Precoating Effects in Fine Steelmaking Dust Filtration

Abstract

Particle emissions into the atmosphere can cause extensive damage to the environment and human health. To improve the efficiency in the collection of submicronic particles, new filtration media appeared on the market due to new textile technologies and equipment, such as filter media developed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes; however, these are more expensive. A filter coating technique called precoating is a more economical alternative that could enhance filtration efficiency. This paper aimed to evaluate the operational parameters of precoating for micro- and nanoparticle filtration and compare the results with those obtained from the PTFE membrane. For this purpose, filtration cycles were performed, using precoated polyester with hydrated lime and dolomitic limestone, polyester with a PTFE membrane, and steel industry ultrafine dust. The results showed that the precoated polyester had a longer cycle duration and lower pressure drop than the polyester with a PTFE membrane. Therefore, precoating was shown to be a great alternative to be used in bag filters in steel mills because it presented high collection efficiency for submicronic particles, in addition to increasing the bag lifespan with less energy expenditure.

Influence of precoating on the regeneration efficiency of filtration inorganic membranes

“…Excessively large precoating particles can decrease the regeneration efficiency. Andrade et al 13 studied the influence of precoating on the filtration duration of filters for steelmaking dust and found that precoating reduced the frequency of cleaning within a certain period. The precoated filter exhibited a filtration duration thrice that of the unprecoated filter, thereby extending the service life.…”