A Review on Explorations of the Oxygen Blast Furnace Process

Abstract

The oxygen blast furnace (OBF) process has been extensively studied theoretically because of the potentials of promising energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction. Herein, investigations of the OBF process are reviewed and some suggestions for its future development are presented. The main findings can be condensed into the following: static and dynamic models of the OBF should be revised to considering the newest theoretical findings in the thermodynamics and kinetics involved as well as the particular limitations of the technology. Models focusing on energy demand and emissions should be further developed and applied to enhance the design for increased efficiency and sustainability of the complicated OBF system. It will be challenging to operate the full OBF process with top gas recycling (TGR). The development of mathematical models focusing on the practical operation is therefore warranted and would provide useful tools for tackling control problems and difficulties that will arise in forthcoming industrial trials. Considering these potential challenges, a medium oxygen‐enriched blast furnace with TGR as a forerunner is suggested because its operation conditions show greater resemblance with those of the traditional blast furnace. This furthermore provides a path of transition to the use of the full OBF in industrial scale.

CO2 Recycling in the Iron and Steel Industry via Power-to-Gas and Oxy-Fuel Combustion

“…Since the oxy-fuel technology is familiar to the industry, its adoption in BFs is a reasonable option [11]. In fact, the topic is being studied widely in the literature to solve remaining technical issues related to the smoothness of operation (non-linear behavior of the feedback induced by the top gas recycle) [30].…”

Multi-Step Recycling of BF Slag Heat via Biomass for CO2 Mitigation

“…Furthermore, the coke consumption can be lowered with the injection of biogas as syngas [18] partially replacing or in addition to the hot blast, which is only carrying sensible heat. Such biogas injection and its effects can be compared to BF top gas recycling [24][25][26][27]. Usually, biogas is used for wet biomass drying and would reduce specific ironmaking CO 2 emissions if injected into an enhanced BF.…”

Influence of Large Amount of Hydrogen Containing Gaseous Reductant Injection on Carbon Consumption and Operation Conditions of Blast Furnace - Development of Low Carbon Blast Furnace Operation Technology by using Experimental Blast Furnace: part II -

“…9) In China, 430 m 3 blast furnace was built and oxygen injection operation has been testing, and hydrogen injection test also be planed. 10,11) In Japan, the oxygen blast furnace has been developing. 12,13) Also, HBI charge is announced for reducing CO 2 emission from blast furnace.…”

“…( 12) is calculated by Eq. (11). where, P X e : equilibrium partial pressure of gas X, (X = CO, The observed partial pressures of CO, CO 2 , H 2 , and H 2 O are used instead of equilibrium partial pressures of them in Eq.…”