Research Area Metallurgical RedOx Processes
The primary objective of the research area is to investigate and further develop ironmaking and steelmaking processes. The iron & steel industry is responsible for approximately 7 – 9 % of global CO2 emissions. Together with the construction materials industry, it is the world’s largest industrial emitter of pollutants. The integrated route (blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace) is the dominant process route, accounting for approximately 70 % of global steel production. As it will not be possible to abandon the existing process routes in the coming years due to infrastructural and technical process limitations, the focus of this research area is on both improving existing processes and researching possible new process routes. This also implies the possibility of changing existing procedures.
The use of specific test rigs enables experimental investigation of selected processes. In addition, a variety of distinct furnaces from the mg to kg scale are accessible to conduct experimental studies on specific phenomena of processes or sub-process steps. For the accompanying evaluation of experimental results, a variety of analytical methods are available at the chair, which complete the possibilities in the research area of Metallurgical Redox-Processes.
Current research topics are:
- Fundamental studies of the sinter process for future application scenarios
- Direct reduction technologies (with hydrogen) – fluidized bed and shaft furnace
- Processing of domestic ore
- Melting behaviour of DRI and reaction mechanism of carbon carriers in EAF/ESF
- Slag properties and slag processing with a view to a circular economy
- Biochar applications and specific characterization methods
- Electric arc furnace
- Methane pyrolysis
Contact: Jan Eisbacher-Lubensky