thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG (Duisburg, Germany):

Schmöle P., Prof., Dr. Eng., Head of Competence Center Metallurgy, e-mail: p.schmoele@thyssenkrupp.com

The blast furnace process is worldwide the dominating technology for the production of metallic preproducts for steelmaking. With today’s operation mode blast furnaces work close to thermodynamic equilibria. The carbon-based iron ore reduction in blast furnaces leads inevitably to process-related CO₂ emissions. For comparison to the coke/pulverized coal injection operation different process alternatives with charge of pre-reduced material (HBI: Hot Briquetted Iron) and with injection of natural gas or hydrogen with the target to reduce CO₂ emissions are evaluated and the CO₂ abatement costs calculated. Another way to reduce CO₂ emissions enables the utilization of the process gases of an integrated iron and steel works for the production of high-value chemical raw materials. This will be investigated in collaboration of steel and chemical industry with energy suppliers in a “cross-industrial” project. It is concluded that German iron and steel industry with its science-intensive, power-efficient and ecologically safe production facilities, based on the technological concept “blast furnace — basic oxygen converter”, is a mandatory component of the industrial technological chain aimed on creation of added value. Its realization is a pledge of successful development of current German business model.

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