Blast Furnace Process with Minimum CO2 emission

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project, to define possible process modifications for reducing CO2 emission at integrated works has been reached. Reduction of CO2 emission via different paths have been quantified and roadmaps defined by analysis of the effects from injection of biomass products or gases, addition of charcoal or metallic iron raw material, recycling of blast furnace top gas after CO2 capture and combination of these at blast furnaces and process systems for Swedish conditions. The use of biomass products was shown to have great potential for the reduction of CO2 emission.

Expected results and effects

The result from the project is the basis for future development towards lower CO2 emission at Swedish integrated steelworks. As use of biomass theoretically can lower the CO2 emission from the blast furnace by ~30% this will be further investigated. More knowledge is required for continued development towards future implementation. Some of the results have been presented and discussed at two workshops in the project, three international conference presentations have been held. For two of the conferences full publications was the base for presentations.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been in close cooperation with SSAB in Luleå and Oxelösund. Data from the respective works have been the basis for model calculations. Initial modelling results for BF No. 3 in Luleå were the basis for selection of modelling cases for BF No. 4 in Oxelösund. With these results cases for system analysis were selected and modelled.. To get input to the work a first workshop with industrial representatives was held early in the project. At a second workshop presented results of the study and draft roadmaps.