Towards eliminating PAH emissions from Søderberg electrode paste in Mn production

Abstract

Results from full scale testing of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) free electrode paste is presented, including development of PAH sampling and analysis methodology for use in quantifying the PAH emissions from the top of the Søderberg electrodes under operation. Results from emission measurements campaigns at the Eramet Kvinesdal plant are presented from a furnace operating on new PAH free paste and a furnace operating on conventional coal tar pitch paste. The goal of these campaigns is to quantify the effect on reduction in PAH emissions by introducing PAH free electrode paste. Preliminary results indicate a significant reduction (>95%) in PAH release when PAH free electrode paste is used compared to conventional paste based on coal tar pitch. A new simulation model for electrode operation is used for investigating how operational parameters affect the release of volatile organic compounds including PAH's during the baking process. The simulation model is developed to become a predictive decision support tool for plant operators.