Management of DRI Fines to Maximize Iron Yield in the EAF
(Room 406)
16 May 16
10:00 AM
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10:30 AM
Tracks:
EAF Raw Materials & DRI, Use of DRI in Steelmaking
In an all-DRI-fed EAF, DRI pellet diameter can directly affect yield. Our efforts are focused on minimization of generation of sub-sized pellets in the first place, and then devising a melting practice that best optimizes recycling of the briquetted DRI fines that remain. This paper builds on one from AISTech 2015, where we broaden our efforts to study all factors contributing to sub-sized DRI pellets in the process stream. An important aspect is development of a melting practice for recycling the briquetted fines. This entails a pre-melting step, where the briquettes are charged ahead of the DRI feed stage to make use of the large hot heel in the furnace. In this step, the normally intense slag foaming associated with melting of the DRI is reduced, and there is minimal slagoff, so that as the briquettes disintegrate and melt, they are contained in the furnace, contributing valuable iron units to the heat.