Low Ironloss-Melting Steelmaking

Purpose and goal

The aim of the study is to describe and model basic phenomena as well as to establish preliminary test methods for iron ore concentrates reduced with reformed natural gas, hydrogen or syngas of biogenic origin in order to assess the value in use and suitability for a process route with: a) fluidised bed with briquetting and closed electric furnace (EF) operating under reducing or neutral conditions. b) processing pelletised ore via a DR shaft furnace and EF operating under reducing or neutral conditions c) processing pelletised ore via a shaft furnace and electric arc furnace (EAF)

Expected results and effects

Two reports: Techno-economic report Report on the metallization of ores/pellets/briquettes up to various metallization degree and their melting in lab-scale experiments. All results will be used in order to formulate a European project aiming at a process paradigm where resource conservation and low to zero CO2 emissions is prioritised over low electricity consumption. The results will have advantageous effects through enabling investmsnts in new capacity for ore beneficiation, reduction and steelmaking using optimal methods for setpoints and process technology.

Planned approach and implementation

High temperature experiments i) characterization of experimental materials (iron ores, pellets, briquettes, etc.) 4-6 samples; ii) investigations of kinetic of gas formation and weight losses during reduction reactions of experimental materials 3-4 lab trials; iii) evaluation of velocity of reduction process and reduction degree of experimental materials at 800-1000oC; iv) investigations of melting of materials with different metallization rate at 1500-1600oC, slag formation and distribution of impurity components between metal and slag melts 3-4 lab trials.