solution carried over in the froth product. The removal factor assumes the
overflow solution volume is zero.
Amine Concentration
The overall reaction for complex formation is shown in Equation 3 below:
3R4N Cfc + FeCCN)63 - Fe(CN)6 (RAN) 3 + 3 CJT1 (3)
Therefore the theoretical quantity of amine required to form a neutral complex
would be at an amine to ferricyanide mole ratio of 3 to 1. Since this above reac-
tion is an equilibrium reaction, some excess amine would be required to assure
essentially complete reaction. Maximum recovery was achieved at an amine- ferri-
cyanide ratio of 3.75 to 1 as shown in Figure 3. The neutral complex formed
agglomerates into small wax-like particles and is recovered in the froth product.
This amine usage is somewhat higher than the theoretical requirements as might be
expected based on equilibrium considerations. At lower ratios the recovery decreases
because of insufficient amine. At higher ratios the recovery also decreases. At
the high amine ratios, emulsification occurs with & resulting decrease in recovery.
This emulsification probably results from adsorption of excess amine on the wax
particles with the hydrophilic end of the amine outward resulting in particle
repulsion.
Many coke plant waste waters contain relatively high concentrations of
chloride. Since the amine is in the chloride form, higher amine concentrations
should be required in chloride solutions in order to drive the reaction to the
right as indicated in Equation 3. Flotation from solutions containing 5000 mg/Jl
chloride indicate that this occurs as shown in Figure 4. However, in these solu-
tions the recovery does not reach a maximum but continues to increase with increas-
ing amine addition. Emulsification does not occur in these chloride-containing
solutions at these higher amine ratios.
Sutherland and Wark3 have shown that the presence of chloride ion decreases
the critical micelle concentration of amines. The polar groups of the amines
forming the micelle would be at the surface of the micelle and thus react with
the ferricyanide. In addition, by being in this micelle formation, the hydrocarbon
end of the amine is not available for adsorption on the wax particles. Consequently
no emulsification occurs.
Flotation Variables
Recovery was found to increase rapidly with increasing conditioning time until
a steady state was reached at approximately thirteen minutes as shown in Figure 4.
It is possible that the conditioning time could be decreased by dissolving the
amine in a water soluble solvent such as ethanol prior to addition.
Recovery also increases with increasing flotation time as shown in Figure 5.
As indicated the recovery increased from 75% at a flotation time of 1.07 minutes
to 83% at a flotation time of 2.3 minutes.
Increasing the air flow rate over a range of 0.08 to 0.22 fc/min/cm2 had only a
minor effect on recovery as shown in Figure 6. The sharp decrease in the removal
factor at the high air flow rate resulted from excessive carryover of solution
into the overflow product.
513
-------
0-9r
0-8-
0-7
b
a
LL
0-6
0-5
o
o 04
&
0-3
02
0-1
o Without Chloride
• With Chloride
0
0
1-5 30 4-5 6-0 7-5 9-0
Mole Ratio - Amine to Ferricyanide ^
Figure 3. Recovery as a function of amine addition.
514
-------
0-9
0-8
u
C9
cc
0-6
Removal Factor
0-5
0 5 10 15 20 25
Conditioning Time (min)
Figure 4. The effect of conditioning time on recovery.
30
515
-------
o
u
cs>
ce
0-9
0-8
0-7
0-5
o Fraction Removed
• Removal Factor
1-0 1-5 2-0
Flotation Time (min)
2-5
Figure 5. The effect of flotation time on recovery.
516
-------
0-8
0-7
o
u
06
05
o Fraction Removed
• Removal Factor
•05 -10 -15 20 -25
Air Flow (liters/min-cm )
Figure 6. Recovery as a function of air rate.
517
-------
Solution Variables
Recovery remained essentially constant at about 82% over a ferricyanide con-
centration range of 30 to 70 ing/A as shown in Figure 7. Below this range the
recovery decreased to about 65% at 5.0 mg/fc ferricyanide.
The solution pH had little effect on recovery over a pH range of 4 to 7 as
shown in Figure 8. The slight decrease in recovery above pH 7 probably results
from increased competition for the amine by the hydroxyl ions.
FEKROCYANIDE FLOTATION
A limited amount of work on ferrocyanide flotation gave recoveries comparable
to that of ferricyanide under comparable conditions. However, complex formation
was slower with ferrocyanide. Cyanide ion does not float well at all probably
because of ion hydration. However, free cyanide can be converted to ferrocyanide
by addition of ferrous sulfate at neutral or slightly acidic pH values. Conversion
of free cyanide to ferricyanide is much more difficult. Present work is being
directed toward ferrocyanide flotation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was carried out at Michigan Technological University with the
support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Iron and
Steel Institute.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Development Document for Effluent
Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Steel
Making Segment of the Iron and Steel Manufacturing Point Source Category,"
EPA-440/l-74-024-a, p. 371, Table 67 (1974).
2. Grieves, R. B., and D. Bhattacharyya, "Foam Separation of Complexed Cyanide:
Studies of Rate and of Pulsed Addition of Surfactant," J. Appl. Chem., Vol. 19,
p. 115 (April, 1969).
2. Grieves, R. B., and D. Bhattacharyya, "Precipitate Flotation of Complexed
Cyanide," Separation Science, p. 301 (August, 1969).
2. Grieves, R. B., and D. Bhattacharyya, "Foam Separation of Cyanide Complexed
by Iron," Separation Science, p. 185 (April, 1968).
3. Sutherland, K. L., and Wark, I. W., "Principles of Flotation," Aus* I.M.M.,
Australia, p. 244 (1955).
518
-------
1.0
0.9
01
>0.8
o»
o
u
(*
* 0.7
0.6
0.5
0 10
o Fraction Removed
• Removal Factor
20 30 40 50 60
Ferricyanide Concentration (ppm)
70 80
Figure 7. Tar. o.ffoct of fo.rricyanica concentration on recovery.
-------
01
fo
o
u
&
o:
0.9
0.8
0.7
•o-
• ••
o Fraction Removed
• Removal Factor
7
PH
8
10
11
Figure 8. Recovery as a function of pH.
-------
Session 3: SOLID WASTE POLLUTION ABATEMENT
Chairman: John S. Ruppersberger
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC
521
-------
IMPACT OF THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY
ACT (RCRA) ON THE STEEL INDUSTRY
Penelope Hansen
and
William J. Kline
Hazardous & Industrial Waste Division
Office of Solid Waste
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
523
-------
RCRA and the Steel Industry
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is
structured to ensure that our society will view its waste manage-
ment responsibilities seriously. The failure to realize or predict
the consequences of improper waste management in the past have and
probably will continue to manifest itself with often tragic inci-
dents. RCRA will have a major effect on how all wastes, whether
hazardous or nonhazardous, will be handled in the future.
Nearly 60 million metric tons of solid waste are currently
generated each year by the steel industry in the U.S. Approxi-
mately 80-90% of this total quantity is probably non-hazardous.
Due to commercial sale and/or in plant recovery of over 60% of
these solid wastes, approximately 19 million metric tons (excluding
rubble) of non-hazardous solid wastes remains to be disposed each
year. Table 1 shows the estimated types and quantities of non-
hazardous solid waste annually generated.
The steel industry also generates hazardous wastes. Table 2
is a list of some wastes which EPA believes to be hazardous.
This paper gives a description of the regulatory requirements
for hazardous.and non-hazardous wastes and their expected impact on
the steel industry.
Regulation of Hazardous Wastes
EPA's new hazardous waste managment system may not eliminate
all of the dangerous sites and problems resulting from our past
complacency regarding proper hazardous waste disposal, but the
regulations do initiate the establishment of a system which will
lead to the proper management of hazardous waste and prevent the
creation of new catastrophic situations.
This system is based upon the concept of "cradle-to-grave"
management, i.e., tracking the waste from its point of generation
to its point of disposal. All generators, transporters, and
owner/operators of storage, treatment, and disposal facilities
for hazardous waste have responsibilities within this sytem.
Under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, EPA has promulgated six regulations:
524
-------
RCRA
Section
Subject of Regulation
Final Regulation
3001
3002
3003
3004
3005
3006
3010
Identification and Listing of
Hazardous Waste
Standards for Generators of
Hazardous Waste
Standards for Transporters of
Hazardous Waste
Standards for Hazardous Waste
Facilities:
Phase 1 - Preliminary Facility
Standards
Phase 2 - Technical Design
Standards
Permits for Treatment, Storage,
or Disposal Facilities
Guidelines for Development of
State Hazardous Waste Programs
Notification Process
May 19, 1980
February 26, 1980
February 26, 1980
May 19, 1980
Fall, 1980
May 19,1980
May 19,1980
February 26, 1980
Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste (3001)
The first major area of the regulations is the identification
and listing of hazardous wastes. RCRA defines a hazardous waste
essentially as a solid waste that may cause substantial hazard to
health or the environment when improperly managed. The Act also
instructs EPA to list known hazardous wastes and to establish
criteria for the testing of all wastes to determine whether or not
they are hazardous.
niaracteristies of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous wastes are identified on the basis of measurable
characteristics for which standardized tests are available. The
principal characteristics that make a waste hazardous are specified
levels of:
ignitability - posing a fire hazard during routine
management
525
-------
Table 1
Estimated Annual Quantities of Non-Hazardous
Solid Wastes Generated by the Steel Industry
(Based on Raw Steel Production of 114 Million Metric Tons) (Ref.1,6)
Waste
Slags
Blast Furnace
Basic Oxygen Furnace
Electric Furnace
Open Hearth Furnace
Scales
Soaking Pit
Primary Mill
Continuous Casting
Rolling Mills
Sludges
01 Blast Furnace
en Basic Oxygen Furnace1
Rolling Mills
Plating, Galvanizing
Dusts
Blast Furnace
Basic Oxygen Furnace2
Open Hearth Furnace
Miscellaneous
Fly Ash/Bottom Ash3
Rubble
Quantity Generated
Thousand Metric
Tons (dry wgt.)
20,850
10,200
3,000
4,400
Waste Dispositions
38,450
1,000
4,600
100
700
6,400
1,800
800
275
100
2,975
1,200
400
250
1,850
250
3,400
3,050
Percent
Recycled/Sold
95%
50%
20%
25%
69%
80%
80%
80%
67%
75%
25%
100%
56%
85%
25%
15%
55%
0%
Percent
Disposed
5%
50%
80%
75%
31%
100%
20%
20%
20%
33%
25%
75%
100%
44%
15%
75%
85%
45%
100%
100%
" 100%
Quantity Landfilled
Thousand
Metric Tons
1,040
5,100
2,400
3,300
1 64% of BOF's utilize wet emission controls, 35% utilize dry controls.
will be generated whichever device is utlized.
11,840
1,000
920
20
140
2,080
450
600
275
1,325
200
300
200
700
250
3,400
3,650
Dust in the form of kish
2 Since 90% of electric furnaces utilize dry controls, assume dry controls are used solely.
3 Assume (a) 2.5 million metric tons of coal consumed (b) ash content of coal is 12%.
-------
Table 2
AnnuaJ
Solid Wastes
Estimated Annual Quantities of Hazardous
lid Wastes Generated by the Steel Industry(Ref•2)
Quantity Percent
Waste Generated Disposed
Decanter Tank Tar Sludge 65,000 metric tons 55%
Ammonia Still Lime Sludge 870,000 metric tons 85%
Electric Furnace Dust/Sludge 340,000 metric tons 100%
Spent Pickle Liquor 1-4 billion gallons 40%
Sludge from Lime Treatment 5 million metric tons 100%
of Spent Pickle Liquor1
Spent Halogenated Solvents
and Recovery Sludges/Still 20,000 metric tons 100%
Bottoms
Assumes treatment of all spent pickle liquor.
527
-------
corrosivity - ability to corrode standard containers,
or to dissolve toxic components of other wastes
reactivity - tendency to explode under normal manage-
ment conditions, to react violently when mixed with
water, or to generate toxic gases
- EP toxieity - (as determined by a specific extraction
procedure) - presence of certain toxic materials at
levels greater than specified in the regulation.
List of Hazardous Wastes
Wastes that possess any of the four hazardous waste charac-
teristics or that meet the criteria for general toxieity have
been included in the hazardous waste listing. The waste listing
is composed of several sections: specific wastes, waste sources,
and waste processes.
General toxieity is defined as characteristic of waste which
contain one or more constituents that have been found to have toxic
effects on humans or other life forms. EPA can also consider
other factors to determine if the waste may cause or potentially
cause "substantial" hazard to human health or the environment.
The other factors which EPA may consider are:
the degree of toxieity of the toxic constituents of the
waste;
the concentration of these constituents in the waste;
the potential for these constituents or their by-products
to migrate from the waste into the environment;
the persistence and degradation potential of the con-
stituents or their toxic by-products in the environment
the potential for the constituents or their toxic by-
products to bioaccumulate in ecosystems;
the plausible and possible types of improper management
to which the waste may be subjected;
the quantities of the waste generated;
the record of human health and environmental damage
that has resulted from past improper management of
wastes containing the same toxic constituents.
It is possible for the generator to get an exemption from
regulation even if the waste is listed in the regulation. The
regulation includes delisting procedures for generators to follow
if they believe their facility's individual waste is fundamentally
528
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different from the waste listed. The generator must demonstrate,
or reference test data that demonstrate, that the specific waste
does not meet the criteria which caused the Agency to list the
waste. This provision allows flexibility recognizing that indi-
vidual waste streams vary depending upon raw materials, industrial
processes, and other factors.
Excluded Wastes
Certain wastes are not subject to RCRA Subtitle C hazardous
waste controls. Some of the wastes excluded and applicable to
the steel industry include:
* industrial wastewater discharges that are point source
discharges subject to regulation under Section 402 of
the Clean Water Act, as amended;
• wastes that are reused or recycled, except for the
storage and transportation of sludges and listed
wastes;
0 fly ash, FGD sludge, bottom ash from combustion of
coal or other fossil fuels.
Generator (3002):
The regulations (40 CPR Part 262) issued under section 3002
of RCRA require a generator of hazardous waste to determine if
his waste is hazardous.
This determination may be made via one of the following means:
(1) a waste may be listed by EPA as being hazardous;
(2) if not listed, the waste may be tested by the generator
against the characteristics for determining hazardousness;
(3) the generator may declare the waste to be hazardous
based upon his knowledge of the materials or processes
used in generating the waste.
Additionally a generator is required to:
obtain an EPA identification number
obtain a facility permit if the waste is accumulated
on the generator's property more than 90 days
use appropriate containers and label them properly for
shipment .
prepare a manifest for tracking hazardous waste
529
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assure, through the manifest system, that the waste
arrives at the designated facility
- submit an annual summary of activities.
Once a solid waste is determined to be hazardous, it is
subject to all of the controls under Subtitle C and the generator
transporters, storers, treaters, and disposers of the waste are
deemed responsible to meet the applicable requirements.
Manifest
The major mechanism for tracking and controlling hazardous
waste is the manifest system. A generator of hazardous waste is
responsible for preparation of a manifest containing:
name and address of the generator;
- names of all transporters;
name and address of the permitted facility designated
to receive the waste. (An alternate facility may be
designated if an emergency prevents use of the first
facility);
EPA identification numbers of all who handle the waste;
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) description
of the waste;
- quantity of waste and number of containers;
the generator's signature certifying that the waste
has been properly labeled, marked, and packaged in
accordance with DOT and EPA regulations.
The owner/operator of the facility receiving the waste is respon-
sible for verifying delivery of the waste and returning a copy of
the manifest to the generator.
Transporters (3003)
The regulation for transporters of hazardous waste (40 CPR
Part 263) was developed jointly by EPA and the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT). The EPA regulation on transporters incor-
porates by reference pertinent parts of DOT's rules on labeling,
marking, packaging, placarding, and other requirements for
reporting hazardous discharges or spills during transportation.
DOT, in turn, is amending its regulations on transportation of
hazardous materials to include EPA*s requirements.
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The regulation (Part 263) requires a transporter of hazardous
waste to:
obtain an EPA identification number;
comply with the manifest system for tracking hazardous
waste;
deliver the entire quantity of hazardous waste to the
facility designated by the generator on the manifest
retain a copy of the manifest for 3 years;
comply with DOT regulations pertaining to reporting
of discharges or spills;
clean up any hazardous waste discharged during
transportation.
Facility Standards (30041
Owners and operators of facilities that treat, store, or
dispose of hazardous waste must comply with the standards promul-
gated under section 3004 of RCRA (40 CFR Parts 264 or 266). The
regulations under this section, which set standards for hazardous
waste facilities, serve a threefold purpose:
to establish proper treatment, storage, and disposal
practices;
to provide States with minimum standards in order to
receive EPA approval (required under section 3006 of
RCRA) of their hazardous waste programs;
to provide the technical basis for EPA-issued facility
permits (required under section 3005 of RCRA) in States
that do not operate a RCRA program.
EPA is promulgating standards for hazardous waste facilities
in two phases. Phase I - Interim Status Standards (in the spring
of 1980) provide facilities with temporary authority to continue
their operations, upon notifying EPA and obtaining an identifica-
tion number. This temporary authority will be effective until
promulgation of the Permanent Status Standards.
"Interim status" gives hazardous waste facilities temporary
authority to continue operations pending final administrative
action on facility permit applications (required under RCRA
Section 3005). Of course, until the permit decision is made, all
hazardous waste facilities must meet the conditions of the Interim
Status Standards as stated in the May 19, 1980 Federal Register -
Final Hazardous Waste Regulations. Facility owners and operators
who qualify for interim status are treated as having a permit
531
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during this period. To qualify for interim status, a facility
must have been in existence (in operation or under construction)
on November 19th.
Interim Status Standards are designed to ensure adequate
operating practices and closure and post closure activities.
Requirements for interim status are largely managerial—they do
not include financial assurance or design and operating standards
required for a facility permit. These standards will soon be
promulgated as Phase II.
Interim Status Standards (Part 265) for nonpermitted facilities,
promulgated as Phase I in spring 1980, include:
1. Administrative and nontechnical requirements:
- General
— waste analysis: detailed chemical and physical
analyses, waste analysis plan, specific require-
ments for each facility type
security: artificial or natural barrier with
controlled entry or 24-hour surveillance, and
warning signs
— inspection: inspection plan and log; remedy of
any deterioration, malfunction, or imminent
hazard
Personnel training
— classroom or on-the-job training, annual review of
initial training, records on personnel training
Preparedness and prevention
alarm system and emergency equipment; access to same
arrangements with local emergency authorities
Contingency plan, emergency procedures, and emergency
coord inatbr
Manifest system procedures
Operation records of activities required by the regu-
lation, such as manifest information, waste analyses
records, testing and analytical data, and demonstration
reports for variances
Reporting requirements, such as annual reports and
unmanifested waste reports.
532
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2. General facility requirements (Phase I):
General operation requirements
Special requirements for ignitable, reactive, and
incompatible wastes
Ground-water monitoring (monitoring system to be in
operation by November 1981)
Closure and postclosure plans: estimate of costs and
description of how facility will be closed, notice of
facility closure, and postclosure monitoring and main-
tenance
3. Specific facility requirements:
Disposal of liquids in landfills or containers
Control of runoff from waste piles, land treatment,
and landfills (controls to be in operation by
November 1981)
Land treatment facilities monitoring and restrictions
on growing foodchain crops
Incinerators and treatment facilities
- Underground injection
Permanent Status Standards (Part 264) for permitted facilities,
will soon be promulgated as Phase II.
General facility requirements will include technical,
monitoring, closure and postclosure, and financial requirements.
The facility permit regulation under section 3005 of RCRA becomes
effective and processing of permit applications begins at this
time.
Further technical requirements will be promulgated by EPA inter-
mittently over a period of years. These will include resolution
of complex technical issues and reproposal and promulgation of
more definitive Phase II standards, for example, specific design
or operating standards for landfills. The technical refinements
nu_y also include standards for specific industries and wastes
which require tailored standards.
Facility Permits (3005)
The regulation promulgated under section 3005 of RCRA (40
CPR Parts 122 and 124) requires that any person who owns, operates,
or proposes to own or operate a facility that treats, stores, or
disposes of hazardous waste receive a permit from EPA or a State
533
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authorized to conduct its own hazardous waste program. Most
requirements in the regulation are only applicable where EPA issues
permits; selected portions apply to authorized State programs.
Consolidated Permit Program
EPA issues permits for controlling environmental problems
under a number of laws. To facilitate and streamline the regu-
latory process, EPA has consolidated procedures and requirements
for the hazardous waste management program with four other programs
it administers:
the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program under
the Safe Drinking Water Act
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system
(NPDES) under the Clean Water Act
the Dredge or Fill (section 404) Program under CWA
- the Prevention of Significant Deterioriation (PSD)
Program under the Clean Air Act where this program is
operated by EPA.
A facility seeking more than one permit is encouraged to
consolidate application.
Exclusions
Certain facilities handling hazardous waste do not require
a RCRA permit:
generators who accumulate hazardous waste on-site for
less than 90 days
- persons who own or operate facilities solely for the
treatment, storage, or disposal of certain hazardous
waste excluded from regulation.
Applying for a Permit
Any person who now owns or operates a hazardous waste facility,
or who plans to in the future, must apply for a permit. This re-
quirement applies to all existing facilities, facilities in opera-
tion or an intermittent basis, or facilities which commenced
construction as late as yesterday, November 19. The application
is in two parts:
Part A, which defines the processes to be used; the
design capability; and the hazardous waste to be
handled. For existing facilities, Part A must be
submitted within 6 months of promulgation of the
regulation identifying hazardous waste.
534
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Part B, which contains more detailed information
Intended to establish that the facility can meet the
technical standards promulgated under RCRA section
3004. For existing facilities, Parti B must be sub-
mitted at a date set by the Regional Administrator.
For proposed new facilities, both Part A and Part B must be
submitted at least 180 days before physical construction is
scheduled to begin.
If notification is filed with EPA and Part A of the permit
application is submitted on time, an existing facility achieves
interim status and is considered to have a permit until Part B is
acted upon. Obviously, EPA will not be able to issue thousands of
hazardous waste permits in less than several years. If approved
by EPA, a permit with a term of not more than 10 years will be
granted. Meanwhile, the facility must comply with Interim Status
Standards promulgated under RCRA section 3004.
State Programs (3006)
Congress clearly prefers that States assume responsibility
for controlling hazardous wastes within their borders. Federal
financial assistance is available from EPA to States for developing
their programs. Section 3006 of the Act specifically provides
for States to operate their own hazardous waste programs in lieu
of the Federal program, after the authorization by EPA. In States
whose programs do not meet the minimum requirements under RCRA, or
who do not apply for authorization, EPA must administer the program.
The regulation issued under section 3006 of RCRA (40 CFR
Part 113) establishes minimum requirements for State hazardous
waste programs in order to receive EPA approval. The regulation
is designed to assure consistency in hazardous waste management
from State to State.
i
RCRA generally directs that to receive EPA "final" approval
State hazardous waste programs must be "equivalent to and con-
sistent with" the Federal program. "Equivalent" is interpreted
to mean "equal in effect." Thus, the regulations provide minimum
requirements, with the States allowed to set more stringent stan-
dards. Another important element is that States may not impose
any requirement that might interfere with the free movement of
hazardous wastes across State boundaries to treatment, storage,
c - disposal facilities holding a RCRA permit.
State programs that are "substantially equivalent" to the
Federal program may receive interim authorization, then be
gradually upgraded until they qualify for "final" or "full"
authorization.
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Notification Process (3010)
The control system starts when those engaged in generating,
transporting, treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste
notify EPA as required by section 3010 of RCRA. After receiving
notification, EPA assigns an identification number to the notifier.
Anyone engaged in transporting, treating, storing, or disposing
of hazardous waste who does not notify EPA during the 90-day period
following the promulgation of the regulation identifying hazardous
waste may not begin or continue operation after the effective date
of the regulation without obtaining an EPA identification number.
The regulation issued under section 3010 of RCRA requires
that:
anyone who generates or transports hazardous waste or
owns or operates a facility that treats, stores, or
disposes of hazardous waste must notify EPA.
- a new generator or transporter must apply to EPA for an
identification number before any hazardous waste can be
transported. Application for an identification number
must be made on the notification form.
an owner/operator of a site that conducts more than one
hazardous waste activity (for example, generation and
disposal) may file a single form to cover all activities
at that site.
an owner/operator of more than one site must file a
form for each site.
This hazardous waste management system is a new and complex
plan which can and will work only if everyone involved with
hazardous waste assumes his responsibilities.
Steel Industry Hazardous Waste
As of today, there are four specific source and a number of
non-specific source types of wastes associated with the steel
industry which have been determined by EPA to be hazardous wastes
(as listed in the Federal Register of May 19 and July 16, 1980).
The five specific source wastes are:
(1) Ammonia still lime sludge from coking operations;
(2) Decanter tank tar sludge from coking operations?
(3) Spent pickle liquor from steel finishing operations;
(4) Emission control dust/sludge from the primary produc-
tion of steel in electric furnaces.
536
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The above wastes were listed as hazardous due to their toxic
and/or corrosive characteristics. A summary of the reasons for
listing each of these wastes follows:2
A. Coking
1. Ammonia still lime sludge from coking operations (T) 5/19/80
a. These sludges contain the hazardous constituents
cyanide, naphthalene, phenolic compounds, and
arsenic which adhere to the lime floes and solids
in significant concentrations.
b. Cyanide and phenol leached in significant concen-
trations from an ammonia still lime sludge waste
sample which was tested by a distilled water
extraction procedure. Although no leachate data
is currently available for naphthalene and arsenic,
the Agency strongly believes that, based on con-
stituent solubilities, the high concentration of
these constituents in the wastes, and the physical
nature of the waste, these two constituents are
likely to leach from the wastes in harmful concen-
trations when the wastes are improperly managed.
c. It is estimated that a very large quantity, 963,000
tons (l), of ammonia still lime sludge (5% solids
by weight) is currently generated annually, and
that this quantity will gradually increase to 1.45
million tons (5% solids by weight) per year as the
remaining coke plants add fixed ammonia removal
capability to comply with BPT limitations.
There is thus the likelihood of large-scale con-
tamination of the environment if these wastes are
not managed properly.
d. Coke plant operators generally dispose of these
sludges on-site in unlined sludge lagoons or in
unsecured landfill operations. These management
methods may be inadequate to impede leachate
migration.
* Although no data on the corrosivity of ammonia still lime sludge
are currently available, the Agency believes that these sludges
may have a pH greater than 12.5 and may, therefore, be corrosive.
Under §262.11, generators of this waste stream are responsible
for testing their waste in order to determine whether their
waste is corrosive or would meet any of the other hazardous
waste characteristics.
537
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2. Decanter tank tar sludge from coking operations (T) 7/16/80
a. The tank tar-sludge contains significant concen-
trations of phenol and naphthalene. Phenol is
highly toxic. Naphthalene is also toxic and is
a demonstrated neoplastic substance in experiments
done on laboratory animals.
b. Phenol has leached in significant concentration
from a waste sample tested in a distilled water
extraction procedure. The Agency believes that,
due to the presence of naphthalene in the tar in
high concentrations and due to its relative
solubility, napthalene also may leach from the
waste in harmful concentrations if the waste is
improperly managed.
c. These tar-sludges are often land disposed in on-
slte landfills or dumped In the open. These
methods may be inadequate to impede leachate
migration and resulting groundwater contamination.
B. Steel Finishing
1. Spent Pickle Liquor (C, T) 5/19/80
a. Spent pickle liquor is corrosive (has been shown
to have pH less than 2), and contains significant
concentrations of the toxic heavy metals lead and
chromium.
b. The toxic heavy metals in spent pickle liquor are
present in highly mobile form, since it is an
acidic solution. Therefore, these hazardous con-
stituents are readily available to migrate from
the waste in harmful concentrations, causing harm
to the environment.
c. Current waste management practices of untreated
spent pickle liquor consists primarily of land
disposal either in unlined landfills or unlined
lagoons which may be inadequate to prevent the
migration of lead and chromium to underground
drinking sources. Treatment of the spent pickle
liquor by neutralization is also commonly practiced
by the industry in which case, a lime treatment
sludge is generated.
d. A very large quantity (approximately 1.4 billion
gallons of spent pickle liquor) annually. Thus,
there is greater likelihood of large-scale con-
tamination of the environment if these wastes are
not managed properly.
538
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e. Damage incidents have been reported that are
attributable to the improper disposal of poorly
treated spent pickle liquor.
2. Spent Pickle Liquor - Lime Treatment Sludge
It should be noted that the waste "sludge from lime
treatment of spent pickle .liquor from steel finishing opera-
tion" has been removed from the list of hazardous wastes.
Several comments indicate that this waste may not be hazar
dous, particularly if the lime treatment process is conducted
effectively. At the same time, however, insufficient data
was submitted to warrant a conclusion that these wastes will
typically and frequently not be hazardous. Our concern is
that these wastes derive from a hazardous waste {spent pickle
liquor from steel finishing) which may contain high concen-
trations of lead and chromium. These heavy metals not only
will be present in the sludge, but will be found there in
even more concentrated form.
Under these circumstances, we have decided that these
waste sludges still should be regulated as hazardous, but
to delete these wastes from the hazardous waste list, and
instead to rely in the provisions of §261.3 to bring these
wastes within the hazardous waste management system. Since
these lime treatment sludges are generated from the treat-
ment of a listed hazardous waste (spent pickle liquor),
they are considered to be hazardous wastes (§261.3(c)(2)).
Further, they remain hazardous wastes until they no longer
meet any of the characteristics of hazardous waste and are
de-listed (§261.3(d)(2)).
C. Electric Furnace Production of Steel
1. Emission Control dust/sludge from the primary production
o£ steel in electric furnace (T) 5/19/80
a. The emission control dusts/sludges contain signi-
ficant concentrations of the toxic metals chromium,
lead, and cadmium.
b. Lead, chromium and cadmium have been shown to
leach in harmful concentrations from waste samples
subjected to both a distilled water extraction
procedure and the extraction procedure described
in the Subtitle C regulations.
c. A large quantity of these wastes (a combined total
of approximately 337,000 metric tons) is generated
annually and is available for disposal. There is
thus likelihood of large scale contamination of
the environment if these wastes are mismanaged.
539
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d. The wastes typically are disposed of by being
dumped in the open, either on-site or off-site,
thus posing a realistic possibility of migration
of lead, cadmium, and chromium to underground
drinking water sources. These metals persist
virtually indefinitely, presenting the serious
threat of long-term contamination.
e. Off-site disposal of these wastes will increase
the risk of mismanagement during transport.
In addition to the specific source wastes listed above, a
number of other wastes (from non-specific sources) which may be
associated with some steel industry operations have also been
listed as hazardous wastes. These wastes are:
- The following spent halogenated solvents used in de-
greasing: tatrachloroethylene, trichloroethlene, methylene
chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride,
and chlorinated fluorocarbon; and sludges from the
recovery of these solvents in degreasing operation.
- The following spent halogenated solvents: tetrachloro-
ethylene, methylene chloride, trichloroethylne, 1,1,1-
trichloroethane, chlorobenzene, 1,1,2-trichloro-l,2,2-
trifluoroethane, o-dichlorobenzene, and trychlorofluoro-
methane; and the still bottoms from the recovery of
these solvents.
- The following spent non-halogenated solvents: xylene,
acetone, ethyl acetate, ethyl benzene, ethyl ether,
methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl alcohol, cyclohexanone
and methanol; and the still bottoms from the recovery
of these solvents.
- The following spent non-halogenated solvents: cresols
and cresylic acid and nitrobenzene; and the still
bottoms from the recovery of these solvents.
The following spent non-halogenated solvents: toluene,
methyl ethyl ketone, carbon disulfide, isobutanol and
pyridine; and the still bottoms from the recovery of
these solvents.
Quenching bath sludge from oil baths from metal heat
treating operations.
Spent solutions from salt bath pot cleaning from metal
heat treating operations.
Quenching wastewater treatment sludges from metal heat
treating operations.
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These wastes were listed as hazardous due to toxicity,
ignitibility, or reactivity characteristics. A brief listing
summary^ follows:
A. WastesFrom Usage of Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvents in
Degreasing Operations
1. The following spent halogenated solvents used in
degreasing: tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride,
trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetra-
chloride, and chlorinated fluorocarbons; and sludges
resulting from the recovery of these solvents in de-
greasing operations (T) - 5/19/80
For all of the listed waste solvents, the listing is based
on the following considerations:
a. The chlorinated waste hydrocarbons are toxic and, in
some cases, genetically harmful, while chlorofluoro-
carbons may remove the ozone layer following environ-
mental release.
b. Many steel facilities dispersed throughout the country
use halogenated solvents and generate these wastes.
Halogenated hydrocarbons from these facilities are
either disposed of annually in landfills or by open-
ground dumping, either as crude spent solvents or as
sludges. Current waste management practices have
resulted in environmental damage. Damage incidents
serve to illustrate that the mismanagement of these
wastes does occur and can result in substantial
environmental and health hazards.
c. Since a large majority of the spent solvents and sludges
are in liquid form and are highly soluble, the potential
for these wastes to migrate from land disposal facilities
is high. Spent halogenated solvents can leach from the
waste to effect adversely human health and the environ-
ment through the resulting contamination of groundwater.
B. Wastes From Usage of Organic Solvents
1. The following spent halogenated solvents: tetrachloro-
ethylene, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene,
1,1,i-trichloroethane, chlorobenzene, 1,1,2-trichloro-
1,2,2-trifluoroethane, o-dichlorobenzene and trichloro-
fluoromethane? and the still bottoms from the recovery
of these solvents
-------
methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl alcohol/ cyclohexanone
and raethanol; and the still bottoms from the recovery
of these solvents (I) - 5/19/80
3. The following spent non-halogeriated solvents: cresols
and cresyllc acid and nitrobenzene, and the still bottoms
from the recovery of these solvents (T) - 5/19/80
4. The following spent non-halogenated solvents: toluene,
methyl ethyl Icetone, carbon disUlfide, isobutanol and
pyridine; and the still bottoms from the rebovery of
these solvents (I, T)
Wastes resulting from usage of organic solvents typically contain
significant concentrations of the solvent. The basis for listing^
the above wastes as hazardous is:*
a. Each solvent exhibits one or more properties (i.e.,
ignitability and/or toxicity) which pose a potential
hazard.
b. The nine spent solvents listed for meeting only the
ignitability characteristic all have a flash point
below 60°C (140°F) and are thus considered hazardous.
The solvents listed as either toxic or toxic and
ignitable pose a further hazard to human health and the
environment. If improperly managed, these solvents
could migrate from the disposal site into ground and
surface waters and persist in the environment for
extended periods of time.
The two fluorocarbons, 1,1,2-trichloro-l,2,2-
trifluoroethane and trichlorofluoromethanes present a
different type of hazard. Due to their high volatiliy,
these two organics can rise into the stratosphere and
deplete the ozone, leading to adverse health and environ-
mental effects.
c. Damage incidents resulting from the mismanagement of
waste solvents have been reported. These damage
incidents are of three types:
* The Agency is presently aware that these solvents may contain
concentrations of additional toxic constituents listed in
Appendix VIII of the regulations. For purposes of this listing,
however, the Agency is only listing those wastes for the presence
of the halogenated and non-halogenated solvents. The Agency
expects to study these listings further to determine whether
the waste solvent and still bottom listings should be amended.
542
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(1) Fire/explosion damage resulting from ignition of
the solvents;
(2) Contamination of wells in the vicinity of inade-
quate waste storage or disposal (with resulting
illness in at least one instance); and
(3) Direct entry of solvent into a waterway/ resulting
in fish kills.
These damage incidents show that mismanagement occurs
and that substantial hazard to human health and the
environment may result.
Spent Waste Cyanide Solutions and Sludges
1. Quenching bath sludge from bath pot cleaning from metal
heat treating operations (R, T) - 5/19/80
2. Spent solutions from salt bath pot cleaning from metal
treating operations (R, T) - 5/19/80
3. Quenching wastewater treatment sludges from metal heat
treating operations (T) 5/19/80
These wastes are considered hazardous based on the following:
a. Each of the wastes generated exhibits either reactive
or toxic properties or both due to their cyanide content,
b. The land disposal of cyanide wastes containing high
concentrations of cyanide is widespread throughout the
United States.
c. Cyanides can migrate from the wastes to adversely affect
human health and the environment by the following path-
ways/ all of which have occured in actual management
practices:
(1) generation of cyanide gas resulting from the
reactive nature of cyanide salts when mixed with
acid wastes;
(2) contamination of soil and surface waters in the
vicinity of improper waste disposal resulting in
destruction of livestock/ wildlife, stream-dwelling
organisms/ and local vegetation; and
(3) contamination of private wells and community
drinking water supplies in the vicinity of improper
waste disposal.
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These, then are the wastes, applicable to the steel industry,
which have been specifically listed by EPA as being hazardous.
This is not to say that these wastes are the only hazardous wastes
generated by the steel industry. As was stated earlier, if the
generator thinks or knows that he has other hazardous waste, he
is required to report it to EPA for an identification number,
performing testing, if necessary, to make the determination of
hazardousness.
These wastes, due to their being classified as hazardous, are
subject to the interim status provisions, as previously discussed.
Non-Hazardous Wastes
Most of the solid waste generated by the steel industry will
probably be non-hazardous. Wastes such as blast furnace slag,
EOF sludge, and blast furnace dust will likely fall into this
category.
The types and quantities of non-hazardous wastes estimated
to be generated by the industry were shown in Table 1. Over 50
million metric tons of non-hazardous waste are generated per
year. After commercial sale and/or in plant recovery, about 19
million metric tons (approximately equals 40%) of non-hazardous
waste remain to be disposed. The most common disposal practice
is to dump or landfill these wastes. EPA promulgated criteria
for classifying non-hazardous waste disposal sites on September 13,
1979. These regulations establish eight Federal criteria for
determining whether a disposal site is a "sanitary landfill" or
an "open dump". The criteria include certain restrictions on
siting in floodplains, contamination of surface and ground water,
land-spreading of wastes, and open burning. Protection of
endangered species, protection against disease vectors and
explosive gases, and bird hazards to aircraft are also addressed.
If a facility is determined to be an open dump, by virtue of
failing any one of the eight criteria, it must either be closed or
upgraded to the status of a sanitary landfill within five years.
RCRA recognizes that prime responsibility for environmentally
sound disposal and resource recovery rests with state and local
government. Each state will evaluate the individual disposal
sites, establishing its own priorities for listing open dumps.
The states are required to develop a plan to identify a general
strategy for protecting public health and the environment from
adverse effects associated with solid waste disposal, for
encouraging resource recovery and conservation, and for providing
adequate disposal capacity in the state. The Federal criteria
are the minimum requirements to be used in determining compliance.
Thus, the requirements imposed by each of the states for
steel industry waste disposal facilities will be the controlling
factor in determining whether a facility will be permitted. An
544
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approved state program could be more stringent than the Federal
criteria but cannot be less stringent. It would be wise to
ascertain the specific requirements of the states in which your
facilities are or will be located.
Section 7002 of RCRA provides for citizen suits against the
operator of an open dump, which may be enforced in Federal district
court. EPA does not specifically have the authority to take
legal action against parties that may violate the open dumping
prohibition.
Impact on Steel Industry
The steel industry must dispose of over 6 million metric
tons of hazardous waste and over 50 million metric tons of non-
hazardous waste per year.
Although the steel industry presently recycles/recovers a
significant portion of their wastes, a large quantity of wastes
still remains to be properly disposed of. Up to this time, many
of the wastes have been improperly disposed. A concerted effort
will be required by the steel industry to reverse this trend.
Much of the steel industry is located in areas where land
for disposal is scarce and if available - quite costly. Proper
management of the wastes will certainly dictate that the waste
management facility be designed and operated in the most effective
manner to meet both environmental and economic concerns.
In a preliminary final economic impact analysis of Subtitle C
interim status hazardous waste regulations prepared in April of
this year, the impact on the steel industry was determined.3
Tables 3 and 4 below illustrate the estimated impact.
The estimated impact on the steel industry was made in light
of a number of assumptions/ some of which were:
1. The EIA was based on the 10 x drinking water standard
(DWS) rather than the promulgated 100 x DWS.
2. Analysis was made requiring much stricter closure
requirements for landfills and surface impoundments
than the promulgated regs.
3. Underground injection was not addressed in the Analysis.
545
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Table 3
INCREMENTAL COST TO THE STEEL INDUSTRY
OF RCRA INTERIM STATUS STANDARDS
Cost of Waste Management at the Generator Plant
Capital
($ Million)
9.33
1st Year
Expenses
($ Million)
4.56
Annual
Operating
($ Million)
7.02
Cost of
Off-Site
Transpor-
tation
(? Million)
0.19
Total
Annual
Cost
($ Million)
11 02
1978 Value
Added
($ Million)
46,000
Annual Cost
as a Percent
of Value Added
(Percent)
0.02
Table 4
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE STEEL INDUSTRY
Number of
Existing
Plants in 1978
152
Plant
Closures
Job
Losses
negligible negligible
U.S.
Production
Cutbacks
negligible
Price
Increases
negligible
U.S.
Demand
Reduct ion
negligible
Balance of
Payments
Effects
negligible
546
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With regard non-hazardous wastes, an assessment was made (as
presented In the EIS of December 1979) on the cost to the steel
industry to meet the "RCRA Section 4004 Criteria for Classification
of Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Practices."4 A number of
assumptions, including the following were made:
1. 50% of steel industry solid waste is disposed onsite,
50% off-site.
2. All non-hazardous steel industry wastes will be
disposed in a manner which meets the criteria
requirements.
3. Disposal facilities will not be relocated as a result
of the criteria.
4. The groundwater and floodplain criteria will probably
have the greatest impact on the industry.
It was estimated that the total current annual disposal cost
for steel industry non-hazardous wastes is slightly over $50 mil-
lion. The annual cost of complying with the criteria was estimated
at approximately $36 million, a resultant increase of about 72% in
disposal costs. Groundwater protection accounts for the major
portion of these increased costs.
It must be remembered that a significant number of the states
in which steel industry disposal facilities are located already
have regulations comparable to the 4004 criteria.5 This is an
important point since implementation and enforcement of the dis-
posal criteria is the responsibility of the individual states.
In fact, probably 80% of the estimated expected $36 million
increase for non-hazardous waste disposal can be attributed to
comparable State regulations. The remaining 20% of the increased
costs can be assumed as being induced by the Federal 4004 criteria.
The overshadowing goal of RCRA is resource recovery and
conservation. I am sure that all of you Tcnow that the United
States recovers far less of its industrial wastes than many other
industrialized nations. One of the major contributing factors
to these low recovery statistics is the availability of cheap
disposal options. Proper disposal will inevitably raise the
coat of disposal, thus increasing the viability of recovering
incremental amounts of waste materials. The steel industry is
t be applauded on its already high rate of (60-70%) waste re-
cycling. However, much remains to be done in this respect.
Significant quantities of solid waste that are presently disposed
of could be recycled, thereby not only preventing the wasting of
valuable natural resources but also extending the life of landfills
by decreasing the quantity of waste to be disposed and eliminating
potential contamination threats to our nations surface and ground
waters.
547
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EPA firmly believes that resource recovery should be imple-
mented whenever possible as an alternative to>land disposal of
solid wastes. We wholeheartedly support and encourage studies
regarding the potential recovery/recycle of steel industry wastes.
Examples of two such studies currently underway by EPA's
Office of Research and Development (ORD) are:
l. "Investigation of Toxic Substances during Recovery and
Recycle of Steel Industry Iron Bearing Solid Waste"; and
2. "Uses for Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate from Steelmalcing
Spent Pickle Liquor".
These studies will be discussed in detail this morning. Although
the Office of Solid Waste is not presently sponsoring any studies
of the steel industry, we will be evaluating the work of others
and may issue industry specific waste recovery and disposal
guidelines in the future.
In this era of environmental concerns and economic struggles,
it is hoped that industry and government will develop a cooperative
working relationship towards solving the problems faced by the
steel industry.
548
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References
1. Kline, William J., Solid Waste Generated by the Iron and
Steel Industry, E.P.A. Office of Solid Waste, December 1978.
2. E.P.A. 3001 Listing Background Documents, May 1980.
3. Preliminary Final Economic Impact Analysis (Regulatory
Analysis Supplement) for Subtitle C, Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), prepared by A.D. Little, Inc.
for E.P.A. Office of Solid Waste, April 1980.
4. EIS, Criteria for Classification of Solid Waste Disposal
Facilities and Practices, assessment on steel industry by
William J. Kline, May 1979.
5. EIS, Criteria for Classfication of Solid Waste Disposal
Facilities and Practices, JRB Assoc. estimates, December 1979.
6. E.P.A., Environmental and Resource Conservation Considerations
of Steel Industry Solid Waste, Research Triangle Institute,
April 1979.
549
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SPENT SULFURIC PICKLE LIQUOR RECOVERY
ALTERNATIVES AND BY-PRODUCT USES
Wayne C. MIcheletti
Senior Engineer
Peter A. Nassos
Staff Scientist
Koren T. Sherrill
Senior Economist
Radian Corporation
8501 Mo-Pac Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78759
Each year, sulfuric acid pickling of steel produces approximately
600 million gallons of spent sulfuric pickle liquor (SSPL).
Currently, contract hauling is the most prevalent SSPL disposal
method. Only a small portion of the SSPL is processed for sulfuric
acid recovery. Resource recovery and environmental protection
objectives favor recovery instead of disposal. Commercial recovery
processes involve separation of iron salts resulting in a relatively
pure ferrous sulfate by-product. This paper summarizes a recent
study of alternate SSPL recovery technologies, the identification of
valid end uses for the ferrous sulfate by-product, and process economics,
551
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SPENT SULFURIC PICKLE LIQUOR RECOVERY
ALTERNATIVES AND BY-PRODUCT USES
W. C. Micheletti, P. A. Nassos, and K. T. Sherrill
INTRODUCTION
Before steel products can be given a final surface coating or finish, the
surface must be cleaned of any scale and rust that may have formed due to
exposure to the atmosphere. The process most commonly used in removing surface
scale and rust from iron and steel products is acid pickling. The removal is
accomplished by immersing the scaled steel in tanks of hot dilute acid, such as
hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. As the scale dissolves in the acid, iron salts
are formed and the pickling solution becomes ineffective. Recovery or
disposal of the waste pickle liquor poses a potential environmental problem.
Of the estimated 91 million tonnes (100 million tons) of steel shipped
in 1979, approximately 22 million tonnes (25 million tons) were pickled by
sulfuric acid. This pickling operation produced an estimated 2.3 billion
liters (600 million gallons) of spent sulfuric acid pickle liquor. Currently,
the acid is either recovered or disposed of by contract hauling, deep-well
injection, neutralization/ponding, discharge to a waterway or discharge to
a publicly-owned water treatment facility. Spent pickle liquor is also in
limited direct use as a water treatment chemical. Of all these methods,
acid recovery is very favorable based on resource recovery and environmental
protection objectives.
Acid recovery processes involve the removal of iron as ferrous salt
crystals to regenerate the acid solution. Recovered sulfuric acid can be
552
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returned to the pickling process as a somewhat dilute makeup. The water-
soluble ferrous salt by-product can either be sold for its chemical value or
disposed of in a secured landfill. Although sale of the by-product is defi-
nitely the preferential course of action, it depends primarily upon the
market demand for this material including the manufacture of products such
as colored pigments and magnetic tapes. Furthermore, since acid recovery is
not widely used at this time, implementation of this process by a majority of
the steel industry could produce an oversupply of the by-product. Therefore,
before acid recovery can be encouraged as an environmentally acceptable method
of handling spent sulfuric acid pickle liquor, adequate by-product end use
markets must be identified and evaluated.
The obj ectives of this program were to evaluate the commercially avail-
able processes for recovering spent sulfuric acid pickle liquor, estimate the
quantity and quality of by-product generated by these processes, and identify
the current and potential end use markets for such by-products. Information
for this study was obtained by thoroughly reviewing the available technical
literature, visiting steel mills with operating acid recovery processes, meet-
ing with representatives of the steel industry, and contacting process vendors,
by-product end users, and other knowledgeable steel industry personnel.
SULFURIC ACID PICKLING
Sulfuric acid pickling of steel can be either a batch or continuous
operation. In the case of wire or rod, the steel is suspended from overhead
conveying racks and dipped into a single vat of pickle liquor for a designated
period of time. For rolled sheet steel, the metal is continuously passed
through a series of acid vats, each successive tank containing a slightly morti
acidic pickle liquor.
553
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In sulfuric acid pickling, the scale is not only removed by acid dissolution
but also by the-effervescent action ef hydrogen gas'formation under the scale.
The sulfuric acid reacts with the iron base on the surface of the steel to
produce hydrogen gas and ferrous sulfate according to the following reaction:
Fe + H2SOi» •*• HZ+ + FeSOi*
The scale which is removed from the surface then slowly dissolves in the
pickling tank to produce additional ferrous sulfate as shown in the following
reaction:
FeO + H2SOi» .-»• FeSOit + H20
Increasing amounts of ferrous sulfate from continued use eventually consume
enough sulfuric acid to render the liquor ineffective for further pickling.
Besides the presence of acid in the pickling tank, other chemicals may
be added to improve the quality of the pickled product. Various organic
inhibitors are frequently used in pickling to inhibit acid attack on the base
metal, while permitting preferential attack on the scale. In addition, wetting
agents may be used to improve the effective contact of the acid solution with
the metal surface.
After pickling, the steel product is rinsed with water to remove any
adhering acid. In some cases, the pickled product may then be coated with
lime, oil or some other material to protect it from exposure to the atmosphere.
A recent EPA survey estimates that in 1979 sulfuric acid pickling accounted
for about 42.9% of all the steel products pickled in the United States.1
Pickling with hydrochloric acid and mixed acids accounted for the remaining
45.8% and 11.3%, respectively. According to this same survey, approximately
105 of 133 major steel picklers use sulfuric acid in batch systems while 44
554
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use sulfuric acid in continuous systems. Hydrochloric acid is used by 6
plants in batch systems and 41 plants in continuous systems.1
In the 1960's, the trend in pickling was to switch from sulfuric acid
to hydrochloric acid. This conversion occurred for several reasons. At
the time, hydrochloric acid was readily available and relatively inexpensive.
In addition, pickling with HC1 is somewhat faster than using sulfuric acid
and the pickling solution retains its effectiveness longer. Furthermore,
hydrochloric acid is considered to give a "brighter" finish. Recently,
however, the conversion from sulfuric acid to hydrochloric acid has
apparently ended for two reasons. First, the price of hydrochloric acid
has increased such that it is no longer economically attractive. And
second, fumes generated during HC1 pickling are a difficult and expensive
air pollution control problem. Therefore, the percentage of steel products
being pickled by sulfuric acid will probably remain the same in the near term.
PICKLING WASTES
Waste pickle liquor is generated when the pickling solution becomes
saturated with iron salts. The pickle liquor is no longer effective in re-
moving scale and, consequently, must be replaced. In addition to free sul-
furic acid and iron salts (typically 8.0 wt % each), the spent pickle liquor
may contain varying amounts of lubricants, suspended solids, heavy metals,
and additives such as inhibitors. Table 1 presents the overall range of
compositions determined from the analyses of several waste pickle liquor
samples.1 Since a variety of chemical additives may be used in pickling
operations, the quantity and composition of these additives in waste pickle
liquor is not reflected in Table 1. However, the presence of these additives
is also of environmental concern in the handling of waste pickle liquor.
555
-------
Table 1. Analyses of sulfuric acid pickling wastes (ng/1) * '
Parameter Spent Pickle Liquor Rinse Water Scrubber Blowdown
Dissolved Iron
Oil and Grease
Suspended Solids
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Cyanide
Lead
Nickel
Silver
Zinc
38,750-66,500
8-35
236-2363
<0.1
<0.6
6-269
£4.7
ND
£10
6.8-27
0.28-0.59
0.7-244
36-2900
£22
£750
£0.33
£0.13
£3.8
£10.4
£0.1
<2.0
<£.6
£0.85
£59
£305
2-30
2-200
ND - indicates that the component was not detected.
The amount of spent pickle liquor generated will depend on the original
quality of the pickle liquor and the amount of surface scale on the steel
product. Based on a 1.0% iron loss, pickling 0.9 tonnes (1.0 ton) of steel
will generate 95 liters (25 gallons) of spent pickle liquor. Assuming 22
million tonnes (25 million tons) of steel were pickled by sulfuric acid in
1979, then the resulting volume of waste pickle liquor was approximately
2.3 billion liters (600 million gallons) containing 220,000 tonnes (250,000 tons)
each of free acid and dissolved iron.3 These values illustrate the signi-
ficant potential for sulfuric acid recovery and by-product manufacture.
In addition to spent pickle liquor, steel pickling processes may generate
two other wastewater streams: acidified rinse water and scrubber blowdown.
Acidified rinse water results from washing the pickled product to remove any
adhering pickle liquor. Methods of rinsing may vary from a single-stage immer-
sion to a'multi-stage system. Many steel companies are switching from rinse
systems that flush the steel with large quantities of water to systems that
use fine sprays. Depending on the overall water balance for the pickling
556
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operation, rinse water can frequently be used as makeup for the pickling
tanks. Table 1 presents the overall range of compositions determined from
the analyses of several rinse water samples.
Scrubber blowdown results from emission control equipment to collect
and absorb acid fumes and mists emitted from the pickling tanks. A wet
scrubber typically recylces water with a small purge or blowdown stream to
control the levels of sulfuric acid. Under efficient operation, the
scrubber may achieve less than 3% blowdown, which can be used as makeup to
either the rinse system or the pickling tanks. Table 1 presents the over-
all range of compositions determined from the analyses of several scrubber
blowdown samples.
WASTE PICKLE LIQUOR DISPOSAL TECHNIQUES
Currently, waste pickle liquor disposal includes
• contract hauling,
• deep-well injection,
• neutralization/ponding,
• discharge to a waterway,
• discharge to a publicly-owned water treatment facility,
• direct use as a water treatment chemical, and
• acid recovery.
The three most commonly used disposal techniques are contract hauling, deep-
well injection, and neutralization.
Contract hauling has long been a favorable means of handling waste
pickle liquor because of moderate operating cost and little or no capital
cost to the steel industry. However, the growing cost of energy for
557
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transportation is being reflected by an increased operating cost for dis-
posal by contract hauling. Furthermore, the operating cost for contract
hauling can be expected to increase even more as regulatory agencies enact
stricter controls on disposal. From 1970 to 1980, the cost of contract
hauling has risen approximately 340%, from 0.9C/liter (3.5£/gallon) to
3.2c/liter (12c/gallon).*'5
A second popular method of waste pickle liquor disposal is deep-well
injection. However, this disposal method is limited to favorable subsurface
geological formations that will protect local groundwater from contamination.
Current estimates indicate that only a dozen or so wells in the U.S. are used
for the disposal of waste pickle liquor, with a majority of these wells being
located in North Central Illinois and Northwestern Indiana.6'7 Although
deep-well injection has been used for many years, concern over the
potential for groundwater contamination may mean stricter regula-
tory control and possibly an end to this method of disposal.
Neutralization of waste pickle liquor with lime, soda ash or caustic
soda has been an established practice for some time. Addition of these
chemicals increases the initially acidic pH of the pickle liquor to a neutral
level. The increasing pH causes the iron to precipitate as a gelatinous iron
hydroxide sludge which settles very slowly. Hence, the neutralized mixture
is placed in a pond where it can be-contained indefinitely. The cost of
waste pickle liquor disposal by neutralization/ponding has been steadily
increasing over the past several years. The increasing cost primarily reflects
the rapidly rising cost of chemicals, particularly lime, and the inherent value
of the land required for lagooning.
558
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Each of the three previously described disposal methods for waste pickle
liquor are currently in widespread use. None of these disposal techniques
makes any attempt to recover the acid or dissolved iron. In some in-
stances, these methods may be trading one type of environmental problem for
another. On the other hand, the use of acid recovery units results in the
recovery of sulfuric acid and an iron salt by-product,.and virtually
eliminates water pollution associated with sulfuric acid pickling operations.
ACID RECOVERY PROCESSES
Two types of acid recovery processes are commercially available: high
temperature and low temperature. High temperature processes heat the waste
pickle liquor to about 93°C (200°F) and produce a ferrous sulfate monohydrate
(FSM) precipitate. These processes are not widely used because of the
associated high energy costs and the problems of ferrous sulfate monohy-
drate scaling. At present, two such acid recovery processes are in
operation in the U.S.: A Pureco unit at Wilson Steel and Wire in Chicago .
and a Sulfex unit at Metal Processing Company in Maple Heights, Ohio.
Low temperature acid recovery processes cool the waste pickle liquor to
about 15°C (45°F) and produce a ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FSH) precipi-
tate. Commercially, three low temperature processes are available in the
U.S.: the Kerachemie, the Crown, and the KSF processes. The Crown and KSF
processes are the most widely accepted of the low temperature acid recovery
processes. One Kerachemie unit has been installed in the United States
(Fitzsimmons Steel Company, Youngstown, Ohio), but it is no longer in use
at the plant.
559
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Both the Crown and the KSF acid recovery processes are modular batch-
type units. Each unit consists of a chiller/crystallizer, a slurry separator,
and separate storage for recovered acid and by-product crystals. Waste
pickle liquor is fed to the crystallizer and cooled by submerged chilling
coils. The Crown process lowers the temperature of the waste pickle liquor
to about 2-10°C (35-50°F) by circulating freon refrigerant through Teflon
cooling coils. The KSF process uses chilled water to achieve a temperature
of about 7-10°C (45-50°F). As the temperature of the waste pickle liquor
decreases, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSOij'THaO) crystals begin to form.
In both processes, a motor-driven agitator stirs the acid/crystal slurry to
maintain a uniform temperature and to prevent the crystals from agglomerat-
ing into large chunks.
The slurry is pumped from the chiller/crystallizer to a separation unit
for removal of the ferrous sulfate heptahydrate crystals. The recovered acid
can either be recycled to the chiller for additional processing or stored for
future acid makeup to the pickling operations. The by-product FSH crystals
can be washed to remove any sulfuric acid adhering to the surface. The wash
water is recycled to the chiller for additional processing. As .indicated by
Table 2, the by-product crystals are relatively pure ferrous sulfate hepta-
hydrate and can be sold as a source of iron for several uses.5 Since the FSH
crystals are water-soluble, its storage should be protected from the
weather.
560
-------
Table 2. Analysis* of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate by-product (wt. %).5»
5 8
FeS
-------
in operation in West Germany for several years. Although this method of
ownership reduces the amount of capital any one company must invest in an
acid recovery system, the approach also has disadvantages.
Table 3. Economic comparison of waste pickle liquor treatment alternatives.1*
(Total Annual Costs, $1,000)
Item Acid Recovery Neutralization Contract Hauling
Investment
Salaries & Wages
Operators
Foremen
Utilities
Steam
Process Water
Electricity
Raw Materials
H2SO.»
CaO
Shipping & Hauling Costs
Crystals
Sludge
Pickle Liquor
Maintenance
General Plant Overhead
Wastewater Costs
Sewer Fees
pH Adjustment
Taxes and Insurance
Depreciation
FSH By-Ptoduct Credit
Total Annual Costs
630.0
12.5
1.5
35.4
(8.1)
19.0
(50.0)
0
28.8
0
0
37.8
36.0
0
0
3.2
63.0
(52.0)
126.1
770.0
12.5
3.8
4.2
-
4.0
-
68.7
0
110.0
0
46.2
41.7
9.2
0
3.9
77.0
0
381.2
0
6.2
0
_
—
-
-
0
0
0
350.0
-
. 7.8
10.0
62.5
0
0
0
: 436.5
Rinse Water included in process water for acid recovery plants at 25 gal/ton
pickled steel.
Basis: 100,000 tons/yrof steel pickled; 1% iron loss; spent pickle liquor
composition 8% dissolved iron, 8% HaSOi* all figures-in thousands
of dollars per year (1976 base).
562
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One of the major disadvantages associated with regional acid recovery
systems is transportation of the waste pickle liquor to the facility.
Currently, waste pickle liquor is classified as a hazardous material. There-
fore, its transport may be highly limited or even restricted in certain
areas and would be subject to RCRA regulations with attendant costs. Also,
the rising cost of fuel means that transporting large quantities of waste
pickle could become fairly expensive. This factor is already being re-
flected in the increasing cost of contract hauling. Transportation and
storage of waste pickle liquor could be further complicated by premature
precipitation of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate under cold climatic condi-
tions. Heated or insulated vehicles and storage vessels would eliminate
this potential problem, but would also increase associated costs.
Another problem that may be encountered with regional facilities is
the need to segregate waste pickle liquor by source. Since many steel
picklers use proprietary additives in the pickling operations, the waste
pickle liquor from each plant will require separate processing. The use of
such additives makes it essential that a plant receive acid recovered from
its own pickle liquor because some additives may cause adverse effects in
a different pickling operation. Therefore, adequate pickle liquor and
recovered acid storage governed by a strict accounting procedure tracking
source and final destination will be required. In order to maintain
flexibility for dumping ineffective batches, it will also be necessary for
steel picklers to have on-site storage for waste pickle liquor and makeup
acid.
563
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Individually, none of these difficulties is insurmountable; collectively
the disadvantages of relying on a regional acid recovery facility appear to
overshadow the advantage of reduced capital cost to the pickling plants.
BY-PRODUCT MARKET
Although the economics of acid recovery is not strongly dependent on the
sale of by-product ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FSH), proper use of the
water-soluble crystals is essential for acid recovery to be considered an
environmentally acceptable method of handling waste pickle liquor. There-
fore, a major focus of this study was to investigate the sources of FSH pro-
duction and to identify and evaluate current and potential end use markets
for FSH.
Comprehensive data for annual production, consumption, and prices for
FSH are not available. However, rough estimates can be made using informa-
tion from various sources. The current annual U.S. capacity for FSH pro-
duction is about 363,000 tonnes (407,000 tons). Of this amount, approxi-
mately 296,000 tonnes (332,000 tons) is manufactured by eight chemical
companies which act as commercial producers for the U.S. market.9 Yet,
as much as 98,000 tonnes (110,000 tons) of this capacity may soon be removed
from service for various reasons.10 At present, acid recovery processes
for pickling operations have the capacity to produce 67,000 tonnes
(75,000 tons) of FSH, which represents only 18% of the total U.S. capacity.11
In addition to current domestic FSH production capacity, an estimated 93,000
tonnes (104,000 tons) is imported from West Germany, Japan and Mexico.10
These figures indicate that the U.S. market for FSH is strong enough for
imports to absorb the cost of transportation and still be sold at a profit.
564
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The market price for ferrous sulfate heptahydrate can vary considerably.
The current market price for moist (having some surface water) FSH is about
$19 per tonne ($17 per ton).10 However, in the Midwest, the market price
for moist FSH by-product from acid recovery processes ranges from $2 to $50
per tonne ($2 to $45 per ton).12 Imports from West Germany are usually
transported up the Mississippi River by barge and marketed in the Midwest for
approximately $34 per tonne ($30 per ton) . l ° Dry ferrous sulfate heptahydrate
has had the surface moisture removed by a moderate heating process and cur-
rently sells for $101 per tonne ($90 per ton).10 Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate
can also be converted to the monohydrate form by heating. Ferrous sulfate
monohydrate currently sells for $190 to $224 per tonne ($170 to $200 per ton).10
At present, FSH is used almost exclusively as a source of synthetic iron
oxide for the manufacture of pigments, ferrites and magnetic tapes, fertilizers
and animal feed, and catalysts and for water and sewage treatment. As Table 4
indicates, the two major end uses are colored pigments and magnetic tapes,
accounting for 45% and 35%, respectively, of the total .FSH consumption in
Table 4. Ferrous sulfate consumption by end use, 1978 and 1972. 13s11*
Iron oxide pigments
Magnetic tapes and ferrites
Fertilizers and stockfeed
Water and sewage treatment
Catalysts
Miscellaneous
Total
1978
45%
35%
8%
5%
3%
4%
100%
1972
45%
30%
12%
5%
3%
5%
100%
565
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In recent years the pigment industry has been a large consumer of ferrous
sulfate heptahydrate as a source of iron oxides. In 1974, 121,000 tonnes
(135,000 tons) of iron oxides were consumed in the production of colored
pigments.15 Of this amount, slightly more than half (53.3%) was supplied
by synthetic (by-product) oxides as opposed to natural oxides derived from
pulverized iron ore and pyrite cinders. Although the cost of synthetic oxides
is approximately three to four times greater than natural oxides, the syn-
thetic oxides are preferred because they provide a wider range of colors and
brillance. Furthermore, synthetic oxides function well in water-based paints
and many natural oxides do not. This factor is important in that a growing
trend to water-based paints as a means of reducing atmospheric solvent emis-
sions will probably mean an increased demand for synthetic iron oxides.
The use of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate as a source of iron oxides for
magnetic tape manufacturing has been steadily increasing. Currently, only a
few companies produce synthetic iron oxide for magnetic recording. Yet, the
future demand for ferrous sulfate as a raw material in magnetic tape manufac-
turing should be strong. This prediction is based on the fact that the demand
for magnetic tapes is closely associated with the high technology electronics
industry, which has been experiencing consistently rapid growth during the
last two decades. Similarly, the demand for hard and soft ferrites in'
electronics should parallel the growth of the industry. Iron oxides recovered
from the by-products of waste pickle liquor processing have been used as a
raw material in producing hard ferrites which are used in permanent magnets.15
Although water and sewage treatment have typically only accounted for 5%
of the annual FSH consumption, this particular market represents the greatest
566
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area of potential use in the near future. Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is
used as a coagulant in the treatment of drinking water, ass an additive for
sludge fixation, and as an agent for phosphorus removal in municipal waste-
water treatment. The key potential use for FSH is as an agent for phosphorus
removal.
Phosphorus control is considered critical in some bays, coastal areas,
and drainage basins of lakes. It is especially critical in the drainage
basins of the North American Great Lakes, which contain approximately 20% of
the world's supply of surface fresh water. The International Joint Commission
(IJC) of Canada and the United States established a program in 1978 to mini-
mize eutrophication problems in the Great Lakes by reducing phosphorus inputs.
Consequently, increasing demand for chemicals used in phosphorus removal
can be expected in the eight states along the Great Lakes. Six of these
states are also among the top ten steel producing states. Hence, pickling
plants in this area which use acid recovery could possibly have a fairly
substantial local market for the by-product ferrous sulfate heptahydrate.
Currently, several chemicals are being used to remove phosphorus from
municipal wastewater, including aluminum sulfate (alum), sodium aluminate,
ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, ferric sulfate, and lime. Of all these
chemicals, alum and ferric chloride are the most widely used. In the lower
Great Lakes basins, iron salts and aluminum salts equally share about 99% of
the chemical market for phosphorus control.16 Data concerning the types of
iron salts (e.g., ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, ferrous sulfate) used
are not available.
567
-------
Although alum and ferric chloride are widely available and well known
to wastewater treatment plant designers and operators, ferrous sulfate can
compete both technically and economically with both of these chemicals.
Technically, ferrous sulfate can reduce effluent phosphorus as effectively
as commonly used chemicals. Based on FSH chemical analyses (Table 2) intro-
duction of other pollutants should be no more of a problem than with other
chemicals. Other concerns, such as pH changes and metal leakage, are common
to most phosphorus precipitating chemicals and will depend in some measure
on the proper operation of the treatment facility. Furthermore, storage, feed
and treatment equipment should not vary significantly for different chemicals,
so that minimum modifications will be required to switch from alum or ferric
chloride to ferrous sulfate.
Economically, ferrous sulfate is a very attractive alternative to alum
and ferric chloride. Since utilities (electricity), operator time and other
operating costs are typically low relative to raw material costs, the economics
of phosphorus removal is basically governed by the cost of the treatment
chemical. Table 5 presents an economic comparison of phosphorus removal by
different chemicals (exclusive of transportation costs). This comparison
indicates that use of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate has a reasonable economic
advantage over the use of ferric chloride and a significant economic advantage
over the use of alum. However, transportation may add significantly to the
cost of chemicals, and thus the shipping distance may be the primary factor
in chemical selection. For states bordering the Great Lakes, transportation
costs for ferrous sulfate heptahydrate from acid recovery processes should
be minimal due to the proximity of the pickling operations.
568
-------
Table 5. Economic comparison of phosphorus removal by different chemicals.
Requirement per Unit ot Phosphorus Removed Chemical Cost Phosphorus Removal CTSL
Chemical
Alum - A12(SOJ3'14
Dry - 9 wt % Al
Liquid - 4.4 wt
Sodium Aluminate ~
Dry - 45 wt Z Al
Liquid - 26 wt X
kg/kg or Ib/lb liter/kg (gal/lb) S/ tonne ($/ton) $/k?
.3HjO
ion
X Al ion
Na2Al2Oi.
203
A1203
22.2 119
34.2 (4.1) 100
8.4 816
10.0 (1.2) 272
(120)
(110)
(900)
(300)
2
5
8
4
.93
.51
.33
.96
'$/lb;
(1
(2
(3
(2
.33,
.50)
.78)
.25)
Ferric Chloride - Feds
Liquid - 40 wt %
Ferric Sulfate - Fe
Dry - 19.5 wt X
FeCl3
2(SOi,)3'7H20
Fe3*
Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate - FeSO\'7H
2+
Dry - 20 wt X Fe
10.0 (1.2) 96
10.3 106
:2o
10.0 68
(106)
(117)
(75)
1
1
0
.68
.32
.84
(0
(0
(0
.76)
.60)
.38)
Basis: 1) Metal ion to phosphorus removed weight ratio of 2.0 to 1.0 for all metal ions
2) 10.0 mg/1 phosphorus inlet concentration
3) <1.0 mg/1 phosphorus effluent concentration
4) Phosphorus removal with secondary treatment
Estimating the potential market for FSH by-product in the municipal
wastewater treatment sector is difficult. Based on a wastewater flow of
380 liters (100 gallons) per capita per day and a phosphorus removal of
9.5 mg/1, then the potential market for ferrous sulfate heptahydrate in the
Great Lakes States is estimated to be 1.0 million tonnes (1.12 million tons)
in 1985. If all U.S. sulfuric acid pickling operations practiced acid recovery
in 1985, the estimated FSH by-product generated would be almost 740,000 tonnes
(830,000 tons). Therefore, the FSH by-product generated by all acid recovery
sulfuric acid pickling operations in the U.S. (ignoring other FSH end use
demands) would only be able to supply 73.2% of the total demand for
municipal wastewater treatment in the Great Lakes area. If ferrous sulfate
heptahydrate replaced alum and ferric chloride as the most popular chemical
agent for controlling phosphorus in wastewater effluent, the demand for
FSH could easily exceed the supply.
569
-------
CONCLUSIONS
Acid recovery is economically competitive with contract hauling and
neutralization. A major portion of the overall annual cost for acid re-
covery is due to capital investment. Using regional acid recovery
facilities to treat waste pickle liquor from several local plants is a
potential means of reducing the capital investment for any of the partici-
pating plants. However, these regional facilities do not appear practical
for three reasons. First, transportation costs will be excessive because
of the large volumes involved and the potential for premature iron salt
precipitation. Second, processing costs will be increased by the need to
segregate waste pickle liquor and recovered acid by company in order to
prevent recovered acid contamination from different proprietary chemical
additives. Finally, the cost to each steel mill is increased by the need
to have waste pickle liquor and recovered acid storage facilities on-site
in order to maintain flexibility with regard to spent acid dumping.
The demand for by-product FSH as a raw material for the production
of iron oxide pigment could increase more dramatically than historically
indicated. The cause of this sudden potential increase is two-fold. First,
almost 30% of the current U.S. FSH production capacity will be removed from
service for various reasons in the near future. Second, the need to reduce
fugitive emissions from painting operations will mean an increase in the
use of water-based paints which require pigments produced from synthetic
sources such as by-product FSH. Combined, these two factors indicate a
much stronger demand for by-product FSH in future iron oxide pigment
production.
570
-------
The potential impact of the municipal wastewater treatment market
as an end use for FSH is difficu.il to assess. Rough csLlmatcs I.nd lc:,-i Lc
this potential to be much greater than any of the current demands for KSH.
For instance, if all U.S. sulfuric acid pickling operations practiced acid
recovery in 1985, the estimated amount of by-product FSH generated would be
740,000 tonnes (828,000 tons). If all eight of the Great Lake states used
strictly FSH instead of alum or ferric chloride for phosphate removal, the
total estimated FSH required in 1985 would be almost 1,000,000 tonnes
(1,130,000 tons). Therefore, FSH from acid recovery would only be able to
supply 73.2% of the total demand for municipal wastewater treatment in that
area alone. Clearly, the potential market for by-product FSH from waste
pickle liquor recovery is considerable.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Although acid recovery represents the only method of recovering and
reusing the chemical constituents found in waste pickle liquor, only 10%
of the total spent sulfuric acid pickle liquor generated each year is
treated by acid recovery. Since pickle liquor recovery is currently not a
widespread practice, additional studies should be undertaken to evaluate
the influence of spent pickle liquor composition on the quality of FSH
by-product and recovered acid. Experience to date indicates that product
quality has not usually been a problem. However, each pickling operation
is a unique case and it may be that under certain conditions, recovered
acid may be unsuitable for reuse, and/or FSH by-product may be unsuitable
for sale. Therefore, better correlation of data pertaining to pickle liquor
composition, recovery process operation, and acid and by-product quality
is needed.
571
-------
The reuse of by-product FSH is a major factor in assessing the
environmental advantages of using acid recovery. Currently, the demand for
FSH exceeds supply. Widespread use of acid recovery by sulfuric acid
picklers could reverse this situation. However, the use of FSH as a
chemical agent for controlling phosphorus levels in municipal wastewater
appears to be a largely untapped market. Although limited use of FSH in
wastewater treatment indicates very satisfactory removal of phosphorus, use
at other wastewater treatment plants will probably involve evaluation on a
case-by-case basis to assess the true removal effectiveness under a number
of different conditions. This is an important factor in determining if FSH
can displace alum and ferric chloride as the primary chemical for phosphorus
control. Such an investigation might begin with a comparison of data from
previous applications under similar conditions and continue with bench-scale
laboratory studies or on-site pilot plant testing.
572
-------
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Development Document for Proposed
Effluent Limitations, Guidelines, and Standards for Lhe Iron and Steel
Manufacturing Point Source Category." Draft, Volume VIII, EPA-440/1-79/
024a, October 1979.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Interagency Memo from
L. G. Twidwell to J. S. Ruppersberger. June 11, 1979.
3. Knook, P. R. "Analysis of the Use of Waste Pickle Liquor for Phosphorus
Removal." Whitman, Rezuardt, and Associates Engineers. Baltimore, MD,
September 1978.
4. EPA Technology Transfer Capsule Report. "Recovery of Spent Sulfuric Acid
from Steel Pickling Operations." EPA-625/2-78-017, 1978.
5. Personal Communication with J. C. Petterson. Crown Chemical. July 7,
1980.
6. Lackner, R. J. "Acid Recycling Systems for Pickling Lines." Presented
to the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers Youngstown District
Section. Givard, Ohio, May 6, 1974.
7. Bayazeed, A. F., and E. C. Donaldson. "Sub-Surface Disposal of Pickle
Liquor." R. I. 7804, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, B.C., 1973.
8. Personal Communication with R. J. Lackner. Wean United, Inc.
9. SRI International. Directory of Chemical Producers, 1980, United States
of America. SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1980.
10. Personal Communication with Don Gordon, Quality Chemical, Ltd.,
September 1980.
11. Bhattacharyya, S. Steel Industry Pickling Waste Ferrous Sulfate
Heptahydrate and Its Impact on Environment. Unpublished report prepared
for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and
Development, Washington, D.C., 1979.
12. Telephone survey conducted by K. T. Sherrill, Radian Corporation,
Austin, Texas, September 1980.
13. Chemical Marketing Reporter. Profile: Ferrous Sulfate. January 1,
1979.
14. Chemical Marketing Reporter. Profile: Ferrous Sulfate. October 23,
1972.
573
-------
REFERENCES (continued)
15. Jones, Thomas D. Iron Oxide Pigments, Part I. U.S. Department of the
Interior, Bureau of Mines. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
B.C., 1978.
16. De Pinto, Joseph V., et al. Phosphorus Removal in Lower Great Lakes
Municipal Treatment Plants. Unpublished report. U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory,
Cincinnati, Ohio, n.d.
574
-------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors of this paper would like to acknowledge Dr. S. Bhattacharyya for
his unpublished work in the area of spent pickle liquor recovery processes.
Dr. Bhattacharyya?s previous work served as the starting point and provided
the direction for the work presented in this paper.
575
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ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL OF RECLAMATION PROCESSES
FOR STEEL INDUSTRY, IRON-BEARING SOLID WASTE
A. 0. Hoffman, E. J. Mezey, J. Varga, Jr.
W. G. Steedman, and R. D. Tenaglia
BATTELLE
Columbus Laboratories
Columbus, Ohio 43201
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to investigate existing and
emerging processes for the reclamation of the three largest quantities of
iron-bearing solid wastes being landfilled by the steel industry—oily
mill scale, steelmaking dust, and blast furnace dust and sludge. The processes
considered are designed to remove contaminants to the degree that resource
recovery (recycle) can be practiced. This paper summarizes the results of
this study in terms of process identification and description, appraisal
of the environmental aspects of reclamation including the appraisal of the
potential for new environmental problems, and considers the economics and
energy requirements of the various processes.
577
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL OF RECLAMATION PROCESSES
FOR STEEL INDUSTRY, IRON-BEARING SOLID WASTE
by
A. 0. Hoffman, E. J. Mezey, J. Varga, Jr.
W. 6. Steedman, and R. D. Tenaglia
Battelle Columbus Laboratories
Columbus, Ohio 43201
In September of 1980, the Steel Tripartite Committee ' report
was released on Technological Research and Development in the Steel Industry.
Pertinent to this study are a recommendation and a statement in the
Tripartite report. The recommendation was that "government support should
be given to the development of technologies and plant practices for
recycling hazardous wastes produced in steel manufacturing". The statement
was that "environmental and occupational safety and health issues should
be considered as an integral part of technological research and development
in the steel industry..."
This paper deals with an environmental appraisal of reclamation
processes for steel industry, iron-bearing solid waste. This appraisal
study was funded by the EPA's Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
(IERL-RTP) and as an appraisal it is in line with both stated sentiments
of the R & D Group of the Tripartite Committee.
TECHNICAL OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The overall objective of this study was to investigate existing
and emerging processes for the reclamation of steel industry iron-
bearing wastes being landfilled. These reclamation processes should
be capable of extracting and/or eliminating undesirable contaminants to
578
-------
the degree that the processed material is acceptable for recycle. If this
were possible in operations that did not introduce new pollution problems,
it would result in a conservation of resources and a decrease in problems
pertaining to waste management. The term "investigate" in this instance
included:
(1) Identification and description of processes including
capability and mass and energy balances, where available
(2) Appraisal of the potential for new environmental problems
that may be part of these existing and emerging processes
(3) Appraisal of the overall economics of reclaiming and/or
using approved landfilling for contaminated solid wastes
(4) General ranking of the processes including identification
of any remaining environmental problems.
Definitions and Listing of the Types of Wastes of Interest in This Study
The U.S. steel industry routinely recycles about 80 percent
(2\
of its solid wastes. The remaining 20 percent is not recycled because
the material is either (a) nearly worthless, e.g., trash, rubble, and some
slags, or (b) although valuable, the material is contaminated with troublesome
elements from either an operational or product viewpoint.
One viewpoint of metallurgical processing is that it is the
science/art of separating (by many routes) the desired element(s) from
the undesirable elements or compounds that are almost always present in
the starting materials, i.e., the undesirable elements in ores, coal,
scrap, etc. It is self-evident that there must be an "outlet" for the
contaminating materials from an operational viewpoint. In .the past, this
"outlet", generally speaking, was either simple landfilling (dumping) or
storage, i.e., landfilling awaiting a suitable, profitable reclamation
process.
In this report, a reclamation process is defined as a method
of rescuing a material from an undesirable state. For contaminated materials,
an ideal reclamation would' economically separate for use both the contaminant(s)
and the purified basic material for recycle (e.g. to obtain oil and oil-free
mill scale from oily mill scale).
This study is focused on reclamation processes for steel industry,
iron-bearing wastes (now being dumped) which offer the best potential
579
-------
for the greatest recovery of iron and possible valuable by-products (former
contaminants). Included is iron-bearing electric-arc furnace steelmaking
dust that are now listed as being hazardous (leachable) when placed in
ordinary landfills/ The waste materials of interest in this study
are listed in Table 1.
Introduction to the Reclamation Processes Appraised in This Study
This paper presents information and appraisals on four specific
reclamation processes and one general type of a pyrometallurgical reclamation
process that has many variations. The format for presenting information
is according to the iron-bearing waste name or type. Two processes, one
used at Inmetco of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania and the other at Huron Valley
Steel of Toledo, Ohio, were not included because they were learned of
too late for inclusion in this study.
A process is regarded as "existing" if it is, or has been,
in operation on a plant scale. The designation of "an emerging process"
is more arbitrary. If a process has reached the pilot plant stage or has
been tested even briefly on a pilot or plant scale, and there are technical
reasons for believing that the desired technical results can be achieved,
it was considered an emerging process.
Almost all of the individual processes are the development of
a single organization or company. For proprietary processes the commercial
interests of the owners often limited the amount of information that was
released.
RECLAMATION PROCESSES FOR THE DEOILING OF MILL SCALE
Scale is the oxidized surface layer that forms on semi-finished
steel during the heating and hot-working operations in rolling mills.
During the hot-forming operations (multiple steps) the mill scale is
periodically broken away from the steel shape by breaker rolls and/or
water and steam jets.
580
-------
TABLE 1. STEEL INDUSTRY, IRON-BEARING SOLID WASTES
OF INTEREST IN THIS STUDY
(2)
Waace
Mill Scale
(672 of total
is recycled)
Steelmaking
Dusts and
Sludge*
(20% of total
is recycled)
Blast Furnace
Dust and
Sludges**
(782 is recycled)
Amounts of Waste
Landfllled per
125 Million Tonnes
of Steel Produced
(millions of tonnes)
1.7
Range of
Iron Content,
percent
58 to 70
1.8
45 to 60
0.75
10 to 40
Reasons For
Landfill ing
Oil content too
high for trouble-
free recycling
via sintering
Zinc and/or
alkali content
too high for
recycling to
blast furnace
Contaminated with
oil and non-
ferrous compounds
* - This represents the amount of landfilled dust and sludges from the pollution
control equipment on all U.S. Steelmaking processes. The total dust
from electric-arc furnace Steelmaking is about 350,000 tonnes or about
20 percent of the total weight of Steelmaking dust collected.
Electric-arc furnace dust is listed as hazardous because of the leachable
lead, cadmium, and chromium content.
** - This represents the 22 percent of the total dust and sludge collected at blast
furnaces which is not recycled.
581
-------
As the scale is broken away from the hot steel It falls through
the roll tables into a water flume. Also entering the flume are variable
quantities of lubricating greases and oils from the rolling machinery.
In the carryout of scale, it passes a series of traps or basins which
provide an automatic size classification system. The large particles
with a low oil content are collected at the beginning of the system; on
the other end of the system, there is an oil sludge in the clarifiers
which has a small amount of mill scale fines.
Mill scale is partly oxidized steel and, therefore, contains
a high percentage of iron (72 to 75 percent), and no or low tramp
element contamination. Without the oil content that accumulates, and
looking only at the chemical composition, mill scale is a much better
quality iron source than iron ore pellets.
Generally, mill scale is screened and the coarse fraction is
used for direct recycle to blast furnaces. Mill scale fines (usually
less than 4.76 mm (3/16 in.) were almost always in the past recycled
to the sinter machines for agglomeration with other materials, followed
by direct return to blast furnaces. In present practice, as indicated
(2)
in one survey, about 67 percent of the mill scale generated is recycled
and about 33 percent or 1.7 million tonnes (about 1.9 million short tons)
is landfilled annually in the U.S. because it is too oily for recycling.
This oil mill scale, if charged to sintering operations, would result
in air pollution and operational problems.
An Existing Reclamation Process For
0ily Mill Scale—Thermal Deoiling
The only commercialized thermal method known for deoiling
mill scale involves use of the direct-fired rotary kiln operated by
the Luria Company for the Inland Steel Company. A schematic diagram
(4)
of this process is shown in Figure 1.
The rotary kiln deoiler is a counter-current reactor in which
air is drawn from the mill scale exit end. The kiln is fired with natural
gas and in passage through the kiln the mill scale is effectively deoiled
582
-------
-4.76mm INLAND MILL SCALE FINES
r
VIBRATING SCALPING
SCREEN 16mmx50mm
I
I
I +16mm
OVERSIZE STORED
(100 WT.%~0.4% OIL,-4.3% H2O)
103WT.5S
DIRECT FIRED DEOILING
KILN 3mx20m
"57. AS STEAM
AND HYDROCARBONS IN
KILN OFF-GAS (-315°C)
—2mm
»3 WT.%
— BREECH
MATERIAL
•co.oir. OIL
0.00% H2O
— 4.7 6mm
-93 WT.%
KILN PRODUCT <0.01% OIL
55 Mfl/h 0.00% H2O
-0.6mm ~3 WT. %
.WET SCRUBBER,
•— SLUDGE ^
<0.01% OIL
FINAL DEOILED
MILL SCALE TO
SINTER PLANT
-------
from 0.4 to less than 0.01 percent residual oil. Two afterburners
operating at 650 C (1200 F) and higher are used to assure complete
combustion of any hydrocarbon vapors unburned in the kiln. The off
gas from the afterburners is then scrubbed in a venturi scrubber to
remove particulates. The wet scrubber sludge is added to the deoiled
kiln product for return to the steel plant.
Energy Requirement—
The mill scale is received both wet and oily. The total
energy usage as fuel is 0.22 G cal/tonne (810,000 Btu/short ton) of
product. About 40 percent of the total fuel consumption is used in
the afterburners for environmental protection.
Processing Costs--
No purchase cost or credits are taken for the Incdming mill
scale. No toll or royalty charges are considered because this infor-
mation is proprietary.
For a production rate of 100,000 tonnes per year (sized for a
typical steel plant), with new equipment, it is estimated that processing
costs with steel plant labor rates are $35.93/tonne or product ($31.69/net
ton). This is not an estimate of the processing costs for the Luria
operation at Inland Steel which is about 5 times larger in capacity.
The economics of scale are very pronounced in rotary kiln operations.
Environmental Appraisal Summary—
No stack data on emissions from this process were available
for this study. However, the emissions can parallel those from other
hydrocarbon-rich sources. If the afterburners on this process are
closely controlled, it is expected that emission control will be accept-
able and that no new environmental problems will be created.
An Emerging Reclamation Process for Oily Mill
Scale—Solvent Washing
Colerapa Industries (Ravenna, Ohio) has a solvent washing
pilot plant in operation for oily mill scale and mill scale sludge which
employs the Duval-Pritchard process. Oily mill scale is "dry cleaned"
at a rate of 1.8 tonnes/hour (2.0 ton/hour) using methylene chloride
(CH^Cl.) as solvent. This solvent boils at 40 C (104 F) and has a density
of 1.35 g/ml. The process flow sheet for this operation is shown in
Figure 2. This process is claimed to handle mill scale of almost any
particle size, oil level, or water content, with oil sludge containing
584
-------
BLOCK DIAGRAM -. MILL SCALE DEQIL1NG PROCESS
OILY HOPPER EXPOSURE P-l MIXING P-2 VIBRATING MIXING P-3 VIBRATING VI
SOLIDS TANK TANK SCREEN TANK SCREEN
OR OR
HYDROCONE HYDROCONE
Q »|» H-l -** ET-1 —,$]-* MT-1 _-4D7-»* S-l -P* MT-2 ^^^ S-2
1
en
oo
tn
i
\
EXPENDED
SOLVENT T-
(SOLVENT RETURN* 1 T SOLVENT RETURN 1
^""~ EXPANDED FRESH
1 SOLVENT SOLVE
FINE SETTT-TNG STORA<
TANK TANK
1
STUKAuE • '
TANK
-H^
NT
GE
BRATING DRYER
SCREEN
S-3
(I
T-2
1
7^
C ^\TT C
SOLVI
^h-
D-l
S
;NT
i
C-l
j
1
E-l
SCREEN
CONVEYOR
sc-i
/WV\|
1
OIL FREE
SOLIDS
CONDENSER
STILL
T
OIL TO
STORAGE
Figure 2. Block Diagram of Mill Scale
Deoiling in Duval-Prttchard
Process
-------
small amounts of mill scale being particularly valuable because of the
level of recoverable oil in the feed material.
The path of the mill scale through the process is counterflow
to that of the solvent. As in ordinary dry cleaning of clothing, with
discontinuance of agitation following treatment there is a density separa-
tion of the solvent, water, and oil at the end of the process. To collect
final products (dry mill scale, solvent-free water, and solvent-free oil)
each raw segregation segment is withdrawn and subjected to a heating
operation to strip out the low-boiling solvent. Contaminated water is sub-
jected to a stripping operation for solvent recovery, and solvent-contaminated
oil is treated in a still to recover solvent and particle-free oils.
Material Balance—
Process literature indicates a solvent makeup of 0.6 pound of
solvent per ton of product mill scale. If this loss can be maintained,
the operation could be considered to have an emission rate less than
that of a well-controlled dry cleaning establishment.
Energy Requirements—
The process developer takes energy credit for the oil recovered
and the amount of water displaced and not evaporated. Reported energy
purchased is 3.3 kwhr/ton for electrical energy and 0.07 G cal/tonne of
feed (255,000 Btu/ton) for the fuel required for solvent evaporation and
distillation.
With the assumption that the incoming scale can average 12 per-
cent oil and 14 percent water, the net energy gain (mainly in recovered
oil) is 1.7 G cal/tonne (6.2 million Btu/ton) of mill scale product.
Processing Costs—
Costs for removing oils and greases from mill scale by washing
with a solvent were estimated to be $16.84/tonne or $15.28/ton. This
assumes a credit for about 30 liters of oil (about 8 gallons) per ton of
deoiled mill scale produced.
Environmental Appraisal Summary—
No emission data were available for this process so an evaluation
of the potential gaseous, liquid, and solid wastes had to be made.
From the viewpoint of an environmental engineer, solvent vapor
emissions from this process could be reduced to a'very low level if
special design considerations are given to solvent emission control in
terms of equipment design (tightness) and equipment types. For example,
586
-------
efficient condensation of the low-boiling vapors may require refrigerated
condensers. All exhaust pipes from the system may require activated-carbon
filters. Favorable to the process is the fact that the listed toxic con-
centration for the selected solvent in air is higher than that for most
commercial solvents that are routinely used. However, the solvent is a
listed priority pollutant for water and any application of the process
should include consideration of the environmental significance of residual
methylene chloride in the water and losses to air and solids.
RECLAMATION PROCESS FOR STEELMAKING DUSTS
For U.S. steel production at the rate of 125 million tonnes/year
(138 million tons), the amount of dust collected annually from the exhaust
gases of the three types of steelmaking processes totals an estimated 2.2
million tonnes.^ Of this quantity, only about 20 percent is recycled and
about 1.8 million tonnes (2.0 million tons) is landfilled. This estimate
includes landfilling of about 350,000 tonnes of electric-arc furnace steel-
making dusts and sludge that have been listed by the EPA as being hazardous.^ '
The majority of the steelmaking dust collected is not recycled
because it contains contaminants that (a) are not removed during any agglo-
meration process, and (b) if recycled to blast furnaces (following agglo-
meration), would cause operating problems. With regard to blast furnace
operations, the contaminants of concern are mostly zinc and alkalies. Of
concern to the EPA are the lead, cadmium, and chromium contents in the
steelmaking dusts. The source of these contaminants is the steel and iron
scrap used in every steelmaking process, and the level of hazardous elements
in steelmaking dust depends on the amount and type of scrap used in a parti-
cular steelmaking operation. Practically speaking, electric-arc steelmaking
furnaces use 100 percent scrap charges and the steelmaking dusts collected
at these furnaces can contain hazardous contaminants to levels of 4 percent
lead and 0.05 percent cadmium. High chromium-content levels in steelmaking
dusts are usually restricted to dust collected in alloy and stainless steel
processing.
587
-------
"Greenballing"—The Reclamation of Steelmaking
Dust by Recycling to Steelmaking Furnaces
The literature in the 70's described a reclamation/recycle
approach for contaminated Steelmaking dusts which consisted of pelletizing
the finely divided dust and recycling the pellets back to any Steelmaking
furnace. The term "greenballing" was used because the pellets had not been hardened
but were "green" or freshly made.
In a Steelmaking furnace charge, the iron oxides in green pellets
are used as a substitute for iron-ore pellets and are utilized in slag
formation and melt cooling. The zinc, lead, cadmium, and perhaps some
alkalies in the scrap plus the reducible nonferrous oxides in the
green pellets are reduced and some are vaporized, and collected in the standard
dust collection equipment. Assuming complete collection of the volatile nonferrous
oxides and no losses to the slag or molten steel, the nonferrous content
in the Steelmaking dusts should rise steadily during green pellet
recycling. In theory, after a number of recycles, the nonferrous content
in the Steelmaking dust could be high enough to warrant periodic diversion
of this dust to a nonferrous smelter. The continual buildup in zinc content
in the collected dust during recycling has not occurred, indicating that
there is a bleed from the system.
Discussions with personnel at various steel companies indicate
that (a) the failure of the zinc content in the dust to steadily increase
during recycling remains a mystery, and (b) all companies contacted
have curtailed or discontinued reclamation via greenballing. Some
companies indicate that greenballing has been curtailed because of the
present low level of steel production and because of the increase in sulfur
content in the steel upon recycling Steelmaking dusts.
It is assumed that greenballing is being technically examined
by steel companies for a more complete understanding and/or improvement.
This process was therefore included in this study. The flow sheet of
Bethlehem Steel's greenballing process is given in Figure 3. ' As indicated
in the foregoing text, the material balance on greenballing is being
investigated. There is no information of the total energy requirement
for this approach.
588
-------
" HIGH-ENERGY SCRUBBERS
ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR "
FIGURE 3. FLOW DIAGRAM OF. BETHLEHEM STEEL CORPORATION'S
GREENBALLING PROCESS FOR RECLAIMING STEEL-
MAKING DUSTS. FIGURE WAS DRAWN BY BATTELLE.
589
-------
Processing Costs—
An estimate of processing costs for greenballing is about $36.50/
tonne. If a credit is taken for the iron content in the green pellets as
compared to that in commercial oxide pellets, the production costs nearly
break even with the value of the greenballs.
Environmental Appraisal Summary—
Inasmuch as lead and cadmium normally vaporize with zinc when
reduced with carbon or carbon monoxide, a balance of these elements must be
obtained to determine the environmental impact of any losses or bleeds.
The fact that very finely divided compounds may be very difficult
to completely recover from a large volume of exhaust gas causes concern.
RECLAMATION PROCESS FOR BLAST FURNACE SLUDGE
The top gas stream from almost all blast furnaces is passed
through a series of dust collectors. In a first stage, mainly coarse
dust is removed in a simple dust catcher (expansion chamber) and the
dry dust consists mainly of fine particles of ore, flux, and coke. If
the alkali content is not too high, this coarse dust is recycled through
the sinter plant. The carbon content in the dust serves as a sintering
fuel.
The second and third stages of gas cleaning consist of wet
collection of fine particles. These are collected as a slurry which is
subsequently dewatered to a sludge holding 20 to 25 percent water. Sixty
to seventy-five percent of this dust is 44 microns or less in particle-size
diameter.
In some blast furnaces, about 75 percent of the zinc that: enters
the blast furnaces in ore or in sinter reports to the blast furnace sludge.
Continuous recycling of this sludge would result in an overload of zinc
in a furnace, and operating problems would develop. Steel plants are
landfilling this sludge when the zinc and alkali contents are considered
too high for recycling.
590
-------
About 22 percent of the blast furnace dust and sludge collected
in the United States is not recycled to in-plant sintering operations.
At least some of this dumping occurs because some steel plants do not have
sintering operations.
Hydrgclassification^j'or DeZincing Blast Furnace Sludge
In Japan, the lead and zinc content of some blast furnaces sludge is
higher than that reported in the United States. The lead content can
reach a level of 0.7 percent and the zinc content can reach 7 percent.
In 1974, Nippon Steel Corporation and Kowa Seiko Co. (a nonferrous
processing company) began a joint study on utilizing nonferrous metal-
bearing blast furnace sludge in processes "other than pyrometallurgical
reduction". The zinc and lead contents were found to be concentrated
in the finer particle-size portion of the sludge. For example, about 80
to 90 percent of the lead and zinc compounds are concentrated in the
portion of the sludge that is smaller than 44 microns in particle-size
diameter. No plant data are available on the particle-size distribution
of the alkali metals.
A wet classification system was then developed to separate
out the nonferrous-bearing portion of the sludge to permit recycling
of the "cleaned" portion. Laboratory and field tests indicated that the
desired separation or beneficiation could be accomplished by means of
hydroclones. The action of hydroclone equipment on a slurry is analogous
to passing a gas and dust mixture through a dust-collection cyclone. In
both instances, classification by centrifugal forces occurs.
By 1977, the wet-classification reclamation method for blast furnace
sludge was in plant operation at the Kamaishi Works in Japan. The flow sheet
of this process is shown in Figure 4. At the Kamaishi Works, the
slurry from the dust cleaning systems on 2 blast furnaces is adjusted
591
-------
Hydronegaclone >>6 units
Settling tank for
overflow slurrv
' Water for gas cleaning
I and dual collection
I
i
Siphonic pressure
control valve
Coagulant
.
[
ckL
»
[
.
E
PI
r
Jt
1
^
jiCompratcd
air
Vacuum drum
filler Filter pr
Catchment
tank
Underflow tank
Clean water
Low zinc dust High-zinc dint
i
Sintering
Figure 4. Flow Sheet of the Blast Furnace Sludge Processing Method
at the Kamaishi Works in Japan
592
-------
with water to have a 5 to 15 percent dust concentration. This slurry
is passed through 6 parallel, upgraded versions of hydroclones. Each
hydroclone has 75-ram (3-in.) inside diameter and the flow rate through
the hydroclones is in the range of 20 to 100 I/minute (5 to 25 gal/minute).
The overflow slurry contains about 75 percent of the zinc in
the feed material (and presumably most of the lead) and totals about
25 percent of the feed weight. The underflow contains about 83 percent
of the original contained iron and 77 percent of the contained carbon.
The underflow stream is filtered and is granulated into mini-pellets
for use as a sinter strand raw material. The use of these high-carbon
pellets reportedly resulted in a decrease of 2 kg (4.4 Ib)/tonne in the
use of coke breeze in the sintering operation.
The overflow material is allowed to settle and is then dewatered
in a filter press. This nonferrous-bearing portion contains about 18
percent iron, 13 percent zinc, and 23 percent carbon. No information was
obtained on the subsequent processing and the subsequent sale or disposal
of this material.
Nippon Steel Company has indicated that while they are successful
in reclaiming blast furnace sludge by wet beneficiation, they have not
as yet been successful in using this approach to separate nonferrous
compounds from steelmaking dusts.
Material Balance and Energy Requirement—
This classification operation is purported to be a very simple
process with essentially 100 percent recovery of the original wet-collected
blast furnace sludge. Relative to the other reclamation processes, the
energy requirements for this process are considered negligible.
Processing Costs—
No attempt was made to estimate the low processing costs of this
reclamation operation. The Japanese author labeled the development "an
epoch-making resources utilization technique". From what is known of the
process, it appears to be a "real winner". It can and is being used to
recover iron and nonferrous values from landfilled blast furnace sludge
storage. It would appear that this physical-separation reclamation process
has the potential of being the starting point for eliminating the need to
landfill about 750,000 tonnes of sludge annually in the United States.
593
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Environmental Appraisal Summary—
It is anticipated that the bleed streams of waste water would
have to be treated to remove the cyanide and water soluble organics. Such
treatment technology is currently practiced by the industry.
It was judged that the emissions from this process appear con-
trollable and there is no reason to believe that the process would intro-
duce any new environmental problems.
PYROMETALLURGICAL, COREDUCTION RECLAMATION PROCESSES FOR RECLAIMING
MILL SCALE, STEELMAKING DUSTS, AND BLAST FURNACE DUSTS
In Japan, there are seven or more rotary kilns in operation
that reclaim steel industry, contaminated iron-bearing wastes. In
this paper these processes are called coreduction operations because the
contained iron oxides are reduced to value-added, direct-reduced iron
(metallized iron) while some of the nonferrous oxide contaminants are
also reduced. In this instance the reducible and volatile nonferrous
elements are vaporized and are collected by means of the exhaust-gas
dust collection system.
Within the various rotary kiln operations in Japan there are
five different process variations of only minor importance to this
study. Only the Kawasaki process is described and appraised here because
it is the newest operation (1977) and presumably has the latest in
dust collection equipment.
In the United States, the rotary kiln, coreduction approach
for the reclamation of various iron-bearing wastes was examined and
tested by Inland Steel and Heckett Engineering in tjhe late 60 *s and early
70's. To minimize future operating costs, the planning in this
instance called for the use of a very large kiln for reclaiming wastes
from four different steel plants in the Chicago area. No plant was
ever built because the economics did not appear to be favorable and
cooperation between competing steel companies was difficult to obtain.
However, domestic interest in kiln reduction/reclamation continues.
594
-------
Over the past decade, several process developers in the United
States have been active in testing and promoting their approaches to cold
bonding waste materials for recycling to blast furnaces. These approaches
are substitutes for sinter agglomeration and differ from normal sintering
or iron-ore pellet induration in that they use only a small amount of
process heat. The most active cold-bonding technique developers are the
PelleTech and Reclasource Corporations. PelleTech uses the Michigan
Technological University (MTU) hydrothermal process. In this instance,
the binding reactants are hydrated lime and silica that are activated
for bond formation by autoclaving pellets for 1 to 2 hours at 2068 KPa
(300 psig) steam pressure. Reclasource uses a pitch or asphalt binder
addition and the agglomerates (briquets) are cured at about 260 C (550 F)
to form a carbonaceous bond.
The early thrust of the PelleTech and Reclasource efforts was
to (a) agglomerate mainly valuable mill scale, and (b) begin testing
of their recycle agglomerates in blast furnaces to prove the strength of
their agglomerates to potential buyers. This study, is concentrated
on reclamation and not on recycling methods. However, by extension,
the cold-bonding approaches show promise of agglomerating contaminated
waste materials (such as steelmaking dusts) for input into some pyrometallurgical
reclamation process. Reduction of cold-bonded agglomerates of contaminated waste
materials in kilns, rotary hearths, or shaft furnaces would be akin to
the coreduction practices developed by Inland Steel, Kawasaki Steel,
and others, i.e., the products would also be direct-reduced iron (or smelted
iron in a cupola operation) and by-product nonferrous oxide dusts.
The advantage claimed by both cold bonding organizations is
that they are in a position to include (and retain) carbon inside of their
agglomerates (during cold bonding). This will result in a much faster coreduction
of the agglomerates upon heating. Faster, that is, than any coreduction
using coke or char external to the pellets to produce the necessary
carbon monoxide reducing gas. Technically speaking, the "high-speed"
advantage claimed by the cold bonders has been well established. This
technical advantage has yet to be translated into an economic advantage,
but the odds appear favorable that it can be done. However, process speed
only affects pyrometallurgical coreduction reclamation in the area of
processing cost. All other appraisal factors for pyrometallurgical
reclamation processes are about the same. Therefore, only the Kawasaki
595
-------
process and the environmental appraisal common to all coreduction
processes are discussed here.
Kawasaki Rotary Kiln, Coreduction Reclamation
The newest "dust-reducing" plant installed by Kawasaki Steel
(1977) is at the No. 2 plant in Chiba, Japan. The installation is
rated at 1000 tonnes/day of material feed. This feed consists of pellets of
combined blast furnace dust and sludge, oxygen steelmaking dust, and
sinter dust. A generalized flowsheet for this plant is shown in
Figure 5.
WIT
OUSTS
fILTIB
COAL OR
COKE BREEZE
PELLETIZER |
r
ZINC COLLECTION
PREHEATER
RECYCLE
±
J
LUMP -^REDUCTION KILN V-
e(Wi »———-i^——I
COKE
__J OPP-OAS
WATER
PRODUCT
Figure 5. Generalized Flowsheet of Kawasaki Steel's
Coreduction Process
596
-------
Kawasaki Steel avoids the need for drying sludge by blending dry
and wet materials (and by using supplementary, dry, fine iron ore when nec-
essary). No information is available on the quantities and range in quantities
of each waste material introduced into the process. Normally no binder
is used. A grate preheater (downdraft) is positioned ahead of the kiln
to dry and heat-harden the pellets of waste oxides. Pellet heating is
done by means of the exhaust gases from the rotary kiln.Recent information
indicates that the grate kiln heats the pellets to 1000 C (1,830 F) before
they enter the kiln. The variation and level of the carbon content in the
preheated pellets are not available.
The new Kawasaki kiln is 4 meters in diameter (16.5 feet) and
55 meters long (180 feet) . The auxiliary heat is supplied with a heavy-
oil burner positioned on the discharge end of the kiln. This burner is
capable of firing 3,000 I/hour (793 U.S. gal/hr). Product recovery is
about 600 tonnes/day. The feed to the kiln is a mixture of pellets and
coke breeze. The coke breeze is used as a fuel and a source of reducing
gas. The consumption rate of coke breeze is about 305 kg/tonne of product
(610 Ib/net ton of product). The operating temperature in the kiln
is in the range of 1,100 to 1,200 C (2,000 to 2,192 F). No information
was attainable on the gas velocity in the freeboard zone of the kiln interior.
(See Environmental Appraisal.)
During passage through the kiln, the iron burden is metallized
to the range of 90 to 95 percent. Also during coreduction, about 95
percent of the contained zinc is reduced (and blown out). Lead elimination
is about 95 percent and elimination,of alkalies is about 50 percent
(also blown out). The metallized-iron product contains about 0.3 percent sulfur
and 15 percent gangue, which minimizes the possibility of using the
product in steelmaking.
The exhaust gases from the kiln pass through the grate
preheater, through a water atomizing tower (to lower the gas temperature),
and then through a huge electrostatic precipitator. It was not possible
to obtain many details on the operation of this gas cleaning system.
According to one source, the typical composition of the
kiln exhaust dust of the Kawasaki coreduction kiln is as follows:
597
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Element Weight Percent
Zinc 14
Lead 4
Iron 26
Carbon 18
Sulfur 1
Sodium 1.7
Potassium 1.9
Kawasaki Steel states that this dust has little or no value to a buyer
and is disposed of to the nonferrous industry. The above powder can be
considered to be a low-grade zinc concentrate contaminated with iron. This
problem of iron contamination of the nonferrous byproduct collected was
also reported by Holowaty in 1971.
Material Balance—
Kawasaki Steel Corporation has not published material balance
data on their coreduction rotary kiln process. Of interest in a material
balance would be the volume and composition of the off gases, as well
as the dust loading in the off gas.
Energy Requirements— ;
The reported total fuel requirement per tonne of product is in
the range of 3.5 to 4.2 G cal/tonne. This is equivalent to 12.6 to 15.1
million Btu/net ton of product or about 18.6 to 22.3 million Btu/net
ton of metallic iron in the product. About one-third of the total fuel
requirement is in the form of heavy fuel oil, and the remainder is coke
breeze.
The zinc content of the pellets charged to the Kawasaki kiln
is less than 1 percent and the fuel requirement for the reduction of the
contained zinc and lead oxides is therefore negligible, i.e., the listed
fuel requirement is almost entirely for the reduction of the iron oxides
in the waste materials.
Process Costs—
To a major steel plant, the total reclamation costs using a core-
duction process would be made up of the elements in the following equation:
VALUE OF PROCESSING TOTAL COST
SAVINGS + PRODUCTS - COST * OR PROFIT
(Avoiding (Metallized iron +
landfilling) Nonferrous dust)
598
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Dealing with each element of cost in the preceeding equation, estimates
were developed as shown in the following paragraphs.
Obtaining estimates for the cost of regulated landfilling proved
to be a problem. Firm data on this topic may not as yet have been developed.
Oral statements by steel company personnel place the 1980 landfill costs in
the area of $94 to $100/tonne ($85 to $90/net ton), with multiplying in-
creases expected in subsequent years. This cost level was somewhat confirmed
by inquiries made to commercial landfill companies who are quoting a minimum
price for regulated disposal at 4$ per pound, delivered.
The maximum possible theoretical value of the iron content in
metallized iron is equal to the selling price of the iron in high-quality,
direct-reduced iron. Direct-reduced iron is listed for sale at $130/tonne or
$116/net ton. Discounting for the lower iron content in the coreduced
product brings the theoretical value (based on iron content only)
to about $97/tonne ($88/net ton). However, metallized iron containing
high gangue and sulfur is not suited for steelmaking operations and can
only be recycled to blast furnaces. While it is a fact that high-quality
direct-reduced iron charged to blast furnaces both decreases the specific
amount of coke required per ton of product and increases the furnace
production rate; the gangue in the coreduced product has heat requirements
that act counter to these gains. As a judgment, the value of high-
gangue, metallized pellets to a blast furnace is expected to be about
$70 to $80/tonne or $63.50 to $72.50/net ton.
The by-productnonferrous oxides collected during any coreduction
operation are not expected to have any value because of the high iron
content (and related low zinc content) and objections to the presence of
alkalies, chlorides, and other contaminants. Because disposal of this
exhaust fume is also a problem, procedures (probably hydrometallurglcal)
will have to be developed to upgrade this material. Based on this expectation,
no negative value was taken for the mixed nonferrous oxides.
Processing costs are estimated to be $126/tonne or $115/net ton.
This is for a plant producing 100,000 annual tonnes of metallized product, ,
starting with a total of 133,000 tonnes of waste materials. All unit costs
are taken from published information, including the average employment cost
of labor in the steel industry at $19.11/mahhour. Labor requirements are
taken from Kawasaki information.
599
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Total Coats or Profit
SAVINGS
Repeating the basic equation:
VALUE OF
+ PRODUCTS
PROCESSING
COSTS
TOTAL COST
OR PROFIT
and filling in the derived numbers:
(1.33 x $94)
$80
$127
$78/tonne of
product,profit
$707ton of productt
profit.
The element that causes the result to show a profit is the savings of
$125/tonne of product in not landfilling the wastes. Stated another way,
if there were no substitute for the coreduction processes and the assumed
savings in avoiding the cost of regulated landfilling are factual, the
processing cost of a coreduction reclamation process could reach the
level of $205/tonne of product and theoretically "break even".
The data base for the above presentation of costs is weak and
conditions did not permit any detailed cost analyses. However, the
expected increased cost of landfilling will act as an incentive toward
developing suitable reclamation processes.
Environmental Appraisal of Coreduction Operations
Information from Kawasaki Steel indicates that the flue gas re-
leased after the electrostatic precipitation contains between 0.001 and
3
0.03 g/Nm of dust. Lead oxides, cadmium oxides (and presumably zinc
oxide), and organic particulates (hydrocarbons) are below "identification
limits".
As effective as the collection of particulates in the Kawasaki
process appears to be, it may or may not be sufficiently effective to meet
the U.S. primary ambient air quality standards for lead and particulate
3 3
emissions of 1.5 microgram/m and 75 micrograms/m respectively—as measured
at the plant property line.
600
-------
The nonferrous metal emission from a coreduction process
is likened more to that of secondary lead (or zinc) recovery processes
in the United States. In these recovery processes the amount of stack
gas being treated is about one-tenth the flow rate being treated in
the Kawasaki process. This fact and the probable low concentrations
of dusts in the effluent , as well as, the 200 C temperature of the gases
entering the electrostatic precipitator, suggest a potential for poor
collection efficiency of the nonferrous metal dusts (98 percent recovery
claimed).
The fuel used in the Kawasaki process is heavy oil of unknown
sulfur and ash content. Because of the high temperatures in the kiln
and grate preheater, hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas from the fuel oil
burner and volatile matter in the coke are expected to be consumed.
Insufficient information was available to make environmental
assessments of coreduction operations. However, it was judged that
these coreduction operations have the potential for unacceptably high
nonferrous metal emissions. It is believed that this potential exists
because of (a) the extreme fineness of the non-ferrous fume, and (b) the necessity
to remove a small amount of fume from a very large volume of exhaust
gases. The stack gases from coreduction operations should be measured
to determine environmental acceptability for the United States.
The judgment on the environmental aspects of coreduction
operations holds for all coreduction operations in which lead, cadmium,
zinc, and alkalies are vaporized from the charge. Neither the method
of waste agglomeration nor the method of heating the agglomerates has
any bearing on this vaporization. The same vaporization would occur
in rotary hearth furnaces and in shaft furnaces, including smelting
of the agglomerates in cupolas.
601
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PROCESS RANKING AND CONCLUSIONS
The reclamation processes considered and appraised in this
study are ranked based on a criteria listing that includes:
• Waste-processing capability
9 Consideration of possible environmental problems
e Overall reclamation economics
• Energy considerations
Following the outline of this paper, processes are classified by the
type or types of waste that they can reclaim. The general ranking of
these processes in qualitative terms is given in Table 2.
Conclusions
(1) Within the reclamation processes that can only reclaim
oily mill scale, the emerging solvent-washing process may
have apparent advantages In terms of:
(a) Being able to process materials having a wider range
of oil-to-scale ratios
(b) Having a lower estimated processing cost primarily
because it recovers oil instead of requiring oil
or natural gas as fuel.
Because of the low boiling temperature of the solvent used
in the solvent-washing process for mill scale, it may be
necessary to include refrigerated condensers and traps
to hold solvent emissions to an acceptable level.
Given controlled operation of the afterburners in the
rotary kiln, mill scale deoiling method; there is
no concern about acceptable emission control or the
development of any new environmental problems.
(2) Based on the limited information that is available on the
Japanese physical classification process for blast furnace
sludge, this process appears to have the attributes of a
winning process in terms of:
602
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TABLE 2. GENERAL RANKING OF RECLAMATION PROCESSES FOR OILY MILL SCALE,
STEELMAKING DUSTS, BLAST FURNACE SLUDGE
Ranking Criteria
Was te-Procesaing
Capability
Process Type
Status
Mill Scale
Only
Rotary
Kiln
(Pyro)
Exist-
ing
Solvent
Hashing
Emerging
Steel making
Dusts Only
Greenballing
(Pyro)
Once Existing
Now in Abeyance
Blast Furnace
Sludge Only
Physical Separa-
tion
(Wet Classification)
Existing in Japan
All Wastes (Mill Scale,
Blast Furnace, and Steel-
making Dusts and Sludges
Pyro Metallurgical
Coreductlon
Existing in Japan.
May be eaerging in U
Environmental
ConsIdera tions
Economic
Considerations
(1)
(2)
O
CO
Moderate Low
Cost Cost
Energy Requirements
Moderate
(Fuel
Used)
Very Low
(Oil
Recovered)
101
Moderate
Low
E+l
Very Low Cost
Neglible
with cold bonding
agglomeration.
[0]
High Cost, Profitable
only by avoiding expensive
landfilling
High
(1) A [+] rating—From the Information available about the process and the technology available to control related
emissions, the process is judged favorable.
A [0] rating—Limited data on process and emission composition. It is judged that insufficient information Is
available to make environmental appraisals without further data.
(2) At a stated minimum cost of future landfilling of $100/tonne of waste, or more, all of the above processes
are profitable on an overall basis when expensive landfilling is avoided. The qualitative judgment listed
refers to processing costs.
-------
(a) Eliminating the need for landfilling
(b) Being a true reclamation process in the recovery of
iron and carbon units in one stream and concentrating
(for further treatment) the nonferrous contaminants
in the overflow stream
(c) Introducing no environmental problems
(d) Having a low processing cost and low energy requirement
(e) Being retrofittable to the dust and sludge processing
systems of existing blast furnaces.
(3) Unfortunately, there is no known emerging process(es)
geared to the simple reclamation of steelmaklng dusts.
The simple approach of recycling pelletized steelmaking
dusts to steelmaking furnaces (greenballing) apparently
requires further development because this method is
not being practiced at this time.
Research and Development is definitely needed for reclamation
methods that will suitably process only steelmaking dusts.
Particular emphasis should be given to electric-arc
furnace (EAF) steelmaking dusts—the one type of steelmaking
dust that is listed as being hazardous. While EAF dusts
are high in recoverable nonferrous resources, they unfortunately
are low in iron content and very high in near valueless and
relatively inert gangue content. With these characteristics,
these dusts do not necessarily represent good feed material
for any coreduction operation. The answer to the resource
recovery from EAF dust is expected to be some new in-plant
process that is economical on a small scale and is capable of
recovering zinc compounds and removing or rendering
harmless the hazardous nonferrous components. Favorable
to any processing cost will be the savings in avoiding both
landfilling and possible shipping costs. To the best
of our knowledge no reclamation process for steelmaking
dusts that is based on physical classification has been
successful. However, further research efforts in this
direction are suggested.
604
-------
(A) There are existing and emerging processes that can process
all of the iron-bearing wastes of interest to this study (mill
scale, some steelmaking dusts, and blast furnace dust and
sludges.)
All of these processes are pyrometallurgical coreduction
operations. The existing processes use rotary kilns
and the emerging processes are also considering shaft furnace
smelting in cupolas and shaft furnace solid-state reduction
(direct reduction). All of these pyrometallurgical processes
reclaim contaminated wastes by vaporizing some of the
contaminating nonferrous metals in wastes. Vaporization is
followed by burning the volatilized elements and then stripping the
finely divided fume (mainly oxides) from a large volume of exhaust
gas. Until stack sampling data become available, it is
necessary to be concerned about whether pyrometallurgical
coreduction processes can meet the present standards for
lead emissions and the future standards for cadmium emissions.
Coreduction processes might eliminate the potential of
a water pollution problem but could need further emission-control
developments to avoid an air pollution problem.
(5) It would appear that for future reclamation processes for
steel Industry, iron-bearing wastes; methods other than
pyrometallurgical reductions have greater appeal in terms
of lower processing costs, fewer (if any) environmental
problems, lower energy requirements, and possibly less
sensitivity to the economics of scale. With the advent
of low-cost, near-ambient temperature reclamation processes
for mill scale and blast furnace sludge, a simple reclamation
process for steelmaking dusts is becoming a definite need.
605
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REFERENCES
(1) Steel Tripartite Committee, "Report of the Working Group on
Technological Research and Development, September 1980.
(2) Baldwin, V. H., et al., "Environmental and Resource Conservation
Considerations of Steel Industry Solid Wastes" EPA-600/2-79-074,
April, 1979.
(3) Federal Register. Volume 45, No. 98, May 19, 1980.
(4) Balajee, S. R., "Deo11ing and Utilization of Mill Scale", First
Symposium on Iron and Steel Pollution Abatement Technology, 1979.
EPA-600/9-80-012.
(5) Olsen, J. U. and Wheeler, J. E., "Green Balling- The Recovery of
Iron Units in Waste Metallurgical Steelmaking Fume", Steelmaking
Proceedings, ISS-AIME, 1978.
(6) Toda, H.t et al., "Separation of Nonferrous Metals From Blast-
Furnace Flue Dust "by Hydroclone. Nippon Steel Technical Report
No. 13., June 1979.
(7) Holowaty, M. 0., "A Process for Recycling of Zinc-Bearing Steelmaking
Dusts", Regional Technical Meeting, American Iron and Steel
Institute, October 14, 1971.
(8) Harris, M. M., "The Use of Steel Mill Waste Solids in Iron and
Steelmaking", Technical Session of AISI, May, 1978.
(9) Lemmon, W. A., and Haliburton, D., "An Overview of Controls in Primary
Lead and Zinc". Proceedings of Symposium on the Control of Particulate
Emissions in Primary Nonferrous Metals Industries, Monterey, CA.
March 18-21, 1979, page 135.
606
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HANDLING AND DEOILING OF ROLLING MILL SCALE
AND SLUDGE—A PROFIT CENTER FROM A PROBLEM
L. A. Ouval
President, Colerapa Industries, Inc.
Ravenna, Ohio
"Hazardous Waste" is a classification which has recently been
expanded to include significantly more steel mill waste streams.
Oil laden rolling mill scale and sludge is one type of waste which
has been included in this now broader category. Management of these
oily wastes has always been a difficult problem for the steel indus-
try, but the EPA's new regulations make the problem even more com-
plex.
Disposal costs have been soaring and will continue to do so
as currently used sites are exhausted and more remote locations
must be secured. Future water quality standards will probably
result in a further increase in waste disposal costs.
The high iron content of oily wastes has long been recognized
as valuable, but increasingly stringent air quality regulations
have all but eliminated their reuse in sintering facilities.
Agglomeration techniques have also been generally unsuccessful
because of the oil content of these sludges. The many obstacles
to their reuse /combined with the costs and complexities of
disposal, create a complex problem for the steelmaker.
Colerapa Industries has developed a technique for dealing
with waste sludges which affords the steelmaker a most attractive
alternative to an otherwise bleak situation. The Colerapa system
starts with oily waste handling at the point of initial collection,
using proprietary equipment to hydraulically excavate and trans-
port these sludges. A process system is then utilized which
separates the iron units from the hydrocarbon contamination.
The complete process provides the steelmaker with five
specific benefits!
607
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l) Greatly improved solids collection efficiency.
2) Elimination of the problems normally associated with
sludge excavation and transportation*
3) Significant, and in some instances, total, waste volume
reduction.
4) Production of a high quality iron source, suitable for
use in any agglomeration operation.
5) Recovery of oil from the reclaimed mill scale for reuse
as fuel.
608
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INTRODUCTION
The subject of this paper is the patented Duval-Pritchard
handling and processing technology as it relates to the recovery
of iron values produced during Rolling operations at Steel Mills.
The description given in this paper is of a Tuo Ton Per Hour
Pilot Plant Facility used to develop the necessary design criteria
for full scale operating plants to recover the iron values. These
values vary in size and are mixed uith oil and uater. The mate-
rial recovered is in the form of clean, dry iron oxide suitable
for recycling back to an agglomeration operation and oil suitable
for use as a fuel.
609
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HANDLING AND DEOILING OF ROLLING HILL SCALE AND SLUDGE
All steel mills put steel slabs through a hot form rolling
process. On a daily basis, valuable iron units are lost in every
facility in the world.
THE PROBLEM
Throughout the hot strip rolling process, the slab, sheet,
bloom, billet, or bar is being oxidized, cooled and uashed uith
a high pressure uater spray* Uhen the hot steel is exposed to
oxygen in the air, as uell as the wash uater, a layer of iron
oxide is formed on the surface of the steel being rolled. This
layer of oxides is called "mill scale" or simply, "scale".
As steel is rolled, this layer of scale is broken away and
replaced by a neu layer. Generation of this new scale occurs
each and every time the size or shape of hot steel is changed.
As scale breaks auay from the steel, it falls through the
roll tables into a flume, or seuer, through uhich high velocity
uater is flouing. In addition to the scale and uater, a large
amount of lubrication greases and oils from the rolling machinery,
along uith other mill debris, find their way into the flume. The
larger scale pieces become coated uith oil while finer particles,
uater, grease and oil combine to form a sludge.
These combined materials pose a serious uater pollution
problem if they are discharged into a uateruay. In order to con-
trol this pollution, settling pits and basins are used to collect
these sludges and prepare the uater for reuse or discharge* Much
has been done during recent years in the design and construction
of these collection facilities to increase collection efficiency.
In addition, terminal treatment facilities have been constructed
and installed in an effort to upgrade the quality of uater at the
discharge from collection pits.
These terminal facilities include lagoons, and filtration
units. Houever, as uith any collection facility, efficiency remains
high only as long as the system is relieved of uhat it collects.
Once collected, the sludge presents a double problem; hou to relieve
the collection facility, and uhat to do uith the removed material.
610
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EARLIER PRACTICE
Traditionally* scale drags, ejectors, and mobile cranes
equipped uith clamshell buckets have been used to remove materials
from the collection facility. Uhen these practices are used, the
larger solids are removed and trucked to the mill for reuse in the
iron-making operation. The smaller and more concentrated particles
(uhich are more difficult to handle), found in the terminal lagoon
and filter backuash, are disposed of by dumping in land fills.
The required installation of air pollution control systems
at agglomerating facilities in the iron-making operation, has
posed neu problems involving the hydrocarbon or oil carryover.
Thus, more of the total scale is unacceptable for reuse.
The basic concept used in the design of settling pits and
basins is to create a quiescent body of uater that slows the
highly turbulent seuer flou, allouing the waterborne solids to
settle, uhile permitting the lighter oil in the uater to rise to
the surface. Problems have arisen in the use of the traditional
systems in that the quiescent conditions are disturbed during.
the excavation of the scale and sludge. The conventional approach
to managing these sludges, then, is not a satisfactory solution
to the problem.
HYDRAULIC EXCAVATION OF THE MILL SCALE
The development of Hydraulic Excavation Technology involved
engineering equipment specifically designed for the variety of
sizes and shapes of scale pits. The Hydraulic Excavator provides
the quiescent conditions in the scale pit so necessary to promote
the settling of solids as uell as enabling oil to rise to the
uater surface for^skimming. The louer turbulence resulting from
hydraulic excavation increases the efficiency of the scale pit and
reduces the load on the terminal uater treatment facility. The
result of this technology is reduced capital expenditure in scale
pits and/or filters at the terminal treatment facility. The
excavated material, uhich contains louer amounts of oil due to
the reduced contact between the oil and the particles, is separated
at the pit site* by use of hydroclones and classifiers, uhile the
uater used in transportation of the solids is returned to the
influent end of the scale pit.
DEOILING THE MILL SCALE
Development of this process of deoiling mill scale started
years before the present emphasis on air emission and hazardous
uaste management began. It uas evident that materials handled
hydraulically uere more free of oil than those handled uith
clamshells and drags. A uater uashing method uas developed uhich
extended the period that the mill scale uas exposed to uater. This
resulted in the continued attrition of the oil from the particle and
611
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FIGURE 1
BLOCK DIAGRAM - MILL SCALE DEOILING PROCESS
OILY HOPPER EXPOSURE P-l MIXING P-2 VIBRATING MIXING P-3 VIBRATING VIBRATING DRYER SCREEN
SOLIDS TANK TANK SCREEN TANK SCREEN SCREEN CONVEYOR
OR OR SC-1
HYDROCONE HYDROCONE
^_y — ^|^ H-I —^ ET-I ^57~^ MT~1 i»3 f~"^ s-1 ~~^ MT~2
! i
I
EXPENDED ""'•
SOLVENT T-
T SOLVENT RETURN! 1 1
1 SOLVENT
_. FTNK SKTTTiTNG
TANK
i
TANK
.— -j j- _^ _^.
— T3£ * 2 ° 3 1 b 1 AAAA|
:| < ^OILS 5 1
SOLVENT RETURN 1 1 SOLVENT •
OIL FREE
1 SOLIDS
SOLVENT T-2 ^ - C-l
qTnw»nR CONDENSER
TANK , i
T
OIL TO
STORAGE
-------
the production of a solid product with substantially lower oil
content. Oils removed by this water wash process contain sub-
stantial amounts of water and very fine particles and have
limited use without additional treatment.
Further improvements were made to the system through the use
of detergents and alkaline solvent solutions; however, great care
in reclamation of the water was required not only from the stand-
point of the cost of these additives but also because of the
carryover effects on the mill water.
The ultimate improvement was the development of the Duval-
Pritchard process to convert hazardous hydrocarbon laden steel
mill wastes to oil for use as a fuel or to be recycled, and to
high grade iron concentrates for reuse in steelmaking.
The system is able to treat materials that are:
a) stockpiled
b) sludge-like and higher in oil and water contents
c) smaller sized
DESCRIPTION OF OUVAL-PRITCHARD SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM
This slide shows a process schematic of the pilot plant.
The plant contains all planned recycle streams and will produce
a totally deoiled mill scale product, plus a recovered oil product.
Solvent recovery facilities are also included in the pilot plant
design*
The mill scale is deoiled in two mixing stages of solvent
washing, with a counter-current solvent flow. The two stages of
solvent washing are followed by a solvent rinse to insure total
deoiling. Spent solvent is evaporated and recovered for reuse in
the process.
The mill scale is first fed into a hopper (H-l) with a front-
end loader. The scale is transferred to an exposure tank via a
screw conveyor* In the exposure tank the mill scale is slurried
with spent solvent and pumped to the first stage mixing tank (PIT-l),
This mixing tank is an agitated vessel which provides total wetting
of the mill scale with the solvent/oil solution. The mill scale
slurry is then transferred from this first stage mixing tank to a
second stage mixing tank through a transfer pump (P-2)*
In order to achieve a good counter-current washing effect,
the solids must be de-wetted between the first and second mixing
stages. This is achieved in a hydroclone (S-l), i-n which the
solids are de-wetted and sent to the second stage mixing tank. The
liquids are then returned to the first stage mixing tank along with
tho overflow from tho second otage mixing tank.
613
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The second stage mixing tank (MT—2) is also agitated to pro-
vide complete wetting of the mill scale with a lean solvent solu-
tion. After mixing, the slurry is transferred to another hydro-
clone (S-2) uhich de-uets the solids* The solids then receive a
final rinse on a vibrating screen (S-3). The liquids from S-2
flow back to the second stage mixing tank along uith the tinge
liquids from S-3.
The deoiled solids, uith some entrained fresh solvent, are
transferred from the rinse screen to a dryer (D-l) uhich has a
steam jacket and steam heated screw. In this dryer, the solvent
is vaporized and removed from the mill scale, leaving a dry,
uarm scale uhich is transferred to a product pile through a screu
conveyor (SC-1), Vapors from the dryer are sent to a water-
cooled condenser, uhere the solvent is re-liquefied. The liquid
solvent then flous to the fresh solvent storage tank (T-2).
The oil rich solvent from the first stage mixing tank flous
to the spent solvent fine settler tank (T-l). In this tank the
fines settle to the bottom and the uater contained in the mill
scale floats to the top. The uater is removed through a side-
mounted drain and the fines are recycled to the process* The
spent solvent is transferred to a spent solvent storage tank
(T-3). The spent solvent storage tank adds surge capacity to the
system and also gives one final stage for uater separation from
the solvent.
The spent solvent is recovered as follous: It is sent, on
a batch basis, to an evaporator (0-1) uhich is steam jacketed;
steam is supplied to the evaporator uhich boils off the solvent,
leaving oil in the liquid phase: solvent vapors are condensed in
the uater cooled condenser (C-1J and sent to the fresh solvent
storage tank. The oil is pumped to oil storage.
Each storage tank is sealed in order to minimize evaporation
losses of the solvent. A package boiler system provides steam
for the dryer and the evaporator.
The following is an example of the process energy balance
based upon a typical analysis of materials recovered from the
rolling mill uaste uater of steel mills. Iron oxides from 3/8"
size to +400 mesh are typically found in such material.
The range of analysis for the three major components of the
material is as fallows:
Content bv weight in %
Oil and grease .5$ -
Iron oxide particulates 45/6 -
Uater 4?5 - 30?£
614
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A weighted industry average analysis is as follous:
Oil and grease
Iron oxide particulates 74/6
Water
If this material is to be used in a Sinter Plant briquetter
or pelletizer for agglomeration, the ideal specifications
uould be:
Oil and grease Q%
Iron oxide particulates 1QO%
Uater
Note: The iron oxides in these uastes have a total Fe value
of 72.4I&, and an oxygen value of 27.1
A typical analysis of iron ore concentrates as mined and
processed by the principle iron ore producers in 62% Fe uith 7%
Si02» 2Q% 02, and 3$ other ingredients, including uater..
The Ouval-Pritchard process makes possible the recovery of
the oil and grease, and the elimination of uater from these
hazardous uastes. The solids are, therefore, an ideal source of
iron units.
The follouing is a calculation of the results of processing
the industry average sample of material.
RAU FEED
Oil and grease 12% » 240#/Ton
Iron oxide particulates 74$ * 1480#/Ton
Uater 14J6 - 280#/Ton
TOTAL 2000#/Ton
ENERGY INPUTS
Electrical energy in BTU's =
3.3 KU/Ton X 3413 BTU/KU » 11,300 BTU/Ton
Heat Required
a) Distillation of expended
liquid solvents = 105,000 BTU
b) Evaporation in dryer
Cycle - 45.000 BTU
Total Heat 150.000 BTU
TOTAL ENERGY INPUT 161,300 BTU/Ton
615
-------
ENERGY CONSERVED
Oil recovered
240# a 18,500 BTU/# « 4,440,000 BTU/Ton
LJater displaced (not evaporated)
280# ® 1,000 BTU/# = 280.000
Total Energy Conserved 4,720,000 BTU/Ton
NET ENERGY PICK-UP
Total Direct Energy Conserved 4,720,000 BTU/Ton
Less Process Energy Required - 161.300
Net Direct Energy Pick-up 4,558,700 BTU/Ton
Additional energy savings augment the benefits of this process
are as follous:
1. Si02 content of ore concentrates must be eliminated in
the Blast Furnace Slag, which requires heat. The process
produces concentrates uith no Si02 content.
2« Ulatar content in the use of conventional ore results in
a sensible heat loss. No uater is contained in tha
finished product.
3. The elimination of other contaminants found in conven-
tionally processed ore uses energy. This extra energy
is not needed in the process, as there are no other
contaminants present.
4. The use of the iron concentrate from the system reduces
the amount of ore that must be mined.
5. The energy required to transport mined ore is lessened
as thajt ore requirement is reduced.
6. Energy is also conserved in the reduced handling- and
managing of dumps to uhich these uastes are now being
committed*
ECONOMICS OF THE PROCESS
Direct values derived from each ton of rau material (oily
solids) fed to the process. Contents: 88% solids,, 12% oil.
Market Values Solids $ 27/Ton
Oil S.SO/gallon
616
-------
Values from Solids
$27 x 88# = $23.76
Values from Oil
.12 x 20DO#/Ton
6.5#/Gallon x
Estimated Disposal Cost/Ton
Total Values/Ton
Less Estimated Process Costs/Ton
Net Direct Benefits of the Process
The addition of the dollar savings of using the waste instead
of disposing of it is a direct benefit of the process* Since the
disposal costs vary uith each location, the total benefits will be
reflected by the difference in the actual disposal cost at the
specific location*
617
-------
CONCLUSION
This paper concerns a process for steel mill use to recover
the oil and mill scale from environmentally hazardous material
produced in rolling mill operations.
The system has no negative environmental impact*
The value of the process is directly proportional to the
magnitude of the problem. A large quantity of oily waste can be
converted from a costly hazard to a valuable material if the
system is utilized* The use of hazardous uaste to make valuable
resources is a conversion of a negative to a positive factor in
all rolling mill operations • • • • a problem to a profit.
618
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SYMPOSIUM SUMMARY: Closing Remarks
Robert V. Hendriks
Symposium General Chairman
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC
619
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Closing Remarks
Robert V. Hendriks
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC
During the past few days we have discussed a wide range of environmental
topics relating to the iron and steel industry. We have heard discussions
of advances in technology that have been made, of problems that are re-
maining, and of new problems emerging.
In his keynote address, EPA Assistant Administrator, Bill Drayton gave us
a brief inside look at the way regulations are developed and described some
of the Agency's efforts to develop regulations that will ensure adequate
environmental protection at the lowest possible cost. Flexibility in re-
gulations provides a positive incentive for developing better pollution
control equipment and techniques.
The opening session also gave us some insight into an area given little
attention during last year's symposium - innovative technology. Mr.
Hollowaty of Inland Steel described the environmental aspects of a
continuous coking process and Mr. Hirschhorn gave results of an Office of
technology Assessment study describing potential new steelmaking tech-
nology (particularly, direct reduction), indicating important environ-
mental considerations.
In the Air Session, we saw an emphasis on fugitive emissions, a relatively
unknown area only a few years ago. Several years from now, we will likely
have papers in areas where there is little work today, such as control of
volatile organics and development of methods to improve the reliability of
control equipment.
In the Water Session, emphasis was on the major water source - coke plants.
We had papers on theory, design, and operation of biological treatment
plants for cokemaking wastewaters. The most fruitful research area for the
future appears to be in recycle and reuse of the large quantities of water
used in the steelmaking process.
The Solid Waste Session was the briefest of all, although certainly no less
important. As the air and water problems get solved and as RCRA is
implemented, a greater emphasis will be put on disposing and using the
materials removed from the waste streams.
621
-------
I am particularly gratified at the significant attendance at the sym-
posium, despite the current poor economic climate, and the lively
discussion that has taken place. This is a strong indication of the
interest of all of us in improving environmental control in the steel
industry. The significant progress within the last year in controlling
pollution problems is also an indication of the rewards possible through
cooperative discussions, planning, and research to improve environmental
control in the steel industry. Only in this cooperative spirit will it be
possible to develop the technology required to meet the industry's
environmental control needs in a cost effective manner.
622
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APPENDIX
Attendees
623
-------
cn
Ackermann
Adams
Alpago
Alton
Aiinantraju
Arent
Armbrust
Arnold
Arora
Ayer
Bartchy
Basinski
Beaton
Bechard
Bertick
Bernhardt
Bessent
Bhattacharyya
Bhattacharyya
Bidez
Billmyre
Blair
Brady
Brooknan
Bucchianeri
Buchko
Burcaw
Burns
Butler, Jr.
Carpenter
Centi
Chadick
Chung
Clark
Cline, Jr.
Clouse
Cochran
Cooper
Cowherd, Jr.
Coy
Craig
Craig
Crawford
Dacey
DeMa rco
Deshpande
Diaz
Dickerson
Drapalik
Draper
Draper
Dray ton, Jr.
Durrant
Kurt
Dick
Robert
Donald
Gopal
David
Robert
David
Ronesh
Franklin
Rod
Ralph
Sandra
Georges
Robert
Donald
Robert
Aniruddha
S.
W.
Richard
Thomas
Dennis
Edward
Bernard
Nicholas
Kenneth
Robert
Janes
John
T.
Bill
Neville
Robert
Raymond
Robert
Lynn
Leah
Chatten
David
Fraser
Richard
David
John
Paul
A run
Arturo
Janes
Glenn
Glenn
Roy
Williaa
John
J.
T.
E.
K.
V.
A.
A.
R.
C.
J.
A.
E.
R.
J.
T.
A.
S.
A.
J.
A.
J.
K.
J.
A.
A.
W.
L.
A.
A.
W.
Rn
H.
H.
3426 East 89th Street, South Works
101 Herritt 7, Air Correction Div.
Bethlehem Plant
35 East Wacker Drive
11499 Chester Road
6th & Walnut Streets
600 Delaware Ave.
6th and Walnut Streets
10 Chatham Road
P. 0. Box 12194
115 Gibraltar Road
900 Agnew Road
213 Burlington Road
1746 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W.
550 Pinetovn Road
3839 W. Burnhan Street
12161 Lackland Road
Box A South Park Station
10 West 35th Street
31 Inverness Center Parkway
515> S. Harmon Street
P. 0. Box 9948
S-3556 Lake Shore Road
125 Silas Deane Highway
Clairton Works, Chesical Operations
200 Neville Road
Homer Research Laboratories
4 Research Place
900 Agnew Road
S. 3556 Lake Shore Road
1910 Cochran Road, C. W. Rice Div.
P. O. Box 96120, Industrial Road
50 Staniford Street
152 Floral Avenue
Wrstoo Way
Butler Works
Highway 259 South
Highway 259 South
425 Volker Blvd.
P. O. Box 12194
Queen Street West
2AIR-AF, 26 Federal Plaza
Allegheny County Airport
1010 Jorie Boulevard
3197 Independence Avenue
WO Bay Street, Air Resources Branch
P. 0. Box 46-A, Lazaro Cardenas
Gary Works, M.S.#188, P. 0. Box 59
One Brown & Root Center
1201 Elm Street, 6 AEAE
1105 North Point Blvd.
401 « Street, S. W., PH-208
One Plymouth Meeting Mall
Chicago IL 60617
Norwalk CT 06856
Bethlehem PA 18016
Chicago IL 60601
Cincinnati OH 45246
Philadelphia PA 19106
Buffalo NY 14202
Philadelphia PA 19106
Summit NJ 07901
Research Triangle Park NC 27709
Horsham PA 19044
Pittsburgh PA 15227
Bedford MA 01730
Washington DC 20036
Fort Washington PA 19034
Milwaukee WI 53215
St. Louis HO 63141
Buffalo NY 14220
Chicago IL 60616
Birmingham AL 35243
Indianapolis IN 46225
Austin TX 78766
Buffalo WY 14219
Wethersfield CT 06109
Clairton PA 15025
Pittsburgh PA 15225
Bethlehem PA 18016
Rockville MD 20850
Pittsburgh PA 15102
Buffalo NY 14219
Pittsburgh PA 15220
Houston TX 77013
Boston MA 02114
Hurray Hill NJ 07974
West Chester PA 19380
Butler PA 16001
Lone Star TX 75668
Lone Star TX 75668
Kansas City MO 64110
Research Triangle Park NC 27709
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. CANADA P6A 5P2
New York NY 10278
West Mifflin PA 15122
Oak Brook IL 60521
Cleveland Oil 44105
Toronto, Ontario CANADA H5S IZB
Michoacan MEXICO
Gary TN 46401
Lombard IL 60148
Dallas TX 75201
Baltimore MD 21224
Washington DC 20460
Plymouth Mooting PA 19462
U.S. Steel Corp.
HOP, Inc.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Kaiser Engineers, Inc.
PEDCo Environmental
U.S. EPA, Region III
NY State Dept. of Envir. Conservation
U.S. EPA, Region III
MikroPul Corporation
Research Triangle Institute
ID Conversion Systems, Fnc.
Jones & T.aughlin Stefl Corp.
GCA Corporation
Canadian Embassy
JACA Corp.
Babcock. & Wilcox Co.
Envirodyne Engineers, Inc.
Donner-Hanna Coke Joint Venture
IIT Research Institute
Combustion Engineering
Crown Environmental Control Sys., Inc.
Radian Corporation
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
TRC-Environmental Consultants, Inc:
U.S. Steel Corp.
Shenango Incorporated
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
NUS Corporation
Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
NUS Corporation
Armco Inc.
Metcalf & Eddy, Inc.
Wilputte Corporation
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
Armco Inc.
Lone Star Steel Co.
Lone Star Kteel Do.
Midwest Research Institute
Research TriaugJc Institute
Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd.
U.S. EPA, Region I]
Energy Technology Consultants, Inc.
Aquatechnics, Inc.
Republic Steel Corp.
Ministry of the Environment
Siderurgica Las Truchafs
U.S. Steel Corp.
Brown & Root, Inc.
U.S. EPA, Region VI
PORI International, Inc.
U.S. EPA
Bfitz-Converse-Hurdock Inc.
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en
Duval L. A. 4017 Nanway Boulevard
Eckstein G. E, 119 Walnut Street
Edwards Moyer B. f. O. Box 10246
Ehlert Nick 140 Centennial Parkway North
Elfstrom Robert 550 Pinetown Road
Ellis Russell G. 6200 Oak Tree Blvd.
Ertel Gerald P. 0. Box 460
Evans Richard R. 77 Havemeyer Lane
Finnerty Edward J. 275 Broad Hollow Road
Fitzpatrick Marjorie 550 Pinetown Road
Francis Steve 1801 Crawford Street
Fredrickson H. E. One Penn Plaza
Gogola Gordon 3 Blue Ball Road, P. 0. Box 1100
Goldman Leonard J. P. 0. Box 12194
Goldman Stuart A. 716 Oxford Valley Road
Goonan Thomas G. One Penn Plaza
Gorman Edmund J. 401 M Street, S. W., EN-341
Green Lois 215 Fremont Street, Enforcement Div.
Greenfield Murray Box 460, 1330 Burlington St., E.
Griscom Robert W. 7777 Bonhomne Ave., Suite 1008
Gronberg Stephen 213 Burlington Road, Tech. Div.
Gula Robert 10 Chatham Road
Guseman J. R. 6OO Grant Street, Room 1181
Hagarmaa James A. 1020 Worth Seventh Street
Haines, Jr. George F. Homer Research Laboratories
Hall John D. 3 Springs Drive
Hamme Sawny 422 River Road
Mansen John Queen Street
Hansen Penelope 401 M Street, S.W.
Hanson Dennis R. North Point Boulevard
Harrington James T. 55 Hect Monroe
Harvey Robert M. Bethlehem Plant Office, Rm. 684
Haskill Jin M. Water Pollution Control Dept.
Hawthorne J. 0. 125 Jamison Lane, MS-57
Heijuegcn C. P.
Kendriks Robert V. HD-62, IERL
Hirschhorn Joel S. Office of Technology Assessment
Hoffman Albert 0. 505 King Avenue
Hoffman T. W. One NCNB Plaza
Hoffman, Jr. Charles F. Research Laboratory
Nofstein Harold 1250 Broadway, 33rd Floor
Holmes Donald L. 8252 Martin Tower
Holowaty Michael 0. 30OI East Columbus Drive
Hudiburgh, Jr. Gary H. 401 M Street, S. V. (EN336)
Hutten-Czapski Leon C. P. 1000, Usine de Contrecoeur
James Deborah A. Homer Research Laboratories
Jasinski Michael 213 Burlington Road
Jeffrey John D. 213 Burlington Road, Tech. Oiv.
Josis Ch. R. Rue Ernest Solvey, 11
KammenMyer R. p. 0. Box 460
Kirsbner Marvin 2400 Ardmore Boulevard
Kluth Harry W. North Point Boulevard
Koralek Craig 1725 I Street, N. W.
Ravenna OH 44266
Johnstown FA 15907
Birmingham At 35202
Stoney Creek, Ontario CANADA L8E 3H2
Fort Washington PA 19034
Cleveland OH 44131
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA N1R 6Vft
Stamford CT 06904
Melville NY 11747
Fort Washington PA 19034
Middletown OH 4S043
New York NY 10119
Elkton HD 21921
Research Triangle Park NC 27709
Yardley PA 19067
New York NY 100!9
Washington DC 22202
San Francisco CA 94105
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3J5
St. Louis MO 63105
Bedford MA 01730
Summit NJ 07901
Pittsburgh PA 15230
Liverpool NY 13088
Bethlehem PA 18016
Weirton WV 26062
Conshohocken PA 19428
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. CANADA P6A 5P2
Washington DC 20460
Sparrows Point MD 21219
Chicago IL 60603
Bethlehem PA 18016
Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K1A 1C8
ftonroeville PA 15146
Ymuiden HOLLAND
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Washington DC 20510
Columbus OH 43201
Charlotte NC 28280
Monroeville PA 15146
New York NY 10022
Bethlehem PA 18016
East Chicago IK 46312
Washington DC 20460
Contrecoeur, Quebec CANADA JOL ICO
Bethlehem PA 18016
Bedford MA 01730
Bedford HA 01730
4000 Liege, Bruxelles BELGIUM
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3J5
Pittsburgh PA 15221
Sparrows Point HD 21219
Washington DC 20076
Colerapa Industries, Inc.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Alabama By-Products Corp,
Environment Ontario
JACA Corp.
Davy-McKee
DOFASCO
Dorr Oliver Inc.
United States Filter Corporation
JACA Corp.
Arroco Inc.
Envirotech Corporation
W, L. Gore & Associates
Research Triangle Institute
Stanford Associates
Envirotech Corporation
U.S. EPA
U.S. EPA, Region IX
DOFASCO
National Engineers and Associates
GCA Corporation
MikroPul Corporation
U.S. Steel Corp.
Calocerinas S Spina
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
National Steel Corporation
Keystone Coke Co.
Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd.
U.S. EPA
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Rooks, Pitts, Fullagar & Poust
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Environment Canada
U.S. Steel Corp.
Estel Hoogovens bv
U.S. EPA
U.S. Congress
Batletlp-Co)iimbus Laboratories
Midrex Corporation
U.S. Steel Corp.
Hydrotechnic Corp.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Inland Steel Company
U.S. F.PA
SIDBEC-DOSCO
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
GCA Corporation
GCA Corporation
Centre De Reoherches Metallurgiques
DOFASCO
Energy Impact Associates, Inc.
Bethlehem Step) Corporation
Natural Resonrrrs Defense Council
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ro
Kovacs
Kozy
Krocta
Krzymowski
Kueser
Kulberg
Kunskman
Lachajczyk
Lafreniere
Lander
Lefelhocz
Lester
Lindsay
Linsky
Littlewood
LoBue
Lower
Luton
Hahar
Hal in
Mancke
Manda
Marteney
Maslany
Mazumdar
McCrillis
Medwid
Melcer
Metzger
Micheletti
Middleton
Miller
Miller
Moore
Moores
Morganti
Moss
Mount
Mueller
Mura
Murphy
Myers
Neufeld
Nicola
Nuuno
Oda
Olthof
Osantowski
Ottesen
Parikh
Parker
Patarlis
Patton
Ernest
Michael
Harry
Cezary
Paul
Harold
Peter
Thoaias
A.
Cecil
John
Gary
Michael
Benjamin
Roy
Joseph
George
John
Kevin
Morris
Edgar
John
R.
Thomas
S.
Robert
Crady
Henryk
Daniel
Wayne
Andrew
A. Leslie
Bruce
Ben
.Charles
Ed
Mitch
David
Patrick
William
Samuel
Dennis
Ronald
Arthur
Thomas
Terry
Meint
Richard
John
Dilip
Richard
Thomas
James
J.
A.
J.
F.
F.
W.
W.
S.
B.
G.
E.
J.
C.
J.
J.
C.
C.
W.
R.
G.
H.
D.
G.
A.
A.
D.
D.
1105 North Point Blvd.
1406 Chamber of Commerce
147 E. 2nd Street
1701 First Avenue, D. A. P. C.
Box 1899
6200 Oak Tree Blvd.
Queen Street West
12161 Lackland Road
Wilcox Street
32nd Street & A.V.RR
6801 Brecksville Road
550 Pinetown Road
Tour Echelon Plara
608 Arlington
100 King St., W., Stelco Tower
10 Chatham Road
Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering
P. 0. Box 96120, Industrial Road
Box A South Park Station
P. 0. Box 2063, Fulton Building
P. 0. Box 547
20th & State Streets
6th and Walnut Streets, Curtis Bldg.
10 Chatham Road
IERL, MD-62
913 Bowman Street (P. 0. Box 247)
Box 5050, Wastewater Tech. Centre
7777 Bonhomie Ave., Suite 1008
8501 Mo-Pac Blvd.
440 College Park Dr.
Koppers Building
345 Courtland Street, M. E.
345 Courtland Street, N. E.
One Broadway
P. 0. Box 460
442 River Road
100 King Street, W.
1129 Be11wood Ave.
4400 Fifth Avenue
U.S. 127 By-Pass South
100 S. Main, APCD
Dept. C. E. , 939 BKII
32nd Street
213 Burlington Roaii
6th and Walnut Streets, Curtis Bldg.
3185 Babcock Boulevard
5103 West Bcloit Ro,,d
f. C. 416, S. Bedford St r»-et
10 Chatham Road
i90i Morena Boulevard, Suite 402
4400 Fifth Avenue
10 Chatham Road
Baltimore MD 21224
Pittsburgh PA 15219
Mineola NY 11501
Maywood IL 60153
Pittsburgh PA 15230
Cleveland OH 44131
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. CANADA P6A 5P2
St. Louis MO 63141
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3T1
Pittsburgh PA 15201
Independence OH 44131
Fort Washington PA 19034
Vobrhees NJ 08043
Morgantown WV 20505
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3T1
Summit NJ 07901
Houghton MI 49931
Houston TX 77013
Buffalo KY 14220
Harrisburg PA 17120
Portland PA 18351
Granite City IL 62040
Fairless Hills PA 19030
Philadelphia PA 19106
Summit NJ 07901
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Mansfield OH 44901
Burlington, Ontario CANADA L7R 4A6
St. Louis MO 63105
Austin TX 78758
Monroeville PA 15146
Pittsburgh PA 15219
Atlanta GA 30067
Atlanta GA 30067
Cambridge MA 02142
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3J5
Conshohocken PA 19428
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3T1
Be11wood IL 60104
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Frankfort KY 40601
Pueblo CO 81003
Pittsburgh I'A 15261
Pittsburgh I'A 15201
Bedford MA 01730
Philadelphia PA 19106
Pittsburgh PA 15237
Milwaukee WI 53214
Burlington MA 01803
Summit NJ 07901
San Diego CA 92117
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Summit NJ 07901
PORI International, Inc.
Koppers Co., Inc.
The Ducon Co., Inc.
Illinois EPA
Energy Impact Associates, Inc.
Davy-McKee
Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd.
Envirodyne Engineers, Inc.
Stelco Inc.
Pennsylvania Engineering Corp.
Republic Steel Corp.
JACA Corp.
United Engineers & Constructors
A Different Air-Skyline
Stelco Inc.
MikroPul Corporation
Michigan Technological University
Arraco Inc.
Donner-Hanna Coke Joint Venture
Dept. of Environmental Resources
Edgar B. Mancke Associates, Inc.
Granite City Steel
U.S. Steel Corp.
U.S. EPA, Region III
MikroPul Corporation
U.S. EPA
Empire-Detroit Steel Division
Environment Canada
National Engineers and Associates
Radian Corporation
Koppers Co., Inc.
Koppers Co., Inc.
U.S. EPA, Region IV
U.S. EPA, Region IV
Badger America, Inc.
DOFASCO
Keystone Coke Co.
Stelco Inc.
Faville-LeVally Corp.
Mellon Institute
Natural Resources & Env. Protection
Colorado Dept. of Health
University of Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Engineering Corporation
GCA Corporation
U.S. EPA, Region III
Duncan, Lagnese nnd Associates, Inc.
Roxnord Corporation
(on Physics Company
MikroPul Corporation
Air Pollution Technology, Int.
Mellon Institute
MikroPul Corporation
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CO
Penrose, Jr.
Peterson
Pike
Piper
Plaks
Plenderleith
Polglase
Porter
Pretti
Price
Puchalski
Radigan
Reggi
Rice
Ridolfi
Riley
Ruppersberger
Saldanha
Schwartz
Shackleton
Shah
Sharpe
Shaughaessy
Shibata
Shi land
Shilton
Shoup
Simons
Sipe
Sokolowski
Soo
Spawn
St. Pierre
Stagias
Stebbins
Steiner
Steiner
Sterner
Stewart
Stouch
Sylvester
Symons
Szuhay
Telford
Thomas
Tonelli
Trembly
Tucker
Tucker, Jr.
Twork
Uffner
Vachon
Vajda
R.
Joseph
Daniel
Steve
Norman
Janes
William
Christopher
11.
William
Walter
Patrick
John
Michael
Janes
William
John
Geoff
Stephen
Michael
Raj
Susan
Jack
Hiroshi
Thomas
David
Stefan
Larry
Janes
Hank
S.
Peter
George
Nicholas
Lloyd
Bruce
Jim
Charles
A.
Janes
Hark
Carl
Laurence
Anton
Jean
F.
Martin
A.
William
John
Julia
Derek
Stephen
G.
C.
E,
L.
H.
G.
D.
J.
P.
J.
S.
n.
A.
W.
P.
P.
L.
D.
R.
J.
n.
A.
j.
D.
C.
8.
A.
N.
G.
C.
L.
B.
V.
900 Agnew Road
515 S. Harmon Street
145 Cedar Lane
213 Burlington Road
IERL, WD-62
P. 0. Box 460
MD-15
Room 2112, FOB, 3001 Miller Road
65 East Elizabeth Avenue
3100 E, 45th Street
4636 Somerton Road
20th & State Street
1911 Warwood Avenue
Hewer Research Laboratory
1875 New Hope Street
Martin Tower
IERL, MD-62
100 King Street, West
1000 16th Street, N.W.
485 Clyde Ave., Energy & Env. Div.
425 Volker Blvd.
IERL, MD-62
10 Chatham Road
345 Park Avenue
6th and Walnut Streets
P. 0. Box 316
3210 Watling Street, 2-110
P. O. Box 1899
Chemicals and Pigments Building
6th and Walnut Streets
144 Mechanical Engineering Bldg.
213 Burlington Road, Technology Div.
2041 N. College Road
154 Floral Avenue
P. 0. Box 8000, Four Echelon Plaza
P. 0. Box 600
485 Clyde Avenue
1465 Martin Tower
503 Queen Street East
570 Realty Road
201 West Preston Street
Homer Research Laboratories
P. 0. Box 6778
2200 Churchill Road
SoMcrton Road
Stelco Tower Phase 2
25089 Center Ridge Road
3001 Dickey Road
P. 0. Box 6778, Republic Bldg.
Hewer Research Lab., Bldg. A/0326
550 Pi netown Road
867 Lakeshore Road, Box 5050
900 Agnew Road
Pittsburgh PA 15230
Indianapolis IN 46225
Englewood NJ 07631
Bedford MA 01730
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA MR 6V8
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Dearborn HI 48121
Bethlehen PA 18018
Cleveland OH 44127
Trevose PA 19047
Granite City It 62040
Wheeling WV 26003
Bethlehem PA 18016
Norristowa PA 19401
Bethlehem PA 18017
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3T1
Washington DC 20036
Mountain View CA 94042
Kansas City MO 64110
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Summit NJ 07901
New York NY 10154
Philadelphia PA 19106
Pueblo CO 81002
East Chicago IN 46323
Pittsburgh PA 15230
Wilmington DE 19898
Philadelphia PA 19106
Urbana IL 61801
Bedford MA 01730
Columbus OH 43210
Murray Hill NJ 07974
Voorhees NJ 08043
Hiddletown OH 45043
Mountain View CA 94042
Bethlehem PA 18016
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. CANADA P6A 5P2
Monroeville PA 15146
Baltimore MD 21231
Bethlehem PA 18016
Cleveland OH 44101
Springfield IL 62704
Trevose PA 19047
Hamilton, Ontario CANADA L8N 3T1
Westlake OH 44145
East Chicago IN 46312
Cleveland OH 44101
Bethlehem PA 18016
Fort Washington PA 19034
Burlington, Ontario CANADA 1.7R 4A6
PittsliuiRh I'A 15227
Jones & Langhlin Steel Corp.
Crown Environmental Control Sys., Inc.
Neptune Air Pol, Inc.
GCA Corporation
U.S. EPA
DOFASCO
U.S. EPA
Ford Motor Company, Steel Division
Wheelabrator-Frye, Inc.
Republic Steel Corp.
Betz Laboratories. Inc.
Granite City Steel
WV Air Pollution Control Commission
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
PA Dept. of Environmental Resources
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
U.S. EPA
Stelco Inc.
American Iron fi Steel Institute
Acurex Corporation
Midwest Research Institute
U.S. EPA
MikroPul Corporation
Nippon Steel U.S.A., Inc.
U.S. F.PA, Region III
CF&I Steel Corp.
Inland Steel Company
Energy Impact Associates, Inc.
E. I. DuPont Company
U.S. EPA, Region III
Univ. of Illinois at tlrbana-Champaign
GCA Corporation
Ohio State University
Wilputte Corporation
United Engineers & Constructors
Armco1 Inc.
SEA, Divi&ion of Acurex Corp.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
The Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd.
GAT Consultants, Inc.
Maryland Air Quality Program
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Republic Steel Corp.
Illinois F.PA
Betz Laboratories, Inc.
Stelco Inc.
U.S. EPA, Region V
Jones S [.aughlin Steel Corp.
Republic Steel Corp.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
JACA Corp.
Environment Canada
Jones & Laiighlin Steel Corp.
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Vakharia Hikil X. P. 0. Box 6778
Van Zuidan Dick Michael Emmastraat $1
Voruz Ted 2901 Butterfield Road
Waechter Ralph W. 600 Kossman Building, 100 Forbes Ave.
Wall, Jr. William T. 1901 S. Prairie Avenue
Wallace Anna W. P. 0. Box 12194
Wang Chingwen Gen. Res. Inst. of Bldg. & Const.
Watson Ray 4901 Broadway
Watson Rohert G. 2901 Butterfield Road
Waugh John H. 1930 Bishop Lane
Wear Myrl R. P. 0. Box 600, 24 Ji. Hain
Veiubergei Jack 20\ Scnuyl^.i.11 Kvenue
Weinzapfel Robert B. 10 Chatham Ave.
Westbrook C. Wayne P. 0. Box 12194
Vhitehead Martin F. 628 W. Parklane Tovers
Wilhelmi A. R, Military Road
Wilson William 900 Agnew Road
Wilson, Jr. Leon W. 125 Jamison Lane - MS 54
Winkler Howard A. P. 0. Box 6778
Withrow Villian ' 309 W. Washington, Suite 300
Wong-Chong George M. 700 Fifth Avenue
Xavier James F. Environmental Control Department
Yan Xingzhong 56 Block, Qing Shan, Hopei Prov.
Yocom John E. 125 Silas Deane Highway
1'oel W. 4625 Roanoke Boulevard
Zachritz W. Howard 7777 Bonhorarae Ave., Suite 1008
Zuikl James R. 200 Neville Road
Cleveland OH 44101
Haarlera HOLLAND
Oak.Brook IL 60521
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Waukesha WI 53186
Research Triangle Park NC 27709
Beijing CHINA
San Antonio TX 78209
Oak Brook IL 60521
Louisville KY 40277
Middletovn OH 45043
Reading PA 19601
Summit NJ 07901
Research Triangle Part HC 27709
Dearborn til 4S185
Rothschild Wl 54474
Pittsburgh PA 15227
Monroeville PA 15146
Cleveland OH 44101
Chicago IL 60606
Pittsburgh PA 15219
Sparrow Point HO 21219
Wuhan CHINA
Wetbersfield CT 06109
Kansas City MO 64112
St. Louis MO 63105
Pittsburgh PA 15225
ro
to
Republic Steel Corp.
Ministry Nat'l Health & Pollution Cont.
Nalco Chemical Co.
PA Dept. of Environmental Resources
Envirex Inc.
Research. Triangle Institute
Ministry of Metallurgical Industry
RaiLtex
Nalco Chemical Co.
American Air Filter Co.
Armco Inc.
Wagner Associates
MikroPul Corporation
Research Triangle Institute
Ford Motor Company
Zimpro Inc.
Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp.
U.S. Steel Corp.,
Republic Steel Corp.
Illinois Pollution Control Board
ERT Inc.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Ministry of Metallurgical Industry
TRC-Environ»ental Consultants, Inc.
The Pritchard Corporation
National Engineers and Associates
Shenango Incorporated
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
i. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/9-81-017
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. T.TLE AND SUBTITLE Proceedings \ Symposium on Iron and
Steel Pollution Abatement Technology for 1980 (Phila-
delphia, PA, 11/18-11/20/80)
5. REPORT DATE
March 1981
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
Franklin A. Ayer, Compiler
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
1BB610
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
8-02-3152, TaskS
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Proceedings; 11/80
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/13
is. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES jERL-RTP project officer is Robert V. Hendriks, Mail Drop 62,
919/541-2547. EPA-600/9-80-012 was the previous proceedings.
16. ABSTRACT rp^e rep0rt documents presentations at the second EPA-sponsored sympo-
sium on iron and steel pollution abatement technology, in Philadelphia, PA, Novem-
ber 18-20, 1980. (The first was in Chicago, IL, in October 1979.) The symposium
provided participants an opportunity to exchange information on technology problems
related to air, water, and solid waste pollution control in the rion and steel indus-
try, and included a keynote address, presentations on the environmental aspects of
a proposed formcoke demonstration plant, and the future of steel technology and the
environment. Sessions were conducted on: (1) air pollution abatement, covering coke
plant emission control, fugitive emission control, innovative air pollution control
technology, iron and steelmaking emission control, and inhalable particulates; (2)
water pollution abatement, covering recycle/reuse of water, coke plant wastewater
treatment, and coke plant wastewater new developments; and (3) solid waste pollu-
tion abatement.
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATl Field/Group
Pollution Aerosols
Iron and Steel Industry
Coking Waste Water
Processing Water Treatment
Leakage Waste Treatment
Dust
Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Formcoke
Fugitive Emissions
Particulate
13B
05C,11F
13H
14G
11G
07D
8. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Rtport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
636
20. SECURITY CLASS (TMi page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA farm 2220-1 (9-79)
630
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