Microcems Asia provides level measurement solutions for Scum Collection Process

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Scum collection is the removal of suspended solids from the wastewater and is a crucial part of the process for all steel manufacturers. Solid particulates become suspended in process water streams during cleaning and colling of the flue and off-gases, slag granulation, descaling, roll and product cooling, flume flushing in rolling mills, and during product rinsing in finishing operations.

The scum collecting process

Scum collectors remove the thickened scum that is difficult to get rid of. The scum collected from the clarifiers is sent to a concentrator, where it is further separated, heated, and mixed. This process reduces the volume and improves scum handling and disposal.

If the scum is removed continually in small batches, it presents few problems in the settlement tank process. However, if it is allowed to build up, it can become an issue. That’s why a steel manufacturer based in Asia reached out to Microcems for help controlling this process.

Health and safety are paramount

Traditionally, the end-user had always measured the water level of their scum collection process with a tape measure. This is not only an inconvenient and inaccurate way of getting the level measurement for staff at the steel plant, but it also presents a huge health and safety risk with staff coming into contact with the scum. Scum is often mixed with chemicals and other substances that make it a very hazardous medium to deal with. Additionally, the surface around the application was slippery and dangerous, leaving staff at risk of injury.
Keeping staff safe and healthy was of most importance to the end-user, so Microcems suggested a non-contacting level measurement solution that indicated the scum level without encountering the scum.

Level measurement made simple

Microcems decided a dB6 level sensor with the Ultra Lite controller would be the perfect solution for this application. With its robust design and powerful signal processing, the dB6 transducer can withstand the harsh conditions of the scum collection process.
The Ultra Lite and dB6 work by sending an ultrasonic signal down to the medium and precisely measuring the time taken for the signal to return to the transducer. This is converted into a local display of level measurement displayed on the Ultra Lite controller, mounting locally to the application.

The non-contacting design of the dB ultrasonic level sensors can be fitted with zero interruption to service and no time-consuming maintenance is needed. The dB ultrasonic transducer range from Pulsar Measurement is available in different options including submergence shields, PVDF versions, and PTFE versions, to help make installation in hazardous locations simple and easy.