Steel and metal industry

Activated carbon is a highly effective way to remove non-ionic surfactants and detergents, measured together as chemical oxygen demand (COD), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from wastewater in the steel and metal industry. These contaminants are found in process waters from the production of rolled aluminium or the galvanisation of steel. Rinsing waters and rainwater run-off may also contain traces of these compounds. 

DESOTEC activated carbon filters reduce these components to very low levels, so the water is safe for discharge to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or reuse in industrial processes. Our filters can work as a standalone treatment, or in combination with other technology such as sand filters. 

Activated carbon air filters can remove VOCs, hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and sulphur oxides (SOx) from air emissions generated by annealing and cold mill processes, packaging lines, paint booths, and cooling processes. Many of these components are odorous, and some, such as PAH and benzene, are very hazardous to occupational health and the environment. 

All these components are captured by DESOTEC filters, either as standalone technology or as a pre-treatment or polishing step for complementary technology. 

Emissions from the steel and metal industry require purification on odour, environmental and occupational health grounds – and activated carbon filtration is a highly effective solution. Regulations are getting stricter: in the EU, the Smitheries and Foundries BREF 2024 has now come into force, focusing on environmental protection and odour management. 

DESOTEC has the know-how and technology to help your company comply with relevant regulations. We can deliver and exchange our plug-and-play filters rapidly, and set them up in lead-lag configuration to ensure compliance at all times. Our systems are modular, so can be expanded if parameters change or laws tighten, future-proofing your business. Plus, compliant waste carbon handling is included in our service. 

Activated carbon filtration is a Best Available Technology (BAT) for many pollution treatment applications, and is often the most cost-effective and sustainable option – but it does depend on various factors.

For example:

• Where air flow is discontinuous, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives such as thermal oxidisers (RTOs).
• If space is tight, DESOTEC filters have a smaller footprint than most alternatives.
• For short-term usage, our filters are mobile and rental – unlike more permanent installations such as RTOs.
• If treatment is needed immediately, our filters can be delivered fast and are plug-and-play – some alternatives have a lengthy lead-in time.
• If your needs might change in the future, our systems are modular – other technology might be less adaptable.

DESOTEC is keen to help customers find the best treatment for their needs, and our experts will tell you if they think another technology might be more suitable than activated carbon.

Activated carbon is a very versatile technology, so there are many ways to optimise set-ups – e.g. placing filters in series, using different carbon grades, or combining filters with complementary technology such as scrubbers.

DESOTEC solutions offer a low total cost of ownership (TCO): capex costs are minimal, and testing, maintenance, upgrading and ongoing support are included in our service. In terms of sustainability, your company may be able to reuse treated water in your industrial processes, boosting circularity. Plus, sustainable filtration waste handling is included in our service; wherever possible, we reactivate carbon for reuse, cutting your costs and your CO₂ footprint.