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Pioneering Sustainable Recovery in Steelmaking: Hydrogen-Based Technology for Byproduct Management

Project description

Pioneering hydrogen reduction technology for steelmaking

Residue from manufacturing processes presents a significant challenge to the steel industry. When recycling this residue the state-of-the-art Waelz process only focuses on recovering zinc, resulting in the loss of other valuable metals, especially iron. In addition, there is a significant carbon footprint, further exacerbating environmental concerns. To address these challenges, the EU-funded Dust2Value project will introduce an innovative hydrogen reduction technology that efficiently recovers all of the zinc while simultaneously producing an iron-rich material with a high metal content that can be used as a substitute for scrap. This process enhances circularity in steelmaking while slashing greenhouse gas emissions, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Objective

The Dust2Value project aims to transform the steelmaking residue recycling process by introducing an innovative hydrogen reduction technology that efficiently recovers valuable metals, such as zinc and iron, from steelmaking residue streams. This environmentally-friendly technology supports the circular economy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a sustainable future for the steel industry.
The Dust2value process utilizes green hydrogen to reduce zinc oxide and iron oxide present in the residue, converting them into gaseous zinc that evaporates, re-oxidizes with water vapor to fine-dispersed ZnO particles which leave the furnace via the off-gas system and are recovered in bag house filters. Additionally, a secondary DRI is produced. The novel design of the Dust2Value process recovers heat and hydrogen generated during the re-oxidation of gaseous zinc to fine-dispersed ZnO particles, optimizing its energy efficiency. The project will design, construct and optimize a prototype rotary kiln that enables optimized heat transfer and gas-solid interactions, ensuring effective metal recovery.
A key aspect of the Dust2Value project is the integration of digitalization and machine learning techniques for process modelling and optimization. The project will leverage machine learning algorithms trained on kinetic data from thermogravimetry to create an accurate and comprehensive process model. This model will be used for the dimensioning of the prototype and will be further developed into a digital twin, providing a real-time representation of the physical process. The digital twin will enable continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimization of the process, ensuring optimal performance, and facilitating the rapid implementation of improvements. This advanced approach to process modelling will significantly enhance the Dust2Value process optimisation, driving innovation in the field of steelmaking residue recycling.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01

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Coordinator

MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 433 750,00
Address
FRANZ JOSEF STRASSE 18
8700 LEOBEN
Austria

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Region
Südösterreich Steiermark Östliche Obersteiermark
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 433 750,00

Participants (6)

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