ThyssenKrupp CSA Comments on Detection of Graphite Dust in Surrounding Communities
11/02/2012 - On 30 October 2012, graphite dust was detected in the streets of three communities within a 2 km radius from ThyssenKrupp CSA’s (TKCSA) production facilities in Brazil.
After almost two years with no occurrence, on 30 October 2012, graphite dust was detected in the streets of three communities within a 2 km radius from ThyssenKrupp CSA’s (TKCSA) production facilities in Brazil.
Graphite is a non-toxic material formed in certain stages of the steel production.
TKCSA assumes that graphite is derived from its production process and apologizes for the inconvenience to its neighbors. It is important to inform that pig iron was not poured in emergency pits this week, which completely dismisses this operating area as a possible generator of emissions. This month, the last two ladles were poured in the emergency pits on 22 October, using the dedusting system, which works properly.
After a thorough internal investigation, the company has identified that, in this occurrence, graphite was suspended off the ground by strong wind gusts this Tuesday morning. The probable location of the material dragged by the wind is the steelmaking slag processing piles.
A small part of the steelmaking slag - from the desulphurization stations - contains graphite particles in its composition. This material is sent for a specific pile which is maintained always damp.
Usually, a routine of wetting the material, made by a business partner, is fully sufficient to prevent the wind to disperse the graphite to populated areas. This procedure is done according to a defined routine and standards.
The strong wind gusts, recorded on Tuesday morning, exceptionally hot, ended up promoting the drag of graphite which, together with land and dust coming from the region, hit the community.
TKCSA and its business partner have already taken all necessary actions to adjust this procedure to such weather conditions. Furthermore, as an immediate measure, TKCSA increased number of equipment as well as the frequency of wetting stacks of material, to avoid recurrence.
ThyssenKrupp CSA says is in close contact with local community leaders regarding this occurrence.
