The world's first MEROS industrial plant was installed at the sinter plant of voestalpine Stahl in Linz, Austria, and has been running reliably since 2007. This innovative MEROS dry-type off-gas cleaning system represents a significant advancement in environmental technology within the steel industry. The MEROS plant, in combination with a waste gas recirculation system, effectively removes dust and harmful metallic and organic components from the sinter off-gas to levels previously unattained by gas treatment techniques used so far. This pioneering project underscores the commitment of voestalpine and Primetals Technologies to sustainable steel production and reflects, up to now, the state-of-the-art off-gas cleaning for agglomeration.
Challenge
The sintering process in steel production generates significant amounts of off-gas containing dust and harmful metallic and organic components. Prior to the installation of the MEROS off-gas cleaning system at voestalpine in Linz, Austria, effectively treating this off-gas in an environmentally compatible manner presented a major challenge. The wet-type gas treatment processes used at that time struggled to achieve the desired levels of emission reduction, particularly for substances like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and dioxins. The need for a comprehensive and reliable solution was imperative to meet stringent environmental regulations and improve air quality in the surrounding areas.
Solution
In response to these challenges, Primetals Technologies developed the MEROS (Maximized Emission Reduction Of Sintering) process. This system is designed to tackle the complex issue of off-gas treatment through a series of successive treatment steps. The MEROS off-gas cleaning system at voestalpine in Linz, Austria, efficiently reduces the dust and harmful components in the sinter off-gas. The plant has a gas flow capacity of 650,000 Nm³/h and achieves a clean gas dust content of less than 5 mg/Nm³. The system's technical capability allows for SO2 removal of up to 98%, and dioxin emissions are reduced to far below 0.1 ng TEQ/Nm³. The process can utilize hydrated lime or sodium bicarbonate in combination with activated carbon, ensuring high removal efficiency of acidic gases, heavy metals, and organic components.
MEROS Off-gas cleaning plant at voestalpine sinter plant in Linz, Austria
MEROS Off-gas cleaning plant at voestalpine sinter plant in Linz, Austria
Control room
"In retrospect, it was a very successful and exemplary partnership, beginning with the development of the pilot plant in 2005, the implementation of the industrial plant in 2007, the continuous optimization of operations, the conversion to SBC (soda) operation, the installation upgrade to additional desulfurization (DeNOₓ), and the ongoing valuable exchange of experiences. With the commissioning of the first MEROS plant at voestalpine in Linz, Austria, in 2007, a new standard for the cleaning of sinter off-gases was defined."
Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl
CTO & Head of Green Steel, Primetals Technologies
Environmental Solutions
MEROS Off-Gas Cleaning Plant at voestalpine in Linz, Austria
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Benefits
- Significant reduction in SO2 emissions by over 50%, with potential up to 98%
- Achieved clean gas dust content of less than 5 mg/Nm³
- High removal efficiency for heavy metals, with mercury and lead removal rates exceeding 97% and 99%, respectively
- Drastic reduction in organic component emissions, including dioxins and VOCs
- Enhanced compliance with stringent environmental regulations and improved air quality
Conclusion
- The MEROS off-gas cleaning system at voestalpine in Linz, Austria, set a new standard in off-gas treatment.
- The project demonstrated a successful partnership between voestalpine Stahl and Primetals Technologies.
- The plant's impressive performance since 2007 highlights the reliability and effectiveness of the MEROS process.
- The conversion to a sodium bicarbonate process in 2011 and the installation of the SCR-DeNOX plant in 2012 further enhanced its environmental impact.
