ArcelorMittal : Global R&D tests new technology to boost water recovery

ArcelorMittal Global R&D has presented the results of its initial tests of innovative technologies and evaluation of alternative water resources, which it hopes will increase water recovery at the group's plants, to SpotView consortium partners from Finland, France, Greece, UK, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and Spain.

The objective of the SpotView project is to develop and demonstrate innovative, sustainable and efficient technology and processes which optimise the use of natural resources, especially water, in three industrial sectors: dairy, pulp and paper and steel.

The SpotView consortium covers the whole value chain in these sectors, from technology development to industrial applications. ArcelorMittal Global R&D and Düsseldorf-based BFI Technological Centre are collaborating to lead the research into such technologies for the steelmaking industry, as well as, developing synergies with other industrial sectors.

The innovative technologies they will evaluate for the steel sector as part of this project are:

• capacitive deionisation to reduce water salinity; and
• a hybrid process for flotation and submerged microfiltration for the removal of suspended solids as well as oils and grease. By combining two treatments into one step, they hope to improve water quality and reduce the footprint of the process.

Both technologies are very versatile and could be applied to various types of production sites facing water restrictions, or needing to upgrade to their water treatment plants.

The initial results of the team's tests are promising, achieving water recovery rates of 70-95% depending on water quality. Tests continue to optimise technological and economic results.

The SpotView project is about resolving a key issue for competitiveness and sustainability: optimising resources including water, energy, raw materials and additives. The project will see 14 existing and new technologies assessed for nine new water management practices, with up to seven selected technology demonstrators planned for pilots in real industrial environments. These technologies will be evaluated for environmental impacts and benefits, as well as how well they achieve SpotView's targets to reduce water usage, wastewater emissions, chemicals and energy use by 20% to 90%.

The other 13 consortium partners have also made technical exchanges and presented the status of their projects. The partners plan to share their results at the end of the project in 2020 to understand how these new applications can improve resource efficiency.

Market opportunities for services and technology products beyond the SpotView project are expected to generate up to 2,800 new pieces of equipment and 7,000 new jobs in Europe.