Iron ore slime as an alternate coolant in steelmaking: Performance evaluation at commercial scale

Abstract

This paper describes an attempt to utilize iron ore slime in basic oxygen steelmaking as a coolant (instead of lump iron ore). Prior to its use, it is briquetted for ease of charging. The tests are carried out in a regular, commercial basic oxygen steelmaking furnace (160 ton/batch, and duration about 45 min). Substitution of lump ore (with slime briquette) in various tests has been in the range of 30–100%. Results – turn down temperature is well maintained, phosphorous is below the target limit, lime consumption is similar to that with lump ore-indicate that slime briquette is a good coolant and can substitute the scarcely available lump ore in steelmaking. Thus, 10–15% of the slime generated can be gainfully utilized in the steelmaking process. This will make the lump ore (used in steelmaking) available for blast furnace iron making. This approach, an eco-innovation (involving an innovative practice combining economic and ecological-resource benefits) is a sustainable solution to the burgeoning slime accumulation, and makes iron and steel sector industries less vulnerable to environmental regulations.