New insights into the influence of hydrogen on important parameters of blast furnace

In the pursuit of curbing carbon dioxide emissions, hydrogen is being explored as a substitute for coke in the blast furnace smelting process. This research delved into the potential of hydrogen to mitigate carbon emissions, employing a hydrogen-rich blast furnace model for calculations. A novel approach for preheating hydrogen through blast furnace injection was proposed, accompanied by a more scientifically rigorous CO2 assessment method. This approach encompassed not only CO2 generation during blast furnace smelting but also factors in CO2 emissions from the hot blast stove and hydrogen preheating stove. Simulation outcomes underscored the significant carbon reduction potential of hydrogen. However, it's noteworthy that introducing preheated hydrogen into the blast furnace didn't guarantee lower CO2 emissions. For hydrogen volumes below 300 m3/ THM, CO2 emissions rose as hydrogen temperature increased. Conversely, when hydrogen injection surpasses 300 m3/THM, elevated hydrogen temperatures correspond with decreased CO2 emissions. The most significant reduction in CO2 emissions, amounting to 26.1%, occurred when hydrogen at 1250 degrees C was blown at a rate of 350 m3/THM. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of hydrogen's potential for emissions reduction, underscoring the importance of intricate factors in optimizing its implementation in the blast furnace smelting process.

Automated summary

In the pursuit of curbing carbon emissions, this study explored the potential of hydrogen as a substitute for coke in the blast furnace smelting process. It proposed a novel approach for preheating hydrogen and assessed carbon emissions rigorously. The findings highlight the significant carbon reduction potential of hydrogen, but also underscore the complexity of optimizing its implementation in the smelting process.