Steel Manufacturing Waste Water Treatment by EPT EOX
ElectroPure technology was successful in treating all waste waters provided including steel production waste water, grey water and raw sewage to well below criteria for reuse.
The Situation
A large vertically-integrated steel, mining and vanadium company is moving toward a zero liquid discharge facility. Due to the large volume of waste
water produced daily, including steel production waste water, grey water from various processes and raw sewage, the challenge of numerous combined
contaminants exists. Traditionally, waste water would be given minimal treatment and disposal either through deep well injection, release or
trucking off site. As regulations increase and there is no longer an option of release; injection and trucking quickly becoming uneconomical.
The Solution
The EPT treatment system was successful in treating all waste streams simultaneously. The efficiency of the EPT system to not only treat the combined
waste but meet and exceed set criteria now allow the water to be available for full reuse within the operating facility. This now allows the
goal of a zero liquid discharge facility to become a reality, as well as significantly decrease the facilities use of fresh water.
The Results
Due to the complex variety of contaminants in the steel manufacturing waste stream, the EPT treatment used various electrode geometries and power input
parameters. Through specifically designed treatment components, the EPT was able to meet and exceed criteria. This included TSS, nitrates,
BOD, metals, phenols and hydrocarbons.
| Parameter | Unit | Initial | Post EPT | % Removal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Suspended Solids | mg/L | 450 | 1 | 99.8 |
| Nitrates | mg/L | 0.49 | < 0.04 | 91.8 |
| BOD | mg/L | 201 | 16 | 92.1 |
| Colour | mg/L | 420 | 12 | 97.1 |
| Extractable Hydrocarbons | mg/L | 2460 | < 25 | 99 |