MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Background and
Objectives: Wind-induced particulate air pollution from iron ore piles can
causes environmental and economic problems for steel industries. In this
experimental study, the effectiveness of various additives in reducing
particulate air pollution from iron ore piles was investigated in a laboratory
wind tunnel.
Materials and Methods: The experimental set up consisted of a
prismatic pile and a wind tunnel. Four different wind speeds of 4.3, 5, 7 and
11 m/s was used in the study Municipal
water, quick lime (2%), seawater, treated industrial wastewater and Polylatice
(0.25%) were used as additives to stabilize the upper layer of the pile.
Results: Emission factors for
non-stabilized (without additive) piles at 4.3, 5, 7 and 11 m /s wind speeds
were 46.7, 73.2, 1025.4 and 13768.7 g/m
2, respectively. Stabilized
piles with 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.7 and 2.8 percent additive (moisture content of the
upper layer of the pile) for municipal water, Polylattice (0.25%), treated
industrial wastewater, seawater and quick lime (2%) indicated a decrease of
99.4%, 100%, 99.3%, 99.5% and 99.5% particulate emission reduction,
respectively.
Conclusions: Proper selection and use
of additives on iron piles has the potential for decreasing more than 99% of the wind-induced particulate
emissions. Operational factors such as covered area, spray frequency, pile
geometry, seasonal adjustments related to ambient temperature and humidity,
wind speed and operator training need to be an integral part of the pollutant
reduction program.
