Identification of possible dioxin emission reduction strategies in pre-existing iron ore sinter plants

The present paper is a result of a research project aimed at limiting the environmental impact of an Italian ironmaking plant. The present study is focused on the sinter plant in view of formulating effective structural, managerial and behavioural practices with regard to the identification and application of the best available techniques (BAT) in accordance with the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control directive 96/61/EC. After a brief description of the plant under study, the most recent and most significant findings of the research with regard to the prevention of dioxin pollution with specific reference to the sinter plant are presented. The main objective is to verify the capability of technologies adopted at the plant to prevent the release to air of dioxins in compliance with limits placed by the local authority.