Brownfield Retrofitting as a Solution to Steel Decarbonization

Due to the capital-intensive nature of steelmaking, existing steelmakers must balance between the emission reduction targets and returns on their decarbonization investments. They are forced to maximize the use of existing equipment base. Integrating various direct reduced iron (DRI) feedstocks will decide the fate of blast furnace-based brownfield plants. Incorporating new process technologies into existing downstream requires detailed planning around process logistics, tap-to-tap times, heat sizes, sequences and eventually defines potential plant configurations. Process simulations demonstrate how to utilize existing meltshops when replacing blast furnace with electric furnaces. Various DRI feed types and heat sizes were investigated.

Authors:

Dr. Aleksi Laukka | AFRY
 

Mr. Petri Palovaara | AFRY
 

Mr. Matti Sakaranaho | AFRY
 

Mr. Janne Tikka | AFRY
 

Session Chairs:

Brian Black | SMS group Inc.
 

Poliana Araujo | WSP Canada