Objective The emission of cyanides in blast furnace, in daily operation and during rundowns constitutes one of the least understood pollutions in iron and steel manufacturing. In recent years it has been blamed for high pollution in the aquatic environment. The objective of the research is to determine the causes of cyanides emissions and to formulate recommendations with a view to limiting them and neutralizing them under the best conditions.Cyanide pollution of blast furnace gas wash waters is one of the sources of pollution of most concern in iron and steel manufacture. It is necessary to differentiate between intermittent pollution which takes place during daily operation during variations in operation and that which, more systematically, is encountered at the time of blow down for remote gunning or repair. Very little data is at present available regarding the mechanisms of formation of cyanides during daily operation, or regarding the size and the exact nature of the pollution loads (definitely cyanides, but also ammonia, sulphur and phenols) involved in blow down. This data is essential in order to carry out effectively the treatment of the (wash) waters, both in terms of the standard of the measurement and monitoring of the pollution load as well as the continuous metering of the chemicals used in the treatment. CRM have tackled the problem and provided several guidelines following the investigation of an operating period of 6 months followed by a blow down of a blast furnace with a 10 metre diameter hearth. There is a good reason for continuing with the investigations along these lines in order to better define the parameters, to better understand the nature of the operational events which are responsible, and to identify further the nature and extent of the pollution involved. Our research proposal is in line with this preoccupation. It is coordinated with and complements the research proposal of CEBEDEAU/IRH: Optimized operation of the formaldehyde treatment for the removal of cyanide from blast furnace gas wash waters. Programme(s) 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 Topic(s) 2 - Measures to combat fresh and sea water pollution Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques EU contribution No data Address 11 rue Ernest Solvay 4000 Liege Belgium See on map Total cost No data