{"id":32737,"date":"2023-11-14T11:45:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T09:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/advice\/obera-use-case-voc-treatment-in-the-foundry-metallurgy-sector\/"},"modified":"2025-04-23T08:41:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T06:41:15","slug":"cas-usage-traitement-cov-fonderie-metallurgie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/our-tips\/cas-usage-traitement-cov-fonderie-metallurgie\/","title":{"rendered":"oberA use case: VOC treatment in the foundry-metallurgy sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We had the pleasure of working with a customer specializing in the foundry<\/strong> and machining sector<\/strong>, who asked us to solve a major challenge: the treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds<\/a> (VOCs) emitted in the casting zone during the pouring of molten metal and throughout the mold cooling<\/strong> line.<\/p>\n\n

\"dustomat<\/figure>\n\n

The process of pouring molten metal can generate VOC emissions and odors, which can be a source of concern for both workers’ health<\/strong> and environmental impact. Our customer wanted to find an effective solution to reduce these emissions while complying with current environmental standards.<\/p>\n\n

Drawing on our expertise in air treatment<\/strong> and the reduction of pollutant emissions, we proposed an innovative approach tailored to our customer’s specific needs. In fact, we have installed a Dustomat 4-24 mobile dust collection<\/strong> system with activated carbon cartridges at their molten metal casting sites.<\/p>\n\n

This system has been designed to capture and filter VOC emissions, ensuring better air quality in the workplace. By eliminating VOCs at source, we have not only protected workers’ health<\/strong>, but also helped reduce the environmental impact of their activities linked to emissions of these pollutants. The dust collector<\/strong> filters out the silica dust entrained during cooling of the green sand molds, and protects the activated carbon from premature saturation by the dust.<\/p>\n\n

Our tailor-made solution has been enthusiastically received by our customer, who has seen a marked improvement in working conditions and enhanced compliance with current standards.<\/p>\n\n

This successful collaboration with our foundry and machining customer<\/strong> is an example of our commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions to the environmental and public health challenges faced by industrial companies. We are proud to have contributed to their success, while reinforcing our mission to be a responsible player in the field of industrial emissions treatment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

VOC-generating processes in molten metal casting in the foundry\/metallurgy sector<\/h2>\n\n

When casting molten metal in foundries<\/strong> or steelworks, several processes can generate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs and odors are emitted in the form of gases and vapors during mold casting and cooling. Here are some of the main processes that can lead to the formation of VOCs and odors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Use of molding sand <\/h3>\n\n
\"platinum<\/figure>\n\n

When casting molten metal, molds and cores are often made from molding sand (green clay-silica sand). Molding sand and cores can contain organic components <\/strong>that degrade when exposed to the heat of molten metal, resulting in the emission of VOCs into the air. The mold contains slice-based green sand. This sand is agglomerated by organic or mineral binders (catalyst, hardener, setting gas pedal, etc.) added to the sand. There are various resin-based processes that generate VOCs when sand is heated: phenolic resins, polyurethane resins, phenolates, furan resins<\/strong>, alkyd resins, etc.<\/p>\n\n

Before casting, molds can be degreased to remove any traces of oil or grease. Solvents used in the degreasing process can release VOCs when they evaporate.<\/p>\n\n

Degreasing molds <\/h3>\n\n

Before casting, molds can be degreased to remove any traces of oil or grease<\/strong>. Solvents used in the degreasing process can release VOCs when they evaporate.<\/p>\n\n

Refractory linings <\/h3>\n\n

Some refractory linings applied to the inside of molds to resist heat may contain <\/strong>volatile organic compounds <\/strong>, which can be released when molten metal is poured.<\/p>\n\n

Gas or fuel combustion <\/h3>\n\n

Some metal melting processes use gases or fuels as a heat source. The combustion of these fuels can generate VOCs.<\/p>\n\n

Handling molten metals <\/h3>\n\n

When molten metal is handled and transferred from one place to another, fumes containing mainly micro-dust particles<\/strong> and gases may be emitted as a result of the reaction between the hot metal and the ambient air.<\/p>\n\n

Rapid cooling of molten metal <\/h3>\n\n

The rapid cooling of molten metal can lead to the formation of gas fumes<\/strong> when it comes into contact with cooler surfaces.<\/p>\n\n

These emissions of fumes, gases and VOCs can be a source of concern for workers’ health and the environment. To reduce operator exposure, it is essential to implement preventive measures, such as theuse of capture<\/strong> and ventilationsystems<\/strong> to limit emissions at source, and the use of less emissive materials and processes. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers exposed to dusts and VOCs may also be necessary to minimize health risks.<\/p>\n\n

VOC hazards in the metalworking\/foundry industry<\/h2>\n\n

In the foundry and metallurgy industries, in addition to crystalline silica-based dusts well known in foundries, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can also contribute to the formation of air pollutants<\/strong> and cause health problems for workers chronically exposed to high concentrations. Here are some of the common illnesses associated with VOCs in this field.<\/p>\n\n

Respiratory tract irritation <\/h3>\n\n
\"picto<\/figure>\n\n

VOCs can cause respiratory tract irritation, manifested by symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion and sneezing. Foundry\/metallurgy workers<\/strong> who are regularly exposed to VOC emissions may suffer from chronic respiratory problems.<\/p>\n\n

Asthma<\/h3>\n\n

Prolonged exposure to VOCs can aggravate asthma symptoms in predisposed individuals. Workers suffering from asthma<\/strong> may find their symptoms exacerbated by the presence of VOCs in the work environment.<\/p>\n\n

Neurological disorders<\/h3>\n\n

Some VOCs are considered neurotoxins and can affect the central nervous system. Chronic exposure to high levels of VOCs can be associated with headaches, dizziness, memory impairment<\/strong> and concentration problems.<\/p>\n\n

Dermatitis <\/h3>\n\n

Some people may develop allergic skin reactions following repeated exposure to VOCs and chemicals used in foundry\/metallurgy.<\/p>\n\n

Effects on the liver and kidneys<\/h3>\n\n

Some VOCs can be toxic to the liver and kidneys, causing damage to these organs<\/strong> in the event of prolonged exposure to high concentrations.<\/p>\n\n

It is important to note that the severity of health effects<\/strong> depends on the concentration of VOCs in the air, the duration and frequency of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Employers and workers must take preventive measures to minimize exposure to VOCs and protect workers’ health.<\/p>\n\n

Preventive measures can include the use of closed work processes or capture systems to limit VOC emissions<\/strong>, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers exposed to VOCs. <\/p>\n\n

It is also essential to ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to reduce the concentration of VOCs in the air, and to train workers on VOC risks and good safety practices.<\/p>\n\n

The benefits of air treatment in the metalworking\/foundry sector<\/h2>\n\n

Air treatment in the foundry and metallurgy sector<\/strong> offers many significant advantages. Firstly, it considerably reduces emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odors generated during coremaking and casting of molten metal. By effectively capturing and filtering VOCs at source, air treatment helps improve ambient air quality in work areas.<\/p>\n\n

Another key benefit is the protection of workers’ health<\/strong>. By reducing exposure to harmful emissions, air treatment prevents health problems such as respiratory tract irritation, skin allergies, neurological disorders and chronic respiratory problems. The result is a safer, healthier working environment<\/strong> for employees, contributing to their well-being and productivity.<\/p>\n\n

Air treatment can also help foundry and metallurgy companies comply with strict regulations on VOC emissions. By complying with these standards, companies avoid potential sanctions<\/strong> and reinforce their image of social and environmental responsibility.<\/p>\n\n

In conclusion, air treatment in the foundry and metallurgy sector offers considerable advantages, from reducing VOC emissions to protecting workers’ health and preserving the working environment. This is an essential measure for creating a safe<\/strong>, healthy and environmentally-friendly working environment<\/strong>, while ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance for companies in this industrial sector.<\/p>\n\n

\"activated<\/figure>\n\n

The effectiveness of activated carbon on VOCs<\/h2>\n\n

The activated carbon used in our Dustomat 4-24 dedusting solution is highly effective in eliminating Volatile Organic Compounds<\/strong> (VOCs) and odors from the air. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that vaporize easily at room temperature, from sources such as solvents, cleaning products, paints, furniture and many others. These substances can be harmful to human health and contribute to air pollution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Activated carbon is a porous material with a high specific surface area, enabling it to trap and adsorb VOC molecules and odors from the air. As the air passes through the activated carbon, the VOC molecules<\/strong> are captured by the pores on the carbon surface, effectively trapping them. This eliminates a wide range of VOCs, helping to purify the air and reduce the health risks associated with inhaling these substances.<\/p>\n\n

\n

Discover our new use case on formaldehyde treatment<\/a> for an industrial packaging expert.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We had the pleasure of working with a customer specializing in the foundry and machining sector, who asked us to solve a major challenge: the treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted in the casting zone during the pouring of molten metal and throughout the mold cooling line.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":84915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"oberA use case: VOC treatment in the foundry-metallurgy sector","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover our use case in cov treatment for a customer specialized in the foundry and machining sector.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[309],"tags":[18],"class_list":["post-32737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-tips","tag-entete-small","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","no-featured-image-padding","resize-featured-image"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32737"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32737\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85127,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32737\/revisions\/85127"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}