SEDReC: a new cycle for improved use of oxygen in steelmaking, smelting and other furnaces

摘要

This paper deals with a methodology and related specialized equipment designed for the extraction of energy and improved use of oxygen and management of solid particulates from exhaust streams of most furnaces used in the manufacturing of metals and many mineral products. The underlying integrated process, dubbed SEDReC by the author, includes the use of patented components as well as trade secrets and proprietary techniques. This process offers particular benefits to the steel, nonferrous metals, powder metals, cement and minerals industries. A centerpiece of SEDReC is an exhaust energy extraction module (EFEM) which, when coupled with other components, results in a cycle that exhibits the following features of merit: (1) oxygen production at net power costs below 0.1 kW-hr/Nm{sup}3; (2) production of argon approaching stoichiometric proportions to oxygen consumed; (3) mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; (4) elimination of the production of NOx and SOx; (5) reduction in size and energy consumption of dust-handling bag houses; (6) production of exportable C02. A case study for a typical "'mini-mill" producing approximately 0.915 mm metric tons of structural grade steel from 1.22 mm metric tons charged scrap steel is analyzed in this work.