Application of digital technologies about water network in steel industry

To improve the efficiency of water use and reuse, a digitalized water network system was implemented in a steel industrial complex. The system consisted of four parts: online instrument and sensing devices, programmable logic controller, data communication network and control center based on expert knowledge. The system achieved real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and early warning of cooling water system using data collected inline, and enabled data connectivity and transmission of self-developed software applications on personal computer. This research used a steel enterprise as a case study. After the analysis of its cooling water system and water-saving potential using water balance test, a digitalized water network was evaluated and implemented, and we believe this network can be suitable for steel industry in general.