Conceptual zero CO 2 mine site continuous smelting of goethitic high phosphorus iron ore to refined steel with enhanced safety

Abstract

A projected low energy continuous route for viably accessing vast reserves of high phosphorus iron ores at existing mine sites has been identified. Rather than upgrading the iron ore in preparation for export, goethitic ore, for example, should be autonomously smelted with zero CO₂ emission to refined steel product at the mine site of the future. Enhanced safety in comparison with alternative options currently under consideration is mandatory. The proposed response to the challenge adapts established Ruhrstahl Hereaus (RH) steel vacuum degassing or other appropriate technology to closed loop circulate a carbon free molten iron carrier medium to transport input thermal energy to sites associated with hydrogen reduction of wüstite above its melting point at a moving thin oxidic melt layer. Carrier medium deoxidation, in advance of RH based melt circulation and electrical conductive heating, is implemented safely to satisfy all thermal energy demands in the melt circulation loop, operating at essentially atmospheric pressure.

Keywords

Direct ore smelting Electrical conductive heating Energy conservation Hydrogen steelmaking Enhanced safety Continuous steelmaking

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