Thermodynamic Simulation of an Efficient Flash Ironmaking Technology for Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company

The Flash Ironmaking Technology (FIT) utilizing methane (CH۴) and air blast (containing ۲۱% oxygen) has been exclusively simulated and calculated for the Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company (CMIC). The obtained results based on thermodynamic simulation and heat and material balance calculations of the FIT have revealed that a total rate of ۷۰.۴۰۵ tons/h preheated CH۴ is required for the annual production of one million tons of hot metal with ۹۵% metallization. ۴۷% of the methane acts as a reducing agent, and the rest burns with ۷۶۴.۴۸۹ tons/h preheated air blast (including ۲۰% excess) to provide ۱۰۷۸ GJ/h energy for running the process at ۱۶۰۰ ˚C (۱۸۷۳ K). Accordingly, ۱۹۳.۱۳۴ tons/h carbon dioxide (CO۲) is emitted through the process, equivalent to ۱.۵۵۰ tons for every ton of produced hot metal. It indicates that the simulated FIT is eco-friendlier than the blast furnace and coal-based direct reduction ironmaking processes while eliminating coke-making, pelletization or gas-reforming units.

Keywords:

Flash ironmaking , Chadormalu concentrate , Thermodynamic simulation , Heat and material balances , CO۲ emission