PMs concentration reduction in metal factories through the use of an energy-saving electronic detective system

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is the main cause of both chronic and serious diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular problems and lung cancer. Among all pollutants, according to the EEA (European Environment Agency), heavy metals have the most dangerous harmful effects on humans. Iron and steel production, in particular, generates significant emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) containing minerals (iron oxide), metals (cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, zinc, copper and arsenic), and other pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide). As a consequence, the health risk for the population living near metal factories and for the workers is high. As the risk of inhalation of refining-related mists is strictly connected to the diameter of the particles created during the process, EU fume plants are designed to limit exposure to mist, up to a maximum of i.e. 5 mg/m3, in line with EU regulation. However, in most Member States, the quality of life of sector workers and citizens living near steel factories remains an issue because air quality standards are not always met.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE GREEN FACTORY project aims to test an innovative technology to reduce PM concentrations in metal factories through a cost-effective and energy-saving electronic detection system. The system is composed by an array of Wi-Fi sensors for PM that automatically communicate with a gateway that sets and updates the optimal ventilation conditions. The system filters all the indoor air (internal and coming from outside) and recirculates onlyclean air in the working areas, reducing the quantity of inhaled pollutants by 3.2 mg/day per worker on average.

The project will demonstrate how this integrated approach can drastically improve the health conditions of workers and the environment, in accordance with the objectives of the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which represents the main EU instrument regulating pollutant emissions from industrial installations.

RESULTS

Expected results:

Green Factory Air Mapping System implemented to measure and manage PMs, particle sizes of oil mist and fumes collected in factories;

Reduced concentration of CO2 in air by 3% (50 kg/day) through the use of a carbon dioxide absorber;

Reduced PM2.5 and PM10 concentration to below 0.6 mg/m3 (-75%) through the use of dedicated filters compliant with the UNI EN ISO 16890 standard;

Reduced NO2 concentration by 20% through the use of UV and TIOX systems;

Reduced irritant / corrosive /toxic substances (formaldehyde) by 30% through the use of UV and TIOX systems;

Reduced bacterial load by 99.90% through the use of ionizing and UV systems;

Reduced mutagenic/carcinogenic substances (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) by 25-30% through the use of activated carbon systems;

Reduced waste (filter cartridge) by 5% through a more precise management of the filtration systems operation; and

Reduced energy consumption by 50% through the use of inverter for the control of ventilation fans.