In steel mills, improperly treated water isn’t just wasteful; it risks corroding equipment, failing audits, and triggering shutdowns. Monitoring pH and conductivity helps keep these risks in check. Steel mills transform raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone into steel through processes like smelting, refining, casting, and rolling. Throughout production in a steel mill plant, as with any industrial process, water plays a critical role. Cooling furnaces, rinsing acid from pickled steel, and carrying away scale and contaminants are some of the primary functions of this water, known as effluent. However, this water doesn’t remain pure. It accumulates acids, salts, and particulates that can corrode infrastructure, foul cooling systems, and contaminate effluent.
Steel is ‘pickled’ in acid baths at the front end of the process to remove contaminants like rust or unwanted particulates. To ensure maximum purity, conductivity measurements are regularly performed on this acid. Once pickling is complete, effluent mixes with this acid that often contains residual acids, alkalis, oils, and suspended solids. Operators must chemically neutralize the effluent before safely discharging or recycling it, and that’s where accurate pH measurement becomes essential.
Addressing Steel Mill Effluent Measurements with M4 Knick Solutions
Sensor durability is a critical necessity in both the pickling line and wastewater phases of this process. Inaccurate and unreliable measurements can disrupt both the process and its infrastructure, as improperly measured solutions may corrode critical materials over time.
The SE655 toroidal conductivity sensor is ideal for measurements in corrosive liquids with suspended solids and high conductivity, as is found in steel mill applications. This corrosion-resistant sensor is constructed of PEEK in a smooth, robust, and easy-to-clean design. The integration of Memosens technology provides enhanced performance and a significant reduction in maintenance. The SE6555 maintains mechanical and chemical resistant properties even under high temperatures, assuring an efficient lifespan even under the volatile demands of steel mill applications.
Additionally, pH measurements are just as critical to steel mill applications in the effluent/recycling phase. The SE555 pH sensor is equally durable and resistant to high temperatures and rapidly changing chemistry. Memosens technology integrates the benefit of inductive connectivity, eliminating the effects of solution-currents and corrosive environments. Memosens also allows technicians to perform calibrations and diagnostics in the shop or lab, storing the information in the sensor head. As a result, this reduces field maintenance time and process downtime.
How M4 Knick Delivers ROI in Harsh Environments
Sensor Durability: Knick sensors are built to last even in the most volatile environments. With Knick solutions, operators will see significantly less calibrations, downtime, and sensor replacements.
Preserved Infrastructure: Consistent measurements and durable sensors are integral to infrastructure health. By minimizing inaccuracies and fouled batches, process infrastructure is protected against corrosion and scaling.
Accurate Measurements for Accurate Dosing: Proper dosing begins with the right measurements. Precise conductivity and pH measurements ensure operators and conduct dosing properly and practice efficient resource management.
Maintaining Compliance: Prioritzing accuracy in the waste phase helps plants maintain environmental compliance.
See Our Solutions in Action
We want to ensure you feel confident in your measurement solutions, no matter the application. If you’re curious about M4 Knick’s solutions and want a hands-on learning experience with our experts, consider scheduling a training with us to enhance your process solution knowledge.