ECIC 2024 highlighted the latest technologies in coke making, sintering, pelletizing, pyrolizing the biomasses and ironmaking (blast furnaces, direct reduction and carbon-based smelting processes).

Researchers from K1-MET, including PhD students, Postdocs, Project Managers and Team Leads, were excited to share some of their ongoing work in cooperation with Montanuniversitaet Leoben and present new findings to their peers in the steelmaking community.

They discussed several key aspects of the hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) technology, of which K1-MET stands at the forefront. The topics included high resolution in-situ sensing, the behaviour of selected elements in the metallurgical slag, and also a novel feeding approach inspired by electric smelting furnaces.

In addition to sharing their excitement with the wider community, the attendees were looking forward to fruitful scientific discussions, exchanging ideas and forming cooperations with similarly motivated researchers from all over Europe.

K1-MET was represented with the following presentations and contributions:

• Contribution of K1-MET GmbH: “Comparative analysis of different sinter strand modeling techniques in flowsheeting: insights for steelmaking optimization,” A. Walk
• Presentation by C. Muehlegger: “Integration of carbon capture and utilization process in a steel mill during the transition phase towards net zero emissions” (Co-authors O. Maier, A. Sasiain Conde)
• Presentation by C. R. Quick: “High resolution characterization of DC arc parameters in a Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction furnace” (Co-author E. Reichel)
• Contribution of K1-MET GmbH: “Exploring the effects of lateral hydrogen injection in the hydrogen plasma smelting reduction process,” M. Farkas, M. Zarl
• Presentation by B. Adami: “Investigation of the behaviour of phosphorus, sulfur and copper during the hydrogen plasma smelting reduction process.”
• Presentation by M. Zarl: “Carbon-free electrodes in hydrogen plasma smelting reduction: an innovative approach for low emission steelmaking” (Co-author M. Farkas)
• Presentation by T. Nanz: “Evaluation of the conversion behavior of alternative reducing agents in a test rig under raceway conditions” (Co-author J. Rieger)
• Contribution of K1-MET GmbH: “Transparent AI – key element for successful ironmaking process optimization” (Co-author M. Schatzl).

Find out more about the ECIC 2024:
https://www.aimnet.it/ecic/