Objective
In the coming years, innovative DR shafts and EAFs will be installed in several steelmaking sites across Europe to follow the strategic decarbonization guidelines. The progression of these production processes will imply changes in the composition and management of generated by-products, especially for those containing Zn. Likewise, the large rate of fossil fuels/reductants needed in the current valorisation processes of these wastes make them very intensive in terms of CO2 emissions, requiring the metallurgical industry to move to H2 applications in its targeted pathway towards zero wastes goal. To tackle with these complex challenges and to solve the recycling of key steelmaking by-products like EAF dust, BOF dust and sludges, DR sludge and pellet fines and mill scales (among others), ZHYRON will develop an innovative valorisation route for Fe-rich and Zn-containing by-products based on the combination of pyrometallurgical (using green H2 as reductant) and hydrometallurgical stages The iron oxides units would be recovered as Direct Reduced Iron able to be consumed in EAF and the zinc would be recovered as zinc oxide concentrate to be used in zinc smelting sector, contributing thus to circular economy and industrial symbiosis approaches.
The proposed technologies will be developed and endorsed at lab pilot scale (TRL6), and the obtained circular products will be validated by testing and characterization analysis. ZHYRON will also examine solutions regarding technical integration, economic and environmental criteria, contributing to the development of novel business models, guidelines and strategies. ZHYRON has been structured in 6 WP, combining R&D activities, project management and dissemination activities, and gathering a competitive consortium of 9 partners from 6 EU countries. If the solutions are successful, the benefits will include avoiding landfill of dangerous wastes, reduction in the CO2 emissions and the implementation of a new circular economy loop.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processesrecycling
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metals
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness models
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
50018 Zaragoza
Spain