Mining company Vale has successfully tested a new type of iron ore briquette, adapted for direct reduction, which will contribute to the decarbonization of steel production, supporting the efforts of the steel industry to meet emissions reduction targets worldwide. The new type of briquette emits about 80% less CO₂ in its manufacture than pellets, reducing the company's scopes 1 & 2 emissions. The briquette can also be used as a load for a blast furnace.
In recent months, Vale has accelerated the development of the new type of briquette destined for this route. Seven experimental tests have been carried out in plants of different clients in the Americas so far. The tests carried out so far are known as basket tests. Small amounts of briquette and pellet were placed side by side in baskets, which fed the reactors.
In one of the tests carried out, for example, the new product showed superior performance to pellets in metallization, achieving a metallic iron content of around 98%, while pellets reached 95%. This result indicates that the new type of briquette can improve the productivity of steel customers.
The briquette also performed well in terms of disintegration. In one of the tests, for example, about 7% fines were generated, compared to 14% with the use of pellets. The lower presence of fine particles due to disintegration facilitates the passage of gas through the reactor, increasing productivity and reducing the consumption of this fuel, which contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
The next step in the development of the direct reduction briquette is to carry out industrial tests, which should begin in June in a reactor of a client in North America.
Source: SteelGuru
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