Air Pollution Problems from Cupola Furnaces in Iron Foundries

Abstract

Emissions from cupola furnaces for melting iron predominantly consist, heavy metal fumes, particulate matters, sulphur dioxide (SO2)and carbon monoxide (CO). Emission from a single cupola furnace may not be significant except when number of units are located in same air basin. Presently in India there exists only a very few air pollution control systems installed on cupola furnace. A comprehensive approach on the problem of emission is necessary before designing any control system. In-situ investigations were carried under different operational variations of cupola energised by conventional and chemical (NML) coke. Emission parameters studied include particulates, SOX and CO. Observations reflected that high dust emission continued till the process ended whereas high SOX emission occured only in the first hour of firing. High CO emission projected the possibility of energy recovery and its use employing after burners. Sulphur balancing for Indian cupola is also performed. Based on these field tests a few considerations for air pollution control devices to be adopted are discussed.