Hlsmelt-The Future in Direct Ironmaking

摘要

Hlsmelt was originally developed as a horizontal (refractor lined) bottom injection process. Extensive testing at a scale of 100, 000 t/a revealed serious difficulties with refractory wear. Since 1997 a new vertical (water-cooled) smelter has been in operation. This new system has solved the refractory wear problem and has significantly enhanced process efficiency. This is a result of the introduction of a slag layer between the metal fountain and the oxidizing topspace, leading to reduced back-reaction and lower coal rates. Engineering robustness has been demonstrated in a 38 day trial with 99.8% plant availability. This demonstrates that Hlsmelt has broken through a key development barrier and is now ready for commercialisation.