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Practical Application and Progress of CO2-CO Recycling inSteel Chemical Co-Production

Received Date:2024-12-25 Revised Date:2025-01-20 Accepted Date:2025-02-07

DOI:10.20078/j.eep.20250304

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    Abstract:The steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive and carbon-emitting sectorsworldwide, significantly contributing ... Open+
    Abstract:The steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive and carbon-emitting sectorsworldwide, significantly contributing to environmental challenges. As the world shifts toward moresustainable and eco-friendly industrial practices, there is increasing pressure on the steel industry toEnergy Environmental Protectionadopt technologies that mitigate its environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency. Onepromising technology is steel chemical co-production, which effectively addresses these challenges byutilizing by-products such as waste heat, waste gas, and carbon dioxide (CO) generated during thesteelmaking process. This innovative approach is critical for the steel industry′s low-carbontransformation and offers a viable path toward green manufacturing. Steel chemical co-productiontechnology focuses on capturing and repurposing by-products generated during steel production.Traditionally, processes like blast furnaces and converters produce substantial amounts of waste heatand gases, much of which remains unutilized, leading to inefficiency and environmental harm. Throughco-production technology, these by-products can be converted into valuable forms of energy, such aselectricity and heat. A key innovation is the treatment of CO, which is often released in large quantitiesduring iron ore reduction. By converting CO to CO, it can be used as a fuel for further smelting or forgenerating additional energy, thus closing the loop in steel production. One significant advantage is itspotential to reduce CO emissions. Steel producers can capture CO from various stages of steelmaking,including the blast furnace and converter, and recycle it into usable energy. Reports indicate COemissions can be reduced by over 30% across the entire steel production process, with reductions of upto 27.25% specifically during the converter process. This substantially contributes to the industry′soverall sustainability goals, achieved through the direct recycling of CO and enhanced productionsystem efficiency, thereby decreasing the need for additional energy inputs. The economic viability ofsteel chemical co-production is another critical factor. While initial investments in advanced co-production technologies may be substantial, long-term benefits are significant. By optimizing energyusage and reducing carbon emissions, steel producers can lower operational costs over time. Thesesavings can offset the initial investment, making the technology economically attractive. Furthermore,as environmental regulations become more stringent and carbon pricing mechanisms are introducedworldwide, steelmakers adopting co-production technologies are likely to benefit from regulatoryincentives, such as tax breaks or carbon credits, further enhancing the technology′s economic feasibility.In conclusion, steel chemical co-production technology offers a promising solution to the dualchallenges of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the steel industry. By recyclingCO and other by-products, this technology enhances energy efficiency, lowers emissions, and providesan economically viable route for steelmakers to contribute to a more sustainable future. As thetechnology matures and gains widespread adoption, it will play a crucial role in helping the steelindustry meet its environmental and economic challenges, aligning with the broader goals of green andsustainable development. Close-

    Authors:

    • FENG Chao1,2
    • TU Mingwei1,2
    • ZHU Rong1,2,3,*
    • ZHANG Tianfu4
    • LIN Tao1,2,5
    • WANG Xiaodong5

    Units

    • 1. Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
    • 2. Iron and Steel Recycling Technology Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167,China
    • 3. State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing,Beijing 100083, China
    • 4. Shanxi Jinnan Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd., Linfen 043400, China
    • 5. Jiangsu Binxin Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd., Lianyungang 222000, China

    Keywords

    • Steel chemical coproduction
    • Carbon dioxide utilization
    • Chemical products
    • Gasification of coal resources
    • Carbon emissions

    Citation

    FENG Chao, TU Mingwei, ZHU Rong, et al. Practical Application and Progress of CO 2-CO Recycling inSteel Chemical Co-Production[J]. Energy Environmental Protection, 2025, 39(4): 37−47.
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