Testing and pilot-scale development of an ultrasonic system for non-polluting antifouling treatment of waste waters from steelworks cooling installations

Ziel

The objective of the research is to develop to pilot-scale level an ultrasonic system for eliminating or reducing colonies of organisms present in the waters used for indirect cooling in steelworks, because these organisms cause fouling.
The field investigations and the data processing performed indicate that ultrasonics also act on the larval stages of the fouling-forming organisms under dynamic conditions, and that they overcome the barriers of natural interference represented by the natural planktonic biomass.

The difference between the results obtained in the laboratory and those involving dynamic conditions is attributable to the enormous load of plankton present in the seawater.

The fact that the laboratory results were better may be ascribed to superimposition phenomena and hence the amplification of the ultrasonic waves in the container.

The exclusive use of ultrasonics as an antifouling tool will not guarantee protection in large industrial systems that depend on seawaters.
The surface water used by the steelmaking industry for indirect cooling contains living organisms which can cause fouling.

The most serious effects of fouling include:

- narrowing of the cross-sections of pipes and consequently reduction of water throughput;

- reduction of heat exchange efficiency in the cooling circuits;

- corrosion of the surfaces of the pipes and installations;

- downtime due to plugging and clogging;

- costly remedial work to descale and clean;

- the need to remove and dispose of large quantities of residual matter.

The steel sector has up to now tackled fouling by using chemical reagents which kill off the different types of aquatic life. Unfortunately the waste water discharged contains residual treatment compounds which are toxic and dangerous to the environment.

Studies are therefore under way on the possibility of reducing or eliminating environmental hazards by means of non-polluting physical methods (variations in temperature and salinity; anaerobiosis; IR and UV rays; ultrasounds; etc.

Against this background, this research project purports to undertake experiments and develop a pilot-scale anti-fouling system based on ultrasonic treatment. The objective is to establish the operational parameters for effective implementation of this treatment and the design parameters for a full-scale industrial system.

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

2 - Measures to combat fresh and sea water pollution

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

Data not available

Koordinator

Centro Sviluppo Materiali SpA

EU-Beitrag

Keine Daten

Adresse

Via Appia Km 648
74100 Taranto
Italien

Gesamtkosten