Industrial emissions are a major contributor to increasing air pollution in urban and industrial areas across India. India. Reheating furnaces, extensively used in steel and metal processing industries, produce harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during fuel combustion. These emissions degrade air quality, contributing to respiratory diseases and environmental degradation.

To prevent this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued SO2 and NOx standards for the reheating furnace industry under the Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2018. These limits are intended to minimize pollution levels and guarantee safer air for surrounding communities while encouraging sustainable industrial operations.

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Rise in Industrial Air Pollution and Need for Regulation

Recent air quality monitoring data in main Indian cities and industrial centres shows a distressing upsurge in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The increasing levels of these pollutants are directly related to industrial fuel combustion processes, especially in the cement, steel, ceramic and glass manufacturing sectors.

In response, the Government of India acted immediately under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The 2018 amendment to the Environmental Protection Rules, 1986, has focused on controlling SO2 and NOx emissions, which have been developed in various industrial sectors including the reheating furnace industry.

Importance of SO2 and NOx Standards in Reheating Furnaces

It is crucial to enforce SO2 and NOx emission standards in reheating furnaces to reduce industrial air pollution and ensure a clean and safe environment. These standards provide long term benefits industries, communities and environmental sustainability.

• Sustainable Industrial Development: Emission standards encourage industries to adopt energy-efficient and clean technologies. This results in enhanced production with reduced environmental impact, supporting green industrial development. 
• Improved Worker and Public Health: Controlling SO2 and NOx emissions minimizes exposure to harmful pollutants. It helps prevent respiratory diseases and improves the overall air quality in surrounding communities and workplaces.
• Reduction in Environmental Litigations: Adherence to emission standards mitigates the risk of regulatory violations. This also excludes the chance of shutdowns, penalties and legal actions form environmental authorities.  
• Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Compliance: The emission standards are strengthened by the company's environmental performance. It builds trust with stakeholders and aligns with the CSR goals of sustainable operations.

SO₂ and NOx Emission Standards for Reheating Furnace Industry

As per the 2018 notification under Schedule I of the Environment (Protection) Rules, reheating furnaces are now subject to the following emission norms:

These emission limits are obligatory for all reheating furnace units functioning across India, regardless of different fuel types are used. The objective is to reduce the environmental and health impact of industrial furnace emissions, especially in heavily populated areas.

Notes:

• SO₂ Standard for Reheating Furnaces: Maximum 300 mg/Nm³
• NOx Standard for Reheating Furnaces: Maximum 1000 mg/Nm³
• Stack height criteria must be fulfilled as per State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).

Why Controlling SO2 and NOx Emissions Matters 

It is necessary to control SO2 and NOx emissions while protecting public health and protecting environmental quality. These pollutants are among the most injurious released by industrial processes like reheating furnaces.

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): SO2 is a toxic gas emitted during the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. It causes breathing distress, irritation of the throat and lung diseases. Environmentally, it contributes to acidic rain, which can harm crops, aquatic life, and buildings.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): NOx refers to a group of gases, especially NO and NO2, that are produced during high-temperature combustion. These gases increase dust formation, respiratory diseases and asthma. NOx also contributes to the development of ground-level ozone, which is a main component of urban air pollution.

Regulatory Framework: Environment Protection Act, 1986

The emission standards for the reheating furnace industry are outlined under the following legal provisions:

• Section 6 and 25 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Rule 4(5) of the Environment Protection Rules, 1986

The amendment has officially added serial number 111 in Schedule I, making it mandatory for reheating furnace industries to adhere with SO2 and NOx standards. These standards apply at the national level and overrule old local practices or unregulated emissions.

Also Read: What are the SO2 and NOx Standards for Foundry Industry (Furnaces Based on Fuel)

Compliance Requirements for Reheating Furnace Industries

To meet the notified SO2 and NOx emission standards, reheating furnace operators must undertake the following steps:

• Install Emission Control Equipment: Techniques such as low-NOx burners, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and dry sorbent injection can help fulfill SO2 and NOx standards.
• Adopt Cleaner Fuels: Converting to low sulfur fuels or natural gas can significantly minimize emissions compared to coal or heavy oil.
• Monitor Stack Emissions Regularly: Industries must conduct continuous or periodic emission monitoring using approved stack sampling methods.
• Maintain Stack Height Standards: All reheating furnaces should maintain stack heights as per the standards specified by SPCBs or PCCs. This confirms proper dispersal of pollutants to mitigate ground-level concentration.

Conclusion

Industrial development is accelerating, controlling emission is vital for balancing growth with environmental responsibility. The SO2 and NOx standards for the reheating furnace industry mark a major step toward this objective. Industries must adjust quickly by upgrading technology, adopting clean fuels and strictly adhering to regulatory standards. Compliance not only guarantees a clean environment but also promotes industrial competence and social responsibility.

Staying informed and aligned with the Environment Protection Rules is crucial for every reheating furnace operator in India. As we move forward, stringent implementation and public awareness will be the solutions to success in minimizing industrial air pollution.