Title

PROSPECTIVE OF TITANIA- MAGNETITE ORE PROCESSING IN BLAST FURNACE AND ALTERNATIVE IRONMAKING

PROSPECTIVE OF TITANIA- MAGNETITE ORE PROCESSING IN BLAST FURNACE AND ALTERNATIVE IRONMAKING

Authorship

Gordon, Yakov; Freislich, Michiel; Brunger, Harry; Slack, Peter; Harris., Leigh

Gordon, Yakov

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Freislich, Michiel

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Brunger, Harry

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Slack, Peter

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Harris., Leigh

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357X-22132

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Abstract

Titania-magnetite ores represent a largely untapped resource for international steelmakers in spite of representing a significant percentage of the Earth’s available iron. Recent developments in titania–magnetite ore processing technologies have made them economically viable. This paper explores maturity of titania-magnetite blast furnace, rotary hearth furnace in combination with smelter and ITmk, their basis of operation, comparative cost position and viability under the following site specific conditions: For large installations able to source coking coal at reasonable cost; For mini-mills favored by low cost natural gas and power. The analysis shows that the selection of the appropriate technology depends on local cost factors and steel demand. For large installations able to source coking coal at reasonable cost, the Ti BF with maximum TiO2 load of about 50-60 kg/thm should be considered as the technology of choice. However, for mini-mills favored by low cost natural gas and power the RHF + Smelter process will be a suitable alternative. If the Itmk3 is successful, it will represent a breakthrough as it will allow for the wide use of Ti bearing ores in EAF steelmaking.

Titania-magnetite ores represent a largely untapped resource for international steelmakers in spite of representing a significant percentage of the Earth’s available iron. Recent developments in titania–magnetite ore processing technologies have made them economically viable. This paper explores maturity of titania-magnetite blast furnace, rotary hearth furnace in combination with smelter and ITmk, their basis of operation, comparative cost position and viability under the following site specific conditions: For large installations able to source coking coal at reasonable cost; For mini-mills favored by low cost natural gas and power. The analysis shows that the selection of the appropriate technology depends on local cost factors and steel demand. For large installations able to source coking coal at reasonable cost, the Ti BF with maximum TiO2 load of about 50-60 kg/thm should be considered as the technology of choice. However, for mini-mills favored by low cost natural gas and power the RHF + Smelter process will be a suitable alternative. If the Itmk3 is successful, it will represent a breakthrough as it will allow for the wide use of Ti bearing ores in EAF steelmaking.

Keywords

Titania-magnetite ore; Blast furnace; Rotary hearth; ITmk3 process.

Titania-magnetite ore; Blast furnace; Rotary hearth; ITmk3 process.