Integrated optimisation of blast furnace gas wash water treatment, reuse and cost savings Part II: Analysis of field trials

Abstract

Within a European collaborative research project aimed at improving resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in steelmaking plants, simulations have been applied to evaluate integrated solutions for water recycling, reuse and treatment at a blast furnace gas washing plant. The blast furnace gas washing process, in steelworks, is a major water consumer and a significant contributor to water pollution. Environmental emissions and energy efficiency legislation have become increasingly stringent, and have made it essential to manage water and reduce emissions. Thus any reduction in blowdown flowrate from the process would significantly improve the quality of the discharged water. This in turn could unlock the potential for water reuse opportunities. This second part of the paper discusses the field trial results and the resulting simulation of different regeneration-reuse scenarios within the research undertaken at a Tata Steel blast furnace plant (UK) in collaboration with Process Integration Limited (UK). The research results have led to the identification of a range of benefits in terms of water conservation, material efficiency, energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and treatment costs.