Balance and fate of heavy metals during the process of carbonisation of coal

Ziel

The preparation of balance sheets for heavy metals in the form of trace elements necessitates the use of highly sensitive and accurate methods of analysis. Whilst identifying heavy metals (trace elements) is no longer a major problem as far as mineral matrices are concerned, it is very tricky in the case of unusual organic matrices, such as coking plant by-products and the dusts from oven doors (particularly in the absence of standard samples).

For this reason the CRM is planning to set up an analytical working party to study, in collaboration with the other bodies concerned, the specific problems associated with the analysis of heavy metals (trace elements) in the various coking plant flows, both solid (coal, coke, dusts) and liquid (waste water, by-products, wastes).
The investigations, carried out by C.,R.M. concern essentially the study of suitable methods for the determination of Be, Cd, As, Co, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn and V in coal, coke, tar, wastewater and dust. Different techniques of solubilisation (direct chemical digestion, previous ashing, PARR's bomb oxidation,...) have been tested on various matrixes. Close of those trials recommended analytical procedures have been defined. A novel analytical method called glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) has also been tested. This technique allows the heavy metals determination without any solubilisation and confirm the results obtained by the recommended analytical procedures.

C.R.M. has completed its mission, which essentially consisted of analytical support by analysing different dust samples taken on workplaces and other materials required to establish the mass balance of heavy metals during the coking process.

By the end of the study, the conclusion is that pollution by heavy metals observed on working places, in atmospheric emissions and in water effluent of coking plants is generally negligible.
The CRM will concentrate on studying the following three methods of analysis:

- atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace,
- emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma as feed (ICP),
- atomic absorption flame spectroscopy.

For the purpose of measuring the different elements, it will be necessary to define the sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy of the various potential methods.

Programm/Programme

ECSC-WORKENV 5C - Fifth research programme (ECSC) "Technical control of nuisances and pollution at the place of work and in the environment of iron and steel works", 1985-1989

Thema/Themen

3 - Impact studies

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

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Koordinator

CENTRE DE RECHERCHES METALLURGIQUES

EU-Beitrag

Keine Daten

Adresse

Rue Ernest Solvay, 11
4000 LIEGE
Belgien

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