Abstract

AbstractElectric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking uses different carbon based materials as foaming agents. Depending on cost and availability, anthracite and metallurgical coke are among the conventional injecting materials. Considering the energy and green house gas emissions requirements, alternative carbon sources are put on the spot to replace, at least partially, the conventional materials, i.e. waste materials such as rubber and high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics may react with gas and slag phases resulting in devolatilization, combustion and iron oxide reduction reactions. The addition of waste tyres and waste plastics in EAF steelmaking has been studied in detail by our groups at UNSW and OneSteel is developing a method for EAFs to use blends of different proportions of rubber/HDPE plastics and coke as a slag foaming agent. Initially, laboratory investigations were carried out to establish the feasibility of carbon and polymer blends as foaming agents. The enhanced slag foaming performance compared to coke was found to be in good accordance with the results obtained in the laboratory indicating an increased slag volume when using polymeric blends. Following the successful installation of materials handling systems at both plants, the use of a rubber and coke blend is no longer considered a trial and is instead standard practice.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.