Co-gasification characteristics of coke blended with hydro-char and pyro-char from bamboo

The renewable and carbon-neutral biomass is gaining a lot of interest in ironmaking as a substitute to metallurgical coke. The present study looked at partial replacement of coke with biochar obtained from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis of bamboo. Pyro-char has a higher carbon crystallinity, lower volatiles and better pore characteristics, while HTC is ideal for the removal of ash especially alkali metals. Devolatilization occurs at 500-900 degrees C for the hydro-char/coke mixture while the pyro-char/coke blend shows a continuous gasification reaction. The activation energy of gasification for the 50% pyrochar/50% coke is 200-320 kJ/mol, significantly lower than the competing mixture with hydro-char. Although the biochar obtained from pyrolysis of bamboo is more suitable for BF, the excellent ash removal and lower cost of hydrothermal treatment are offering benefits so that a combination of both may present an optimum blend for reducing the carbon footprint of ironmaking process. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Renewable and carbon-neutral biomass is being explored as a substitute for metallurgical coke in ironmaking. This study found that biochar obtained from hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis of bamboo can partially replace coke, with each type of biochar offering unique benefits for the process.