Oil in water detection prevents steel plant failure 03 December 2012

Installation of a continuous oil-in-water monitor in coolant water at an unnamed steel reprocessing plant has prevented downtime and avoided costly and time-consuming laboratory analysis, according to Hach Lange.

The steel industry relies on closed loop generation and recycling of steam as an energy-efficient means of process control – with the steam being used to raise the temperature of mineral oil-based heat transfer fluids and then condensed back into water for coolant.

However, any cracks on the heat exchanger surface cause leakage of mineral oil into the condensate, which could result in a discharge consent failure and hence plant shut-down.

The steel reprocessing group concerned had traditionally relied on daily physical checks to identify hairline cracks in the metalwork, in conjunction with laboratory effluent analysis for trace oil loading.

Hach Lange's Dr Patsy Rigby says that, following consultation with the firm, an FP360sc dissolved oil in water probe was installed in a flow-cell assembly on the outlet of the coolant water feed line.

With instant warning of line leakages, downtime and the associated costs of late intervention are now avoided' he claims, while additional benefits include: reduced operational costs in terms of sample collection and transport; avoidance of health and safety issues related to reagent handling; and significant improvements in uptime.

"Even the smallest traces of oil can pollute large volumes of water, so online monitoring ensures that alarms can be raised to enable prompt remedial action," states Rigby.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Hach Lange Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.