**3.5. Measurements of quantities and distribution of aerosol nanoparticles in some steelworks operations**

Metallurgic operations rank among the biggest producers of wastes of all types and categories. They include e.g. production wastes, slag, waste sludge, wastewater and emissions of heavy metals, associated with high-temperature processes of metal vapours formation and their condensation or potential chemical transformation.

Thanks to the pro-active approach of the company EVRAZ Vítkovice Steel, a.s. to the environment and safety of their employees, we were able to perform measurements of quantities and distribution of aerosols during the operation in various parts of the steelworks that utilize oxygen steelmaking.

The basis of the oxygen steelmaking (i.e. oxidation) is the removal of undesired impurities from the raw iron melt. The key elements that are converted into oxides in the process are carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphor and sulphur.

The oxygen steelmaking process is discontinuous and may be divided into the following steps:


444 Atmospheric Aerosols – Regional Characteristics – Chemistry and Physics

Sorting level C

Based on the available toxicological information about a particular wood, or based on measurements similar to those we have made for the anticipated technological operation, it will be necessary to specify or to expand the preventive measures with the objective of minimizing the contact of workers with particles generated by the processing. The measures may include technical (e.g. wetting system) and organizational measures (e.g. shorter exposure, alternation of workers), personal protective equipment (e.g. HEPA respirators: our measurements have demonstrated their 93-97% effectiveness) or health related

**3.5. Measurements of quantities and distribution of aerosol nanoparticles in** 

Metallurgic operations rank among the biggest producers of wastes of all types and categories. They include e.g. production wastes, slag, waste sludge, wastewater and emissions of heavy metals, associated with high-temperature processes of metal vapours

**Figure 28.** Electron microscope pictures of Jatoba wood particles generated by grinding.

measures (e.g. shortened intervals between medical checkups).

formation and their condensation or potential chemical transformation.

**some steelworks operations** 

Sorting level A Sorting level B

Before the experimental measurement, we attempted to identify locations with the expected increased emission levels, specifically:


Meanwhile, we had to consider the safety of the workers performing the measurements and sensitivity of the employed technology to the environment in which it operates, e.g. high temperature, explosive environment, etc.

The selected locations in the premises of continual steel casting and in the converter hall of the steelworks represented the resulting compromise.
