REDSMELT~direct R Hot metal as scrap substitute from iron ore and steel mill residues

摘要

The REDSMELT~direct R -Process has been developed as a two step smeltreduction process for producing hot metal from iron ore fines as well as steel mill residues.This processline employs the individual processes of direct reduction of carbon containing pellets into DRI on a Rotary Reduction Furnace (RRF) and final smelting/ melting of the hot sponge iron into hot metal in a Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF).The hot metal serves as scrap substitute when produced for EAF-steel making or as improvement for iron recovery when converting steel mill residues back into useful iron units.This process line has proved to be highly economical as hot metal can be produced at a cost level which is distinctly below the price for high grade scrap or HBI.Furthermore the process provides virgin iron units with inherent chemical and sensible energy which improves and accelerates the EAF- melting process saving considerable electric power.With respect to recycling of steel mill residues the process converts those materials back into iron and separates volatile elements and non-metallics selectively.The process is highly flexible in capacity and operational adjustment.It can be considered a friendly process as it wont add new environmental issues to steel making.