E-Thesis 512 views 684 downloads
Advanced Clean Water Treatment At Tata Port Talbot: Silica Removal In Water / SEDAR DOGAN
Swansea University Author: SEDAR DOGAN
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.70131
Abstract
With rising industry standards, the presence of silica in both colloidal and soluble forms presents significant operational challenges in boiler feedwater systems. Silica contributes to scaling, fouling, and corrosion within boilers and turbines, impacting safety, efficiency, and longevity. Effective si...
| Published: |
Swansea University, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | EngD |
| Supervisor: | Tizaoui, C., and Smith, G. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70131 |
| Abstract: |
With rising industry standards, the presence of silica in both colloidal and soluble forms presents significant operational challenges in boiler feedwater systems. Silica contributes to scaling, fouling, and corrosion within boilers and turbines, impacting safety, efficiency, and longevity. Effective silica removal is crucial to meet stringent water quality standards and protect equipment. This thesis examines the water treatment challenges at Tata Steel Port Talbot, specifically addressing silica-related issues, and evaluates advanced treatment technologies to enhance silica removal.The existing water treatment system at Tata Steel Port Talbot involves surface water intake followed by chemical coagulation, clarification, filtration, and ion exchange. However, despite these measures, conventional methods often fail to adequately control colloidal silica levels. This research seeks to bridge this gap by exploring innovative approaches to silica management, with a focus on reducing silica in boiler feedwater.One area of focus was the assessment of coagulants, comparing traditional coagulants like alum and ferric chloride with novel options, such as titanium and zirconium. Each coagulant’s performance was measured in terms of zeta potential, floc size, and colloidal silica removal efficiency. Results demonstrated that titanium-based coagulants, in particular, formed larger flocs and achieved similar silica removal efficiency (over 72% at 0.93 mg Ti/L) as alum, which was most effective when tested with surface water samples.The thesis also investigates membrane technologies by enhancing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) fabricated through phase inversion.Hybrid membranes demonstrated significant improvements in both water permeability and flux recovery. Specifically, pure water permeability increased by 141% for GO and 174% for CNT, while flux recovery enhanced by 36% for GO and 42% for CNT, compared to unmodified membranes. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Water treatment, Silica, Chemical Engineering. |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
EPSRC doctoral training grant |