Reactivity and conversion behaviour of Brazilian and imported coals, charcoal and blends in view of their injection into blast furnaces

Abstract

For about 10 years the steel industry in Brazil has been using pulverized coal injection (PCI) technology in blast furnaces based on imported coals. In order to decrease the dependence on imported coals, Brazilian coal which has limited use due to high ash content is suggested to be mixed with imported coal and charcoal. The aim of this study is to examine the reactivity and combustion behaviour of the mentioned materials. The use of charcoal in the Brazilian steel industry reduces the CO2 emissions, since it represents a renewable source of carbon. The reactivity of the coal, charcoal and mixtures is evaluated through TGA. To provide a useful insight into the practice of PCI in blast furnaces, experiments are carried out with a laboratory rig at RWTH Aachen University that simulates the behaviour of fines injected into the raceway. The results of this study are presented and discussed. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.