Technology of Coal-based Direct Reduction Iron(1)
1. Background Technique
1.1 Basic introduction
At present, there are mainly the following technical routes for direct reduced iron. Coal-based direct reduced iron and gas-based direct reduced iron, among them, gas-based reduction technologies include: COREX, Midrex, FINEX, HIsmelt, etc.Among them, coal-based reduction technologies include: tunnel kiln, RHF, rotary kiln, etc. Gas-based reduction technology can achieve large-volume industrial production. The comprehensive economic indicators are good, but the investment is relatively large. Coal-based reduction technology generally has low output and relatively low investment.
Based on the above reasons and according to the current actual situation, we believe that coal-based reduction technology should be selected first.
1.2 The advantages and disadvantages of several coal-based reduction processes
Process Category | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Tunnel kiln | 1. Mature technology | 1. Low degree of automation |
RHF | 1. Mature technology | 1. necessary laboratory research is required for specific raw materials |
Rotary kiln | 1. Mature technology | 1. Need to prepare oxidized pellets first |
Based on the above analysis, we believe that the RHF process should be more suitable.
1.3 Comparison of different direct iron reduction processes
Note: The following information is from a university in China
1.3.1 Comparison of energy consumption of different processes
Process method | Energy consumption in kind | Equivalent energy consumption,kgce/t |
Natural gas shaft furnace (HYL-ZR) | 300~350Nm3 Natural gas /t, 10.4~11.5GJ/t | 355.3~392.9 |
Natural gas shaft furnace (MIDREX) | 350~400 Nm3 Natural gas /t, 11.0~12.5 GJ/t | 375.8~427.1 |
Coal to gas - shaft furnace | 600~750kgThermal coal/t, 11.0~12.5 GJ/t | 375.8~427.1 |
Rotary kiln | 850~950kg lignite/t,17.8~21.3GJ/t | 650.0~750.0 |
Tunnel kiln | 250~400kg Burning coal+460~600kg Reduced coal/t | 700.0~800.0 |
1.3.2 Comparison of energy consumption and production capacity of existing main direct reduction processes
Name | Reducing agent | Energy consumption (GJ/t) | Converted standard coal energy consumption (kg/t DRI) |
MIDREX | Natural gas/ syngas | 11 | 342 |
HYL-Ⅲ | Natural gas/ syngas | 11 | 342 |
RHF | coal/Natural gas | 15 | 410 |
SL/RN Rotary kiln | coal | 18 | 683 |
Tunnel kiln | coal | 25~30 | 854~1025 |
1.3.3 Productivity index comparison of existing main direct reduction processes
Name | HYL-Ⅲ shaft furnace | MIDREX shaft furnace | SL/RN Rotary kiln | Tunnel kiln | RHF |
Pressure of work | 0.8MPa | 0.3 MPa | -25±15Pa | - | 3000Pa (Air pressure before burner) |
Maximum utilization factor (t/m3d) | 162 | 112 | 0.43 | - | 1.33 |