Critical Issues in Controlling Suspended Particulate Matters (SPM) from Cupola Exit Gases

Abstract

Among the various industries in our country, the metallurgical industry is one of the most polluting. Since we produce about 18 million tonnes of steel per year, due to its huge production rate the iron and steel sector is a major polluting industry among the various metallurgical industries. The present paper deals with one of the most neglected metallurgical industries in our countrynamelyfoundries where very little work has been done to reduce pollution especially pollution caused by suspended particulate matters (SPM). The paper describes the results of the investigation carried out by the authors to understand the nature of pollution caused byfoundries in West Bengal. It has also been shown that SPM level from cupola exit gases can be brought down below 150 mglNm3 by proper design and operation of cupola and aided by simple and inexpensive pollution control devices. The results are based on the data collected at the demonstration plant where the pollution control system designed by the authors have been set up.