Skip to main content
Article
Process Simulation and Economic Feasibility Analysis for a Hydrogen-Based Novel Suspension Ironmaking Technology
Steel Research International
  • Haruka K. Pinegar
  • Michael S. Moats, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Hong Yong Sohn
Editor(s)
Ericsson, Torsten
Abstract

A novel gas-solid suspension ironmaking process is under development at the University of Utah, which would greatly reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission compared with current blast furnace technology. the proposed process is based on the flash reduction of iron ore concentrate using a gaseous reagent, such as hydrogen, syngas, natural gas or a combination of thereof. a process flow sheet of the proposed ironmaking process using purchased hydrogen was constructed and then simulations were performed at several potential operating conditions. Ironmaking was simulated using two different process configurations. the simulation results show that the required fresh hydrogen would increase with higher excess driving force and operating temperature, but not greatly when hydrogen is preheated. Compared with the average blast furnace process, the proposed process would reduce energy consumption by 57 - 60%, using the higher heating value of hydrogen (71 - 73%, if the lower heating value is used), when hydrogen and coal are considered as the starting materials in the respective processes. the economic feasibility analysis using net present value (NPV) indicates that the proposed process could be economically feasible at elevated hot metal prices and/or if reduction in carbon dioxide emissions has a significant value in a cap and trade scenario.

Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Research Center/Lab(s)
Peaslee Steel Manufacturing Research Center
Keywords and Phrases
  • Hydrogen,
  • Ironmaking,
  • Flash Reduction,
  • Flowsheet,
  • Process Simulation,
  • Economic Feasibility,
  • Carbon Dioxide
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
8-1-2011
Publication Date
01 Aug 2011
Citation Information
Haruka K. Pinegar, Michael S. Moats and Hong Yong Sohn. "Process Simulation and Economic Feasibility Analysis for a Hydrogen-Based Novel Suspension Ironmaking Technology" Steel Research International (2011) ISSN: 1611-3683
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-moats/20/