Primary Wet Dedusting for LD Converters

The Wet Dedusting System (WDS) is a highly efficient solution designed to address the critical challenges of dust and emission control in LD converters (BOF). This system is crucial for ensuring environmental compliance and maximizing operational efficiency in steelmaking plants. Conventional wet dedusting systems are installed in many of LD converters (BOF) steel plants worldwide, as they are considered more straightforward in terms of operation and control. Primetals Technologies offers two proven and reliable technologies, both optimized to ensure maximum dedusting efficiency and the lowest possible energy requirements.

The LD converter Wet Dedusting System (WDS) is designed to reduce dust concentration in LD converter (BOF) off-gas before it is either recovered for storage in a gas holder or safely released into the environment via a flare stack. The system begins with a cooling stack, which serves as the first stage of cooling. This non-contact cooling system transfers heat from the LD converter (BOF) off-gas to water or steam, lowering the gas temperature before it enters the wet dedusting process. The steam generated in the cooling stack is then fed into the plant's steam grid via integrated steam accumulators.

For effective gas cleaning, the system offers two scrubber technologies:

• BAUMCO® Venturi Scrubber: LD converter (BOF) off-gas is accelerated at the venturi throat and directed into a finely atomized water spray. This forms a self-regenerating filter that captures even the finest dust particles. A highly efficient droplet separator further enhances scrubbing performance while minimizing wear on system components.
• CONE Scrubber System: This alternative solution utilizes annular gap technology. LD converter off-gas is accelerated through the narrow gap between an inner and outer cone, where water is injected onto the inner cone for uniform distribution. As the gas and water mix intensively, dust particles are effectively removed.

After wet dedusting, the gas passes through a radial ID fan, which provides the necessary suction to transport it either to the gas holder or the flare stack. At the gas recovery station, a switch-over station equipped with a three-way valve and parallel safety valves manages the gas flow. Depending on operational needs, the gas is either sent to the gasholder for storage or directed to the flare stack for controlled burn-off. This system ensures high-calorific-value CO-gas enrichment, optimizing energy recovery and enhancing the reliability of steel production processes.

Benefits of the LD Converter Wet Dedusting System (WDS)

• Achieve superior dust emission control
• Recover thermal energy efficiently for improved sustainability
• Reduce water treatment requirements, simplifying operations and reducing costs
• Enhance operational efficiency with a design that maximizes plant availability
• Ensure high reliability with a robust system