Metso Outotec has launched the next generationof the 100 per cent hydrogen-based Circored process for fine ore reduction.
Finding new solutions to decarbonise thesteelmaking value chain is a must for the industry to become fossil-free and tohelp limit global warming to 1.5°C. To support the efforts, Metso Outotec isintroducing the next generation of its CircoredTM process forthe direct reduction of iron ore fines.
The game-changing process uses hydrogen as areducing agent instead of CO produced from fossil fuels, allowing the iron andsteel industry to efficiently tackle the decarbonisation challenge. CircoredTM ispart of Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive portfolio.
The flexible CircoredTM processproduces highly metalized DRI (direct reduced iron) or HBI (hot briquettediron) that can directly be used as feed material in electric arc furnaces forcarbon-free steelmaking.
“We are very excited about the CircoredTM process.It is an emissions- and cost-efficient alternative to traditional steelmakingroutes. This innovative process eliminates the need for costly andenergy intensive pelletizing, and its functionality and performance have beenproven in an industrial-scale demonstration plant. Now our team of experts hasevolved the process further. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2022, wewill be revealing further ground-breaking additions to CircoredTM capabilities,”explains Attaul Ahmad, Vice President, Ferrous and Heat Transfer at MetsoOutotec.
CircoredTM processis based on extensive knowledge
The CircoredTM process is basedon the extensive fluidized bed knowledge and experience developed and appliedby Metso Outotec over decades in hundreds of plants for different applications.The process applies a two-stage reactor configuration with a circulatingfluidized bed (CFB) followed by a bubbling fluidized bed (FB) downstream.
The typical plant capacity is 1.25 Mt/y perline. Two or more lines can be combined using joint facilities and utilityareas. In stand-alone plants, the produced DRI is briquetted to HBI to enablefurther handling and safe transport.
If a CircoredTM plant isintegrated into an existing steelmaking facility, energy efficiency can befurther increased by direct hot feeding of the DRI to an electric arc furnace.
As a general rule, the CircoredTM processcan handle feeds with a particle size of up to 2.0mm. However, depending on thedecrepitation behaviour, particle sizes of up to 6.0mm are possible.
For processing ultrafine (< 50 µm) ores orprocess reverts like scrubber dust, Metso Outotec has patented a simple microgranulationprocess.