Evaluation of the conversion behavior of Alternative Reducing Agents in a test rig under raceway conditions

Abstract

The injection of alternative reducing agents (ARAs) into the blast furnace’s raceway zone can substitute metallurgical coke in the iron-making process. Using ARAs, like pulverized coal or biomass, can be economically and ecologically beneficial. Reliable knowledge of conversion rates and kinetic parameters is critical to identifying suitable ARAs. The harsh conditions in the raceway zone deny direct measurements

A new test rig is launched to recreate the harsh reaction conditions in the raceway zone and evaluate potential ARAs. Two different methods for determining the burnout are presented and compared. The reaction behavior of two different pulverized coals is compared using the better-suited ash tracer method. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is also used to gather further information about the particles.