The successful piloting of CRISP, the innovative continuous steelmaking technology

摘要

Since inception, the Continuous Reduced Iron Steelmaking Process (CRISP), an innovative, patented technology for continuous steelmaking from pre-reduced iron ore, has undergone significant development. Most recently, pilot testing at the Swerea MEFOS AB in Lulea, Sweden successfully confirmed the viability of the underlying metallurgical principles as well as the practicality of continuous operation, setting the stage for the commercialization of this technology. The CRISP technology builds on existing practices and equipment, and thus represents a logical step in the on-going development of electric steelmaking. The innovative use of a stationary electric furnace, common in other metals industries such as nickel or copper smelting, for continuous steelmaking is, however, a departure from the current trends and forms the basis of this new steelmaking technology. The unique features of the CRISP technology lead to important operational benefits. The paper will illustrate these benefits and the related capital and operating cost savings, and describe the current status and on-going development of the CRISP technology. The factors leading to a reduced environmental footprint are also outlined.