The scaled burner for demonstration of Hydrogen Enhanced Combustion (HEC) for EAF heating by using standard EAF burner was designed and built.
Demonstration of hydrogen use with CoJet-technology, with different iron carriers, in the pilot EAF at Swerim was completed; evaluations are ongoing.
CFD simulations were performed to study HEC.
Trials to modify EAF slag for the cement industry was carried out on DRI and scrap feeding trials. Additives such as Al, FeSi and SiO2 were used to modify the slag during tapping.
Thorough market research of the available biochar and other renewable materials was carried out and a list was created. The different industrial cases were defined by the industrial partners and their technical requirements were compared to the different properties of the available biochars to select the most adequate materials for the industrial trials.
Using data provided by Sidenor, the EAF dynamic process model of BFI and the EAF and Secondary metallurgy stationary process model of SSSA were updated. In addition, simulation analyses were made to determine the influence of these C-renewable materials on steelmaking process and product. The SSSA model was also preliminary adapted to simulate Hydrogen use in EAF burners in partial/total replacement of Natural Gas, and for feeding DRI/HBI in EAF and preliminary simulations were carried out. First versions of flowsheet models were developed concerning two biomass upgrading processes (i.e. pyrolysis and torrefaction).
Pilot/demo trials were conducted at Swerim using bio-carbon as injection coal, while industrial trials started at Sidenor. So far, different mixtures of plastics and tires were used as substitutes of the foaming coal that is injected in the EAF, and biochar (forest source) was charged through the 5th hole. Other materials are expected to be tested in Sidenor. Further industrial trials will be carried out at Höganäs and CELSA.
A new system to monitor gas heat basing on the specifically adapted Acoustic GAs-Measurement system (“AGAM”) system and other relevant process data was developed as detailed concept, which should be installed by end 2024. To prepare the installation of the AGAM system, the optimal position for the measurement was identified. Höganäs also tested an in-house developed gas analysing system including one thermocouple right after the 4th hole.
An initial impact plan was defined, and possible deployment opportunities were analysed. A preliminary identification of strategic stakeholders and potential adopters was carried out, by also defining the value proposition and compiling a detailed description of the envisaged Key Exploitable Results (KERs). To this aim, a questionnaire was distributed among the partners to develop a gap analysis and the first draft of the project Exploitation Plan. Moreover, some initial transferability guidelines have been elaborated based on a stakeholder consultation.