JFE Steel Accelerates Low Environmental Load Technology Introduction in Pig Iron Process

JFE Steel accelerates development and introduction of new technology to reduce environmental load in pig iron production process in blast furnace. The firm positively plans to utilize town gas for sinter production (the technology called Super Sinter), or adopt large amount blending technology of iron ore and coke, as well as Ferro-Cokes production technology which utilizes mixed and processed coke and iron ore.

JFE Steel’s steel research institute has promoted development of these technologies for less energy consumption and less CO2 emission. Super Sinter can reduce CO2 emission by using town gas while activate reduction of iron ore sinter. JFE Steel introduced Super Sinter in Keihin area of East Japan Iron Works for the first time in 2009, and reduced CO2 emission by about 60,000 tonnes per year.

The firm plans Super Sinter introduction in Kurashiki area of West Japan Iron Works and Chiba area of East Japan Iron Works. In Kurashiki area, the firm started introduction of town gas blowing facilities into 3 sinter lines in December 2010. Construction will complete in July 2011. In Chiba area, required facilities will be introduced in April 2011. CO2 emission can be reduced by about 210,000 tonnes per year as total of Chiba and Kurashiki areas.

Bulk blending technology of iron ore and cokes can increase reduction speed of iron ore by input of blended iron ore and cokes from furnace top. The technology contributes to iron production with lower cokes volume as well as less CO2 emission. JFE Steel has started test production in no.6 blast furnace of Chiba area. CO2 emission is expected to decrease by about 150,000 tonnes per year.

Ferro-Cokes can utilize low grade raw materials and reduce CO2 emission. Pilot plant construction will finish in Q3 of 2011 in Keihin area.