Development of softening and melting testing conditions simulating blast furnace operation with hydrogen injection
Nathan Barrett, Subhasish Mitra, Hamid Doostmohammadi, Damien O’dea, P. Zulli, Sheng Chew, Tom Honeyands
Abstract
Softening and Melting (S&M) experiments have evolved alongside the blast furnace as a crucial tool for burden characterisation and optimisation. Modern blast furnaces derive a base load of hydrogen from various sources. However, with hydrogen-enrichment of the blast furnace being considered to mitigate emissions, new S&M test conditions are required. In this study, a 2-D axisymmetric CFD model is used to simulate the internal conditions of a modern blast furnace operation, and a future operation with tuyere level hydrogen injection. The model results are used to guide the development of novel S&M test conditions, inclusive of H2, H2O, CO, CO2 and N2. The maximum hydrogen concentration under hydrogen enrichment was 20%, with the hydrogenous fraction of the gas primarily replacing nitrogen. A particular focus was given to the importance of including water vapour in the inlet gas, andits impact on reactions occurring in the S&M test.