High school of applied knowledges (Hamburg, Germany):

M. Hölling, Dr. Eng., Prof., Chemical processing equipment, E-mail: marc.hoelling@haw-hamburg.de

ArcelorMittal Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany):
M. Weng, Dr. Eng., Power manager
S. Gellert, Dr. Eng., Reduction equipmen

The paper presents the concept of iron ore direct reduction process using hydrogen that is produced via regeneration method, as well as possible level of power consumption. Based on the experience of operation of the conventional DRI unit, this concept can be considered as practically possible to be realized from the technical point of view. Further improvement of the existing process is described; at present time it uses reducing gas containing 60 % of hydrogen. The necessary technologies are already developed and technically tested, thereby the authors didn’t see any obstacles in this area. However, analysis of the expenses displays that the current regulatory conditions don’t create the interest for investments in the corresponding equipment and technologies. E.g., the enormous expenses for operation of the unit for energy transformation in gas or in the H2BI unit make such operation economically non-efficient. Therefore, only the political decision to support creation of the ecologically safe and reliable steelmaking technology is the only chance. Otherwise the threat for the German steel producers to fail in achievement of the required ecological parameters or to be withdrawn by competitors outside EC market can be realized.

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