Present state and innovative issues for ironmaking

Abstract

Ironmaking is a mature technology that has reached over the last decades a high degree of excellence. It has proven its ability to adapt to the changing conditions regarding raw materials availability, energy resources and hot metal demand. The large development of coal injection practice has allowed reducing the dependency towards coke, while achieving total reductant rates close to the theoretical limit. New challenges, especially with respect to environment and CO₂ emissions, will be strong drivers for technological progress. To meet these requirements, further improvements of performance are needed in the short term. Increased use of scraps will be an efficient solution. In the mid-long term, innovative and breakthrough solutions must be invented. An example is given by the concept of nitrogen-free blast furnace, involving recycling of decarbonated top gas and sequestration of CO₂.