Online monitoring of dissolved oxygen, pH and ORP in effluent treatment in steel mills.
Industry: steel mills (coking plants)
Application: effluent treatment in coke plant
Effluent treatment in steel plants, especially in coking units, is challenging due to the presence of organic compounds, heavy metals, and nitrogen. Therefore, online monitoring of parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is essential. This ensures the efficiency of biological degradation processes and the removal of contaminants.
Furthermore, continuous measurement with high-precision sensors allows for rapid responses to process variations, which reduces the risk of failure and optimizes operations.
Importance of OD monitoring
DO is crucial for maintaining the activity of bacteria such as Pseudomonas e Nitrosomonas, responsible for the biodegradation of pollutants. Thus, maintaining adequate oxygen concentrations ensures the metabolization of compounds such as phenol and ammonia.
Optical sensors such as the Arc VisiFerm They offer reliable measurements, even in effluents with high organic and solid loads. Furthermore, their low maintenance requirements and resistance to CO₂ and SO₂ interference increase operational efficiency.
pH control for process stability
pH directly influences microbial activity and the solubility of heavy metals. Therefore, maintaining it within the ideal range prevents toxicity and ensures efficient pollutant removal.
O Polilyte Plus Arc allows stable and continuous measurements, while calibration can be done offline, with data stored in the sensor.
ORP measurement to optimize reactions
ORP reflects the medium's oxidation or reduction capacity. Consequently, processes such as nitrification and denitrification require specific ranges to occur efficiently.
O Polilyte Plus ORP Arc maintains high stability even in aggressive environments and has a long service life, which reduces maintenance costs.
Real application case
At a large steel mill with a coke plant, effluent treatment is carried out in four biological stages, with different bacteria degrading complex pollutants. Thanks to Hamilton sensors installed in each tank, the plant removes 90% of the organic load and 75% of the nitrogen, enabling water recycling.
Benefits of online monitoring
- Rapid response to process variations
- Reduction in reagent use
- Environmental compliance guaranteed
- Fewer calibrations and sensor changes
Contact us with our team to learn about the ideal solutions for monitoring DO, pH and ORP in the treatment of effluents from its steel mill.
bibliography
- “Zero Pollution with the Help of Bacteria” – Hamilton Bonaduz AG, 2014.
- Metcalf & Eddy, “Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery”, 5th Edition, 2013.
- ISO 5667-10 standard: “Guidelines for biological sampling in water quality monitoring”.
