Direct Smelting Process Research Articles

Innovative Iron and Steelmaking

This paper addresses the need for radically new innovative technology to produce liquid iron and steel. The salient features of these so called “direct smelting” processes are also discussed, as are the developments in iron blast furnaces and steelmaking technology and processes. The energy required for a direct smelting process, based on injection of coal and domestic iron ores and other raw materials, has been calculated and compared with various similar direct smelting processes as well as existing blast furnaces. Finally, the future trends in the liquid iron and steelmaking technology and processes have been speculated.

An Examination of the New Direct Smelting Processes for Iron and Steelmaking

This paper discusses the need for a radical technological change to take place in the production of iron and steel and suggests the salient features that should be addressed. In this respect, five new direct smelting steelmaking systems which, at least in part, provide some measure of meeting these salient features, have been examined and compared with the present blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace route. It is suggested that future ministeel plants may benefit from adopting one of these new direct smelting units when used in conjunction with converter steelmaking and continuous-casting facilities.