Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions

Steel Industry Solutions

Optimized run-length and reliability ensure steel mills operate at the lowest cost of operation. Veolia can help the steel industry achieve its goals by providing fouling and corrosion protection solutions, steel mill water and wastewater treatment, as well as advanced monitoring and control technologies. 

We can partner to improve your uptime and product quality while reducing water and energy usage across your operation, from your spray system to your effluent pond. 

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Water Consumption, Pollution and Management in the Steel Industry

The steel industry is one of the largest consumers of water globally, utilizing it at various stages of the production process. Water is required for cooling, cleaning, and lubricating equipment, as well as for the production of steam and the removal of impurities from raw materials. These processes contribute to significant water consumption by the industry. Moreover, the steel production process generates various pollutants, including suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic compounds, which can contaminate water sources if not properly managed.

Water management in the steel industry varies across different regions and countries. In more developed regions, stringent regulations and advanced technologies are often in place to mitigate the environmental impact. Water treatment facilities, such as sedimentation ponds and filtration systems, are commonly employed to remove pollutants before discharge. Additionally, recycling and reuse practices are being adopted to reduce freshwater consumption. However, in many developing countries, water management practices in the steel industry often fall short due to inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and lax regulations, leading to increased pollution and strain on water resources.

Globally, there is an increasing focus on sustainable water management in the steel industry. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the need for responsible water usage and pollution reduction. The industry is encouraged to adopt water-efficient technologies, improve wastewater treatment, and promote water recycling. International initiatives, such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship, provide frameworks and guidelines to enhance water management practices in the industry. Furthermore, stricter regulations and compliance standards are being implemented in many countries to ensure the protection of water resources and minimize pollution from steel production. However, there is still work to be done to achieve comprehensive and uniform water management practices across the global steel industry.

How Veolia Helps Reduce Pollution & Consumption for Steel Industry Leaders

Veolia offers a wide range of capabilities to effectively address common water issues in the steel industry. With expertise in water treatment, wastewater management, and water recycling, we provide tailored solutions to optimize water usage, reduce pollution, and enhance sustainability in steel production. Our advanced technologies and innovative approaches help industries comply with regulations, improve operational efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. Veolia's team of experts is ready to collaborate with steel manufacturers, offering customized solutions and guidance to optimize water management practices. Contact our experts today to learn more about our capabilities and how we can assist your company with water challenges.

Overview

Pretreatment for influent water
  • Engineered water purification systems for all requirements of quality and quantity, either fixed or mobile/temporary installations.
  • Mobile water services  (bridge solutions & emergency response) with as little as 24-hour dispatch to maintain production & safeguard equipment.
  • Clarification chemistry to optimize process water solids removal at the lowest cost of operation.
Steelmaking & continuous casting water treatment

Reliable operation requires deposition, corrosion, and microbiological growth control in cooling water systems. GenGard*, ScaleTrol* and Spectrus* cooling water programs for steel mills ensure deposit-free, foam-free operation in areas that matter:

  • EAF components, DES hoods & vacuum degas systems
  • Blast furnace & BOF systems
  • Continuous caster spray nozzles & heat exchangers
  • Caster spray chamber & machine systems
  • Coke plant process treatments
  • DRI (direct reduction iron)
Rolling & finishing mills water treatment
  • KlarAid* wastewater treatment products for solids & oil removal
  • Reheat furnace & laminar system cooling programs.
  • Rinse water & wastewater metals removal treatment programs.
Roadways & material handling dust control

DusTreat* cost-effective dust control programs for road & piles, conveyors & process area; minimizing health & safety risk while limiting the amount of water used for dust abatement and reduce the moisture content of feedstocks.

Effluent clarification & treatment
  • Specialty coagulants, flocculants & unique automated dosing systems to improve clarification and reduce operating costs.
  • MetClear* heavy metals removal chemistry to solve wastewater problems.
  • ZeeWeed* membrane bioreactor (MBR) combines proven ultrafiltration (UF) technology with biological treatment for consistent, high-quality steel plant effluent treatment suitable for any wastewater discharge or reuse application.
Environmental stewardship
  • Expert services & solutions to help you optimize your operation through reduction of energy consumption and water usage.
  • E.C.O.Film* non-phosphorus cooling treatment to help you meet discharge regulations while ensuring best-in-class asset protection.
  • Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technologies to maximize usage of water resources and ensure availability &reliability.
Digital & automation

Unique service model with a practice, digital, data-driven approach providing improved visibility, optimized chemical, water and energy usage, real-time data and predictive modeling. 

  • InSight* cloud-based data management system
  • Remote wireless tank monitoring for 24/7 accurate feed rates, alarms & inventory management
  • TrueSense* analyzers & controllers for continuous readings & automated control.
  • TrueSense MoniAll* predictive heat exchanger fouling technology.

 

Applications

Boiler Water Treatment

Prolong the life of your physical assets and maximize process productivity by optimizing…

Heavy Metals Removal

Regulations for heavy metal effluent limits are becoming stricter as the industry…

Monitoring Systems

By monitoring your industrial water and wastewater processes, you can protect assets,…

Products

Heavy Metals Removal

Remove heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater to meet effluent guidelines…

Case Histories