The Critical Role of Water Treatment and Water Quality Management in The Steelmaking Processes

摘要

Steelmakers throughout the world continue to look for ways to lower their Total Cost of Operations (TCO) and improve their economic position in the face of difficult times. The importance of water quality to the steelmaking processes are often overlooked or underestimated as areas of significant cost savings and improved productivity. Water quality and water treatment can tremendously impact maintenance costs, energy costs, equipment availability, production rates, and even final product quality. The purpose of this paper is to define the subject of "Water Quality Management" as it relates to steelmaking operations, and to examine some of the major ways that an increased emphasis on water treatment can help to lower a steel plant's Cost of Operation. A particular emphasis will be placed on Water Quality Management for BOF Hood Cooling and Gas cleaning Systems, as well as Continuous Caster mold, machine and secondary spray cooling systems. A number of case histories from steel plants around the world will be highlighted to denote the critical relationship of water treatment and water quality management to the steelmaking processes.