METHOD FOR PRODUCING STEEL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SPONGE IRON

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process and arrangement for producing steel, in which an iron ore oxide material (5) is reduced with a reducing agent (H) in a direct reduction facility (7). The reducing agent (H) is produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit (17). The electrical energy required for the electrolysis comprises renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms (2). An intermediate product (RM) is produced independent of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available. An iron ore oxide material (5) carrying thermal energy is charged to the direct reduction facility (7). The thermal energy originates from an iron ore oxide material providing device, such as an iron ore oxide material production unit (3) or a preheater (4). The reducing agent (H) reacts with the iron ore oxide material (5) to reduce the iron ore oxide material (5) to an intermediate product (RM) by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material (5).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates primarily to a process for producing steel, in which iron ore oxide material is reduced with a reducing agent and the intermediate product thus obtained (direct reduced iron ore material) and finally associated materials are metallurgically processed.

[0002] The invention further relates to a steel production configuration and a data program programmed to cause the steel production configuration to carry out a process.

[0003] The present disclosure may also relate to a process for producing a carbon-free intermediate product.

[0004] The present invention relates primarily to the mining industry producing direct reduced iron ore material and / or to the steel industry producing steel. Furthermore, the present invention may also relate to manufacturers and suppliers of iron ore oxide material providing devices, direct reduction installations, steel production devices, etc. [Background technology]

[0005] Various modalities are currently known for accommodating variations in the production of renewable energy used in the process for producing steel.

[0006] One way to accommodate the variance may be to store the renewable energy in the intermediate product itself and use the intermediate product as a storage means to store the renewable energy until it is processed by the steel industry.

[0007] Modern steel production can be carried out by producing pig iron in the so-called high-temperature furnace process. In such production, coke from coal is usually used, which produces very significant amounts of CO 2Furthermore, so-called "direct reduction processes" are known (processes under trademarks such as MIDREX, FINMET, ENERGIRON / HYL), in which the sponge iron (intermediate product) produced may be in the form of HDRI (hot direct reduced iron), CDRI (cold direct reduced iron) or so-called HBI (hot briquetted iron).

[0008] Modern steelmaking often uses sponge iron in the form of HDRI, CDRI and HBI to produce steel, which is typically processed in very energy intensive electric arc furnaces or LD converters (basic oxygen steelmaking, where carbon-rich pig iron is turned into steel).

[0009] Currently, direct reduction plants are used to produce intermediate products by introducing heated hydrogen into the direct reduction plant to heat the iron ore oxide material that is fed into the direct reduction plant, thereby providing a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and the iron ore oxide material. Some current processes utilize hydrogen and carbon monoxide from methane and synthesis gas as needed. For example, in the so-called MIDREX process, methane is converted into carbon-containing molecules (reaction CH 4 +CO 2 =2CO+2H 2 According to the formula (1), the iron ore oxide is allowed to react with the reduction gas achieved; Fe 2 O 3 +6CO(H 2 ) = 2Fe + 3CO 2 (H 2 O) + 3CO(H 2 ).

[0010] At least one embodiment described herein may relate to a process for producing steel and processing carbon-free intermediate products while accommodating fluctuations in renewable energy production.

[0011] At least one embodiment described herein may relate to a process for producing steel and processing intermediate products containing carbon while accommodating fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0012] At least one embodiment described herein may relate to a process for producing steel and processing carbon-containing intermediate products by incorporating carbon during reduction of iron ore oxide materials while accommodating fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0013] At least one embodiment described herein may relate to a process for producing steel and processing carbon-containing intermediate products by incorporating carbon into direct reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization zone and / or carburization reactor of a direct reduction facility while accommodating fluctuations in renewable energy production.

[0014] Thus, current methods use the intermediate product itself as a storage means for storing renewable energy to meet fluctuations in the production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0015] Most steel industries and methods for producing steel lack a sustainable and comprehensive production concept based on renewable resources to produce steel in an optimal manner on an industrial scale.

[0016] In a known technique, thermal energy is introduced into the hydrogen injected into the direct reduction facility to generate the heat energy required for the chemical reaction between the hydrogen and the iron ore oxide material. The injected hydrogen has a very high temperature (e.g., 700-1050°C) to provide the chemical reaction.

[0017] However, such vigorous prior heating of the hydrogen impairs the reducing ability of the hydrogen.

[0018] In some cases, to compensate for the loss of reducing capacity of the heated hydrogen, the hydrogen is reused and reheated, which further impairs the reducing capacity of the hydrogen.

[0019] In some cases, additional hydrogen is introduced into the direct reduction plant to compensate for the loss of reducing capacity of the heated hydrogen. Nevertheless, the additional addition of hydrogen and heating is not an efficient manner to provide a process for producing steel in a fossil-free or at least substantially fossil-free manner to produce intermediate products.

[0020] According to known processes, the chemical reaction dictates that oxygen is reduced from the iron ore oxide material by heated hydrogen, thereby increasing the temperature of the iron ore oxide material during reduction.

[0021] Accordingly, the direct reduced iron ore material is discharged from the direct reduction facility and is therefore at a high temperature as the thermal energy of the heated hydrogen is transferred from the hydrogen to the iron ore material during reduction.

[0022] Thereby, the direct reduced iron ore material discharged from the direct reduction plant must be cooled, thereby compromising the energy efficiency of the steel production process and making it less than optimal.

[0023] Direct reduction of iron ore oxide material may be referred to as a solid state process in which iron ore oxide material is reduced to directly reduced iron ore material at temperatures below the melting point of iron ore.

[0024] The prior art described in US 2015 / 0259760 aims to solve the problem of how to use renewable resources for steel production on an industrial scale in terms of the production value chain required to produce steel from iron ore, and utilizes a direct reduction process for reducing iron ore oxides to intermediate products.

[0025] Over time, several attempts have been made to provide an efficient solution to the existing technical problems, i.e. a process for efficiently storing renewable energy and responding to fluctuations in renewable energy production.

[0026] The technology described in US 2015 / 0259760 uses the intermediate product itself as a storage means to store renewable energy until it is processed in the steel industry, which uses electric arc furnaces or LD converters to process the intermediate product. This type of storage provided by the prior art is one way to respond to fluctuations in the production of renewable energy. Another way of storing renewable energy according to US 2015 / 0259760 includes storing surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen if available, thereby compensating for temporary fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0027] According to US 2015 / 0259760, a direct reduction plant configured for reducing iron ore can utilize hydrogen produced on-site at the direct reduction plant, and an electric furnace in the steel industry can utilize said renewable energy (e.g. wind, water, or solar energy). According to US 2015 / 0259760, the temperature of the hydrogen can be adjusted by a heater or partial oxidation. The temperature of the hydrogen can be 450°C to 1200°C, preferably 600°C to 1200°C, in particular 700°C to 900°C.

[0028] Another prior art document, WO 2021 / 225500 A1, shows that the reducing gas is heated to 1050° C. for direct reduction.

[0029] Another prior art document, US 2021 / 0246521, indicates that the reducing gas is heated above 700° C. for said direct reduction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0030] The objective is to provide a process for producing steel and / or intermediate products such as sponge iron (DRI, HBI, etc.) using renewable energies as efficiently as possible while at the same time responding to fluctuations in renewable energy production.

[0031] The objective is to provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale in view of the required renewable energy and of meeting fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0032] The aim is to develop a process for producing steel in a sustainable manner with a comprehensive production concept based on renewable energies.

[0033] It is an objective to provide a process by which intermediate products and / or steel can be produced in an optimal manner, CO2-neutral and / or with low CO2 emissions and / or without CO2, on an industrial scale.

[0034] The objective is to provide a process for producing steel in an energy-efficient manner while reducing or eliminating CO2 and NOx emissions.

[0035] In direct reduction facilities, the objective is to minimize the utilization of hydrogen as a reducing agent to reduce the iron ore oxide material.

[0036] The aim is to minimise the use of renewable energy required to operate the electrolysis units which produce hydrogen and oxygen.

[0037] The purpose is to maintain the reducing capacity of the hydrogen during the reduction of the iron ore oxide material to intermediate products.

[0038] The objective is to maintain the high chemical reactivity and / or driving force of the hydrogen, which is essential for providing an efficient chemical reaction between the hydrogen and the iron ore oxide material.

[0039] It is an object to provide a carbon-containing intermediate product produced in a fossil-free, or at least substantially fossil-free, manner.

[0040] It is an object to provide a carbon-free intermediate product produced in a fossil-free, or at least substantially fossil-free, manner.

[0041] It is an object to provide a process for producing steel and a steel production configuration, which makes it possible to produce carbon-free and / or carbon-containing intermediate products in an energy-saving manner.

[0042] The objective is to provide efficient reduction of the iron ore oxide material whilst at the same time providing efficient control of the heat treatment process with the option of maintaining the reducing capacity of the reducing agent to achieve efficient production of reduced iron ore material that is resistant to reoxidation.

[0043] The objective is to provide a cost-effective transport supply chain for reduced iron ore materials to other industries, for example the steel industry.

[0044] For example, to produce reduced iron ore material that can be used for cost-effective steel production using electric arc furnaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0045] These or at least one of said objects is achieved by a process for producing steel, in which an iron ore oxide material is reduced with a reducing agent in a direct reduction facility and the thus obtained intermediate product of directly reduced iron ore material and finally associated substances are metallurgically processed; the reducing agent is produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit; the electrical energy required for the electrolysis may be renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms, and the intermediate product is produced independently of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available, wherein the iron ore oxide material is reduced with a reducing agent in a direct reduction facility and the thus obtained intermediate product of directly reduced iron ore material and finally associated substances are metallurgically processed; the reducing agent is produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit; the electrical energy required for the electrolysis may be renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms, and the intermediate product is produced independently of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available, and retaining thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device, the direct reduction facility is configured to reduce the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by introducing a reducing agent adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material retaining the thermal energy, and utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent thus achieving a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent, provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale, and conserve the renewable energy to accommodate fluctuations in production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0046] In this way, an efficient solution is achieved to store renewable energy and respond to fluctuations in steel production in an efficient manner.

[0047] In this way, an energy efficient process for producing steel is achieved.

[0048] By directly transporting the iron ore oxide material from the iron ore oxide material providing device to a direct reduction facility, where the iron ore oxide material retains the thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device, a highly efficient reduction and chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent is achieved. For example, there is no need to heat the reducing agent to high temperatures (e.g., above 700° C.), instead, the present disclosure utilizes the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material that retains the thermal energy generated from the ore oxide material providing device, thereby retaining the reducing ability of the reducing agent.

[0049] By utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent while maintaining the reducing ability of the reducing agent, a fast reduction, a reduced use of reducing agent (reduced use and production of renewable energy, which means a high flexibility to meet the fluctuations in the production of renewable energy for producing the reducing agent by electrolysis) is achieved.

[0050] Alternatively, if sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available, the reductant can be produced independent of current demand, and the produced reductant can be temporarily stored to accommodate fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0051] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material is reduced in a direct reduction facility with a reducing agent, which is produced by electrolysis of water.

[0052] Alternatively, the electrical energy required for electrolysis comprises renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms.

[0053] Alternatively, if sufficient reducing agent is available, the intermediate product is produced independent of current demand.

[0054] Alternatively, the reducing agent and / or intermediate product (e.g., direct reduced iron ore material) are always produced regardless of current demand if sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available, and the intermediate product for which there is no demand is stored until it is demanded / used, whereby the regenerative energy saved there is also stored; during the reduction of the iron ore oxide material to the intermediate product, a carbon-containing gas or a hydrogen-containing gas is added to the reducing agent to incorporate carbon into the intermediate product, and at least an amount of a carbon-containing gas or a hydrogen-containing gas is added to the reducing agent for reduction such that the carbon content in the intermediate product is between 0.0005% and 6.3% by weight, and the carbon-containing gas or the hydrogen-containing gas is methane or other carbon-containing gas from biogas production or pyrolysis of renewable feedstock, or synthesis gas from biomass.

[0055] Alternatively, at least a sufficient amount of carbon-containing gas or hydrogen-containing gas is added to the reducing agent for the reduction so that the carbon content in the intermediate product is 1% to 3% by mass.

[0056] Alternatively, the reducing agent for the reduction comprises hydrogen for the reduction of the iron ore oxide material providing chemical conversion to a carbon-free intermediate product.

[0057] Alternatively, the reducing agent (eg, comprised of hydrogen and optionally a carbon-containing gas) is introduced into the reduction process at a temperature lower than the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility.

[0058] Alternatively, the reducing agent may be preheated to some extent before being introduced into the direct reduction facility, and the introduced reducing agent may have a temperature of about 300°C to about 700°C, preferably about 400°C to about 650°C. In this case, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged into the direct reduction facility is always higher than the temperature of the reducing agent. For example, when the temperature of the reducing agent is lower than 700°C, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged into the direct reduction facility is higher, and therefore controlled above 700°C. For example, when the temperature of the reducing agent is lower than 600°C, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged into the direct reduction facility is higher, such as above about 650°C.

[0059] The thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material is utilized to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent, thereby achieving a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent in an energy efficient manner. During reduction, the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material is such that the reducing agent can be heated or further heated to achieve said chemical reaction.

[0060] Alternatively, when carburizing the discharged direct reduced iron ore material, the introduced reducing agent may be preheated to some extent to impart the necessary temperature to the direct reduced iron ore material, but the iron ore oxide material still retains warmer thermal energy than the reducing agent during the chemical reaction.

[0061] Alternatively, the overpressure in the reduction is between 0 bar and 15 bar.

[0062] Alternatively, the direct reduced iron ore material discharged from the direct reduction facility may have a temperature of about 20°C to 500°C or about 400°C to 700°C, preferably about 500°C to 650°C.

[0063] for example: - The iron ore oxide material has a temperature of about 1100°C when it is charged to the direct reduction plant. - The reducing agent (e.g., having a hydrogen content of 100% by volume) has a temperature of about 500°C when introduced into the direct reduction facility, and the reducing agent reacts with the iron ore oxide material to reduce the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent. - Direct reduced iron ore material ready to be discharged from the direct reduction facility and / or ready for carburization has a temperature of about 600°C (1100°C - 500°C).

[0064] Thus, for example, the direct reduced iron ore material has a desired temperature of about 600° C. at which carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material occurs most efficiently.

[0065] Alternatively, the control circuitry is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility, and / or to control the internal gas pressure within the direct reduction facility, and / or to control the reductant temperature and / or reductant gas pressure of the introduced reductant, in order to reach (or aim for) a desired temperature (e.g. 600°C).

[0066] Alternatively, the control circuitry is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material production unit to enable the iron ore oxide material to have a specific temperature (e.g., about 1100°C) to reach the desired temperature of the directly reduced iron ore material (e.g., about 600°C).

[0067] For example, the amount of hydrogen and / or oxygen produced by the electrolysis unit and used by the iron ore oxide material production unit may be adjusted to provide heat for a hardening process (oxidation and / or sintering) carried out by a hardening device of the iron ore oxide material production unit to produce thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material.

[0068] Alternatively, the control circuitry is adapted to control the pre-heating device to provide the iron ore oxide material having a specific temperature (e.g., about 1100°C) to reach the desired temperature (e.g., about 600°C) of the direct reduced iron ore material.

[0069] Alternatively, the discharged direct reduced iron ore material may be subjected to carburization in a separate carburization reactor, and the method for reducing iron ore oxide material is configured to provide direct reduced iron ore material at a temperature of, for example, about 400°C to 700°C, preferably about 500°C to 650°C, discharged from the direct reduction facility and transferred directly to the separate carburization reactor.

[0070] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to be charged with iron ore oxide material having a temperature in the range of about 800-1300°C.

[0071] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to be charged with iron ore oxide material having a temperature in the range of about 700-1400°C.

[0072] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to be charged with iron ore oxide material having a temperature in the range of about 600-1500°C.

[0073] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to be charged with iron ore oxide material having a temperature within the range of about 500°C to 1600°C, preferably within the range of about 800°C to 1300°C.

[0074] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to be charged with iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy, the thermal energy being generated by an iron ore oxide material providing device.

[0075] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material transferred from the iron ore oxide material providing device directly to the reduction facility exhibits thermal energy (heat energy) generated from a manufacturing thermal process or a preheating device, equivalent to a temperature greater than 500°C.

[0076] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material transferred from the iron ore oxide material providing device directly to the reduction facility is produced when the thermal energy (heat energy) generated from the manufacturing thermal process or preheating device corresponds to a temperature above 900°C.

[0077] Alternatively, the substantially or completely endothermic chemical reactions may consume the equivalent of heat energy of about 300° C. to 700° C., preferably about 450° C. to 550° C., which is extracted from the iron ore oxide material that retains heat energy during the reduction and chemical reactions carried out in the direct reduction facility.

[0078] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device provides iron ore oxide material (aggregates or pellets) that maintains a temperature of about 900°C to 1300°C, preferably about 1000°C to 1100°C.

[0079] In this way, less heating of the hydrogen is achieved to achieve the chemical reaction and reduction of the iron ore oxide material.

[0080] In this way it is achieved that the reduction ability of hydrogen is not impaired during the chemical reaction and reduction process.

[0081] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility may be formed as a shaft furnace, rotary kiln, or cross-flow or counter-flow heat exchanger or other direct reduction facility configured to reduce the iron ore oxide material.

[0082] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility may be configured to operate under pressure.

[0083] By increasing the internal gas pressure in the reduction equipment, the gas volume can be reduced, thus achieving cost-effectiveness and space saving.

[0084] Thus, this facilitates the use of smaller or less bulky reduction equipment, which is energy efficient.

[0085] Alternatively, the entire system of the direct reduction facility is subjected to overpressure.

[0086] Alternatively, the interior (eg, chamber) of the direct reduction equipment in which the chemical reaction takes place is subjected to overpressure (pressure greater than atmospheric pressure).

[0087] Alternatively, overpressure is achieved by injecting pressurized hydrogen into the reduction equipment.

[0088] Alternatively, the hydrogen is pressurized by a compressor device.

[0089] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises an iron ore oxide material production unit configured to produce iron ore oxide material retaining said thermal energy, which iron ore oxide material retaining said thermal energy is transferred to a direct reduction facility.

[0090] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material retains thermal energy generated from a manufacturing thermal process of the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0091] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises a pelletizing plant configured to produce iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy.

[0092] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device includes a pre-heating apparatus configured to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material prior to transporting the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction facility.

[0093] Alternatively, the technical feature relating to pre-heating the iron ore oxide material prior to its transfer to a direct reduction facility, combined with the technical feature of introducing oxygen produced by an electrolysis unit (which also produces hydrogen) into an iron ore oxide material production unit for producing iron ore oxide material, thereby increasing the oxidation rate, provides a sustainable and comprehensive production concept for the production of steel, where renewable energies can be used on an industrial scale.

[0094] Alternatively, the technical feature of pre-heating the iron ore oxide material prior to transferring the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction facility may be combined with the technical feature of introducing oxygen-enriched process gas into the hardening device to increase the oxidation rate in the production of the iron ore oxide material and to provide further operational control by the control circuitry coupled to the iron ore oxide material production unit to promote optimal carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material by controlling the amount of heat energy of the iron ore oxide material from a desired temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material discharged as it is charged to the direct reduction facility towards a set temperature.

[0095] Introducing oxygen into the iron ore oxide material production unit provides an effective manufacturing heat process by allowing efficient use of oxygen from the electrolysis of water. Oxygen may be introduced into the pelletizing unit of the iron ore oxide material production unit to provide oxidation / sintering of the iron ore mixture.

[0096] Alternatively, the pre-heating device is configured to pre-heat previously cooled iron ore oxide material ready to be transferred to the direct reduction facility, to some extent by heat recovered from the direct reduction facility and / or the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0097] Alternatively, the electrolysis unit configured to provide electrolysis of the water also produces oxygen which is used by an iron ore oxide material production unit for producing iron ore oxide material by said thermal production process, which may be effectively directly reduced in a direct reduction facility by said chemical reaction using thermal energy recovered from said thermal production process.

[0098] Alternatively, the electrolysis unit also produces oxygen, which is used by the iron ore oxide material production unit for the production of iron ore oxide material.

[0099] An electrolysis unit configured to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

[0100] Induration of the iron ore mixture provided by the induration apparatus of the iron ore oxide material production unit is accomplished by a hydrogen burner device that utilizes hydrogen and oxygen to produce heat.

[0101] Alternatively, carbon-containing material extracted from a carbon source is added to the directly reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization zone of the direct reduction facility and / or in a separate carburization reactor configured to introduce carbon to the iron ore oxide material to provide an intermediate product discharged from the direct reduction facility or a separate carburization reactor.

[0102] Alternatively, the carbon-containing material may comprise pure elemental carbon or may be an element of a molecule such as methane, propane, or other hydrocarbons or other molecules.

[0103] Alternatively, the carbon source comprises a carbon capture and utilization unit, and / or a carbon production unit configured for the production of carbon or non-fossil produced carbon, and / or a biogas production unit configured for the production of a carbon-containing gas, and / or a syngas production unit configured for the production of a carbon-containing synthesis gas from biomass.

[0104] Alternatively, the carbon production unit includes means for providing a Bosch reaction utilizing iron as a catalyst, for example for the production of carbon as defined by the following equation: CO2(g) + 2H2(g) → C(s) + 2H2O(g) + thermal energy.

[0105] Alternatively, the carbon producing unit may be referred to as a carburizing zone.

[0106] Alternatively, carbon C may be produced in a separate carburization zone and / or carburization reactor.

[0107] Alternatively, the carbon C may be transported directly to a separate carburization zone and / or carburization reactor.

[0108] Alternatively, the carbon production unit includes a Sabatier reactor producing methane CH4 from a reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2, which methane CH4 is a carbon-containing or hydrogen-containing gas that is transferred to a separate carburization zone and / or a separate carburization reactor.

[0109] Alternatively, the carbon production unit and / or the carbon capture and utilisation unit and / or the biogas production unit and / or the syngas production unit are incorporated as integrated units in the preheater and / or the iron ore production unit and / or the direct reduction plant and / or the electrolysis unit.

[0110] Alternatively, the carbon production unit includes a Fischer-Tropsch apparatus configured to produce a carbon-containing product by reducing methane CH4 produced by the Sabatier reactor, and this carbon-containing product is transferred to a separate carburization zone and / or a separate carburization reactor.

[0111] Alternatively, the carbon capture and utilization unit (CCU) may include a CO2 capture device CCD configured to capture CO2 from the atmosphere, and the captured CO2 may be transferred to said Sabatier reactor configured to produce methane CH4, respectively, of the carbon.

[0112] Alternatively, the carbon production unit configured to produce non-fossil produced carbon may be used by a cement industry plant to manufacture cement from mined calcium minerals.

[0113] Alternatively, the carbon production unit of the cement industry plant comprises a cement kiln configured to capture carbon dioxide CO2 released from the cement kiln during cement production, which carbon dioxide CO2 is transferred to said Sabatier reactor configured to produce methane CH4, respectively.

[0114] Alternatively, the intermediate product comprises a carbon-free intermediate product.

[0115] Alternatively, the intermediate product is transported to the steel industry in a combustible product storage and transport device.

[0116] Alternatively, the combustible product storage and transport device may comprise, for example, a thermocabinet containing an inert atmosphere into which the carbon-free intermediate product is transported from the direct reduction facility.

[0117] Alternatively, the control circuitry is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility, and / or to control the internal gas pressure within the direct reduction facility, and / or to control the reductant temperature and / or reductant pressure of the introduced reductant.

[0118] Alternatively, hydrogen (reductant) from regenerative production can be used in a direct reduction facility with carbon-containing gas or hydrogen-containing gas, such as CH4, COG, syngas, etc. The ratio of hydrogen from regenerative production to carbon-containing or hydrogen-containing gas streams may vary continuously as a function of availability. That is, when regenerative production of hydrogen-containing gas is low, stored regeneratively produced hydrogen-containing gas may be used, or gas from natural gas, biogas, pyrolysis, or renewable sources may be used.

[0119] Alternatively, the first control circuitry is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility by controlling the iron ore oxide material production unit to discharge the iron ore oxide material at a particular temperature, the particular temperature corresponding to a first temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or intermediate product.

[0120] Alternatively, the first control circuitry is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material providing device to control an iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility by discharging the iron ore oxide material from the iron ore oxide material production unit at a particular temperature, the particular temperature having a first temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the directly reduced iron ore oxide material ready for carburization.

[0121] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises an iron ore oxide material production unit and / or a pre-heating apparatus.

[0122] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises an iron ore oxide transport device configured to discharge the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction facility.

[0123] Alternatively, a first detector element in the carburization reactor and / or carburization zone is electrically coupled to the first control circuitry.

[0124] Alternatively, a first sensor device is disposed at the iron ore oxide material outlet of the iron ore oxide material production unit and / or at the inlet of the direct reduction plant, the first sensor device being coupled to the first control circuitry.

[0125] Alternatively, the first sensor device is configured to detect said first temperature value.

[0126] Alternatively, the first control circuitry is configured to control the iron ore oxide material production unit to discharge the iron ore oxide material at a first temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the first control circuitry takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining said first temperature value of the iron ore oxide material to be charged to the direct reduction facility.

[0127] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter values ​​are parameter values ​​of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provide optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0128] Alternatively, the second control circuitry is adapted to control an iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility by controlling the preheating device to discharge the iron ore oxide material from the preheating device at a particular temperature, the particular temperature having a second value determined from a desired parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product.

[0129] Alternatively, the second control circuitry is adapted to control an iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction facility by controlling the preheating device to discharge the iron ore oxide material from the preheating device at a particular temperature, the particular temperature having a second temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0130] Alternatively, a second sensor device is disposed at the iron ore oxide material outlet of the preheater and / or at the inlet of the direct reduction facility, the second sensor device being coupled to the second control circuitry.

[0131] Alternatively, the pre-heating device comprises a heating element that pre-heats the iron ore oxide material to have said particular temperature value prior to charging the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction plant.

[0132] Alternatively, the heating element may be fed with thermal energy extracted from a manufacturing thermal process of the iron ore oxide material production unit, which thermal energy is used to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material.

[0133] Alternatively, a second sensor device is configured to detect said second temperature value.

[0134] A second detector element in the carburization reactor and / or carburization zone is electrically coupled to the second control circuitry.

[0135] Alternatively, the second control circuitry is configured to control the iron ore oxide material production unit to discharge the iron ore oxide material at a first temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the second control circuitry takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining said first temperature value of the iron ore oxide material to be charged to the direct reduction facility.

[0136] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value is a temperature value of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provides optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0137] Alternatively, the third control circuitry is adapted to control a reductant pressure of the reductant transferred to the direct reduction facility by controlling a first pressurizing device adapted to pressurize the reductant entering the direct reduction facility at a particular reductant pressure, the particular reductant pressure having a first reductant pressure value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product.

[0138] Alternatively, the third control circuitry is adapted to control the reductant pressure by controlling the first pressurizing device to inject reductant directly into the reduction facility at said first reductant pressure value.

[0139] Alternatively, a third sensor device is disposed at the reductant inlet of the direct reduction facility, the third sensor device being coupled to a third control circuitry.

[0140] Alternatively, a third sensor device is configured to detect said first reductant pressure value.

[0141] Alternatively, a third detector element in the carburization reactor and / or carburization zone is electrically coupled to the third control circuitry.

[0142] Alternatively, the third control circuitry is configured to control the first pressurizing device to pressurize the reducing agent in the direct reduction equipment at the first reducing agent pressure value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the third control circuitry takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining the first reducing agent pressure value.

[0143] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value is a temperature value of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provides optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0144] Alternatively, the fourth control circuitry is adapted to control a reduction pressure in the direct reduction facility by controlling a second pressurizing device adapted to pressurize the reducing agent entering the direct reduction facility at a particular reduction pressure, the particular reduction pressure having a first reduction pressure value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product.

[0145] Alternatively, the fourth control circuitry is adapted to adjust the pressure of the reducing agent introduced into the direct reduction facility and / or to adjust the pressure of the excess reducing agent withdrawn by a gas pressure regulating device provided in the delivery gas line of the direct reduction facility.

[0146] Alternatively, the fourth control circuitry is adapted to control the reduction pressure by controlling the second pressurizing device to inject reducing agent into the direct reduction facility to provide the direct reduction facility with the first reduction pressure value.

[0147] Alternatively, a fourth sensor device is disposed in the direct reduction facility, the fourth sensor device being coupled to the fourth control circuitry.

[0148] Alternatively, a fourth sensor device is configured to detect said first reduced pressure value.

[0149] A fourth detector element in the carburization reactor and / or carburization zone is electrically coupled to the fourth control circuitry.

[0150] Alternatively, the fourth control circuitry is configured to control the second pressurizing device to pressurize the reducing agent in the direct reduction equipment at the first reduction pressure value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the fourth control circuitry takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining the first reduction pressure value.

[0151] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value is a desired parameter value of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provides optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0152] For example, the desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material may correspond to a desired carburization temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, and the like.

[0153] Alternatively, the fifth control circuitry is adapted to control a reductant temperature of the reductant injected into the direct reduction equipment by controlling a heating device configured to heat the reductant at a particular reductant temperature, the particular reductant temperature having a first reductant temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product.

[0154] Alternatively, the fifth control circuitry is adapted to control the reductant temperature by controlling a heating device to provide said first reductant temperature value.

[0155] Alternatively, a fifth sensor device is disposed in the direct reduction equipment, the fifth sensor device being coupled to the fifth control circuitry and configured to detect the first reductant temperature value.

[0156] Alternatively, the fifth control circuitry is configured to control the second pressurizing device to pressurize the reducing agent in the direct reduction equipment at the first reduction pressure value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the fifth control circuitry takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining the first reduction pressure value.

[0157] Alternatively, a fifth detector element in the carburization reactor and / or carburization zone is electrically coupled to the fifth control circuitry.

[0158] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter values ​​are parameter values ​​of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provide optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0159] Alternatively, at least one of the desired carburization parameter values ​​corresponds to a desired carburization temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, or the like.

[0160] Alternatively, the process includes directly reducing the iron ore oxide material with a reducing agent having a hydrogen content of at least 80% by volume, the carbon content in the directly reduced iron ore material is then increased by carburizing gas, after which the used carburizing gas is at least partially removed while substantially avoiding mixing of the carburizing gas with the reducing agent.

[0161] Alternatively, oxygen enriched process gas is introduced into the induration apparatus to enhance the rate of oxidation and enable control of the operation of the iron ore oxide material production unit by control circuitry coupled to the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0162] Thus, the amount of heat energy of the iron ore oxide material entering the direct reduction plant can be controlled towards a specific temperature set according to the desired temperature value of the exiting direct reduced iron ore material, thereby facilitating optimal carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material.

[0163] Alternatively, the control circuitry adjusts the iron ore oxide material temperature and / or the reduction pressure and / or the reductant temperature and / or the reductant pressure from the intermediate product characteristics required by the customer.

[0164] This object or at least one of the objects is achieved by a product of a process, the intermediate product being a carburized product produced by the reduction associated with carburization.

[0165] Alternatively, when reducing the iron ore oxide material to the intermediate product, a carbon or hydrogen containing gas is added to the reducing agent or as a solid carbon containing material to incorporate carbon into the intermediate product.

[0166] Alternatively, to compensate for temporary fluctuations in the production of renewable energy, the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less renewable energy for reduction, shortening the time, while at the same time this energy is stored in the form of reducing agent, if a surplus is available.

[0167] This storage may take place, for example, in a reductant gas holder tank. Such storage may be used during fluctuations. Temporary fluctuations may be predictable, for example overnight in a solar power installation, or unpredictable, for example fluctuations in wind strength in a wind farm.

[0168] While the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less regenerative energy for reduction and reduces the time, long-term fluctuations that may occur, especially due to seasonal differences, may be included in the energy storage in the form of HBI.

[0169] If necessary, carbon-containing gases such as natural gas or hydrogen-containing gases can also be utilized, and the use of reducing agents can be optimally implemented only if there is sufficient renewable electricity.

[0170] This advantageously results in an optimal potential use of the renewable energy, since the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less regenerative energy for reduction and reduces the time, while at the same time this energy can be used continuously as a function of the availability of energy in the corresponding form, and the remaining energy deficiency can be replenished as necessary by other energy carriers.

[0171] Therefore, since the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less renewable energy for reduction and in less time, it is always possible to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide CO2 to the minimum currently possible due to the use of renewable energy sources by the process.

[0172] An exemplary process may be combined, and the first, second, third, fourth and fifth control circuitry may be circuits of a control circuitry that adjusts the iron ore temperature and / or the reduction pressure and / or the reductant temperature and / or the reductant pressure from the intermediate product characteristics required by the customer.

[0173] Alternatively, the direct reduced iron ore material discharged from the direct reduction facility has a lower temperature than the temperature at which the iron ore oxide material is charged to the direct reduction facility.

[0174] Alternatively, the reducing agent introduced into the direct reduction facility has a temperature that is lower than the temperature at which the waste reduction fluid is discharged from the direct reduction facility.

[0175] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility includes a waste reduced fluid gas line connected to withdraw waste reduced fluid from the direct reduction facility.

[0176] Alternatively, the waste reduction fluid gas line includes a regulating device for regulating the pressurized reducing agent injected into the direct reduction facility and / or for regulating the withdrawn overhead gas.

[0177] Alternatively, the ratio between the reducing agent from the regenerative production and the carbon-containing gas stream or the hydrogen-containing gas stream is continuously changed as a function of availability, and when there is sufficient regenerative energy, the reducing agent from the production with regenerative energy is used, and when there is no regenerative energy, the process and configuration switches to a pure carbon-containing gas stream or a hydrogen-containing gas stream.

[0178] Alternatively, regulation of the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction plant is provided by any of the control circuitry, and regulation of the content of the reducing agent and / or carbon-containing gas or hydrogen-containing gas as part of the overall gas stream is performed by at least one of the control circuitry.

[0179] Alternatively, the at least one control circuitry may also be used to measure and control the predicted yield / production of reducing agent and / or renewable energy and / or carbon-containing or hydrogen-containing gas flowing from the biogas production unit or from the pyrolysis of renewable resources, and / or a forecast of the estimated required renewable energy taking into account the demand forecast of external consumers.

[0180] In this way it is achieved that renewable energies can be distributed optimally and most economically.

[0181] Alternatively, the gas stream discharged as an exhaust from the direct reduction may be transferred into the process as a carbon-containing gas stream or a hydrogen-containing gas stream.

[0182] The iron ore oxide material production unit may include a grate furnace device including a drying and pre-heating unit to prepare the iron ore mixture (e.g., green pellets) for the induration process.

[0183] Alternatively, the grate furnace device is configured to deliver heat energy to the oxidizing iron ore mixture to produce an iron ore oxide material having high heat energy. The grate furnace device sinters the iron ore mixture to achieve additional mechanical strength to the pellets.

[0184] The grate furnace may be divided into four zones. In the first two zones, the iron ore mixture is dried, for example by hot air blown from below the pellet bed. After leaving the first two zones, the iron ore mixture may be transported through a conditioning preheat zone and a preheat zone. These two final zones serve to increase the temperature of the iron ore mixture before it enters, for example, a rotary kiln unit.

[0185] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material production unit includes a process gas feed line configured to feed an oxygen-depleted process gas to a grate furnace device for drying and / or pre-heating and / or heating the iron ore mixture.

[0186] Alternatively, after exiting the grate furnace device, the iron ore mixture may be subjected to an oxygen-enriched process gas and fed, for example, to a rotary kiln unit for oxidizing the iron ore mixture into iron ore oxide material that retains said thermal energy.

[0187] In this way, an efficient manner of saving energy is achieved by delaying oxidation during drying and / or pre-heating and / or heating of the iron ore oxide material and then enriching oxygen during the oxidation provided by the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0188] In this way, a time-saving manufacturing thermal process is achieved while reducing the waste gases generated by the manufacturing thermal process (such as nitrogen).

[0189] Alternatively, oxygen enriched process gas is fed to the induration equipment to provide efficient oxidation and / or sintering of iron ore that has been processed in induration equipment such as straight grate induration furnaces (complete induration process in one), grate kiln (preheater / kiln / cooler) equipment, steel belt plants, etc. to produce iron ore oxide material.

[0190] In this way, the oxidation rate of the iron ore in the hardener can be increased.

[0191] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material production unit includes a pelletizing plant configured to produce thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material.

[0192] Alternatively, the process for producing steel and the steel production configuration comprises an electrolysis unit, which also produces oxygen that is used by the iron ore oxide material production unit for the manufacture of the iron ore oxide material.

[0193] Alternatively, the carburization zone is coincident with a separate (insulated) carburization zone configured to avoid mixing of the carbon-containing material with the reducing agent.

[0194] Alternatively, the carburizing zone may comprise a carburizing volume within a direct reduction installation, the carburizing volume being configured for the reduction of iron ore oxide material and configured to carburize the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and to mix the carbon-containing material with a reducing agent.

[0195] Alternatively, the carburization zone is configured to provide a separate (insulated) carburization chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to achieve carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material, the direct reduced iron ore material acting as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing material added to the direct reduced iron ore material.

[0196] Alternatively, the carburizing zone is configured to provide a non-adiabatic carburizing chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to achieve carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction, the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction acting as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing material added to the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction. CO 2 +2H 2 →C+2H 2 O CO 2 +H 2 →CO+H 2 O CO+H 2 →C+H 2 O

[0197] Alternatively, the carburization zone is configured with a carburization zone-hydrogen inlet device and / or a carburization zone-carbon-containing material inlet device.

[0198] Alternatively, the carburizing zone-hydrogen inlet device is configured to feed hydrogen H2 to the carburizing zone.

[0199] Alternatively, the carburization zone-carbon-containing material inlet device is configured to feed CO2, CH4 or other carbon-containing compounds to the carburization zone.

[0200] Alternatively, the carburization zone is configured as a separate carburization reactor with a first reactor fluid inlet device for feeding a first reactor fluid to the separate carburization reactor and a second reactor fluid inlet device for feeding a second reactor fluid to the separate carburization reactor configured to provide a chemical reaction between said first reactor fluid and said second reactor fluid.

[0201] Alternatively, the first reactor fluid inlet device and / or the second reactor fluid inlet device comprise a regulating device for regulating a property of the first and / or second reactor fluid.

[0202] Alternatively, the regulating device is electrically coupled to control circuitry adapted to regulate a property of the first and / or second reactor fluid, such as concentration, temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc.

[0203] Alternatively, the directly reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction acts as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing substances such as methane CH4 and / or carbon monoxide CO and / or solid carbon C and / or other carbon compounds which carburize the directly reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0204] Alternatively, the carburizing zone is configured to introduce carbon into the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction to provide an intermediate product that is discharged from the direct reduction facility.

[0205] Alternatively, the carburization zone is configured as a separate carburization reactor configured to avoid mixing of the carbon-containing material with the reducing agent.

[0206] Alternatively, the separate carburization reactor is configured for a chemical reaction between a first reactor fluid comprising a hydrogen content of 50% to 100% by volume and a second reactor fluid comprising carbon dioxide CO2, with the direct reduced iron ore material acting as a catalyst to produce CH4 and / or carbon monoxide CO and / or solid carbon C and / or other carbon compounds which carburize the direct reduced iron ore material.

[0207] Alternatively, the first reactor fluid comprises pure hydrogen.

[0208] Alternatively, the second reactor fluid comprises pure carbon dioxide CO2.

[0209] Alternatively, between 80% and 100% by volume of the hydrogen content is renewable hydrogen.

[0210] Alternatively, the hydrogen may include fossil hydrogen content and / or low carbon hydrogen produced by carbon capture.

[0211] Alternatively, hydrogen may be produced by electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources and / or produced by biogas reforming and / or biochemical conversion of biomass.

[0212] Alternatively, hydrogen can be produced by synthetic fuels derived from hydrogen, as well as a variety of gaseous and liquid fuels based on hydrogen and carbon.

[0213] Alternatively, the chemical reaction between the first reactor fluid and the second reactor fluid is controlled by control circuitry to provide a carburization chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to provide carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization reactor, the direct reduced iron ore material acting as a catalyst to produce CH4 and / or carbon monoxide and / or solid carbon and / or other carbon compounds which act to carburize the direct reduced iron ore material. CO 2 (g)+2H 2 (g) → C(s) + 2H 2 O(g) CO 2 +H 2 →CO+H 2 O CO+H 2 →C+H 2 O

[0214] Alternatively, the separate carburization reactor is configured to introduce carbon into the direct reduced iron ore material to provide an intermediate product that is discharged from the separate carburization reactor.

[0215] Alternatively, carbon-containing substances, including carbon dioxide CO2 and / or carbon monoxide CO and / or solid carbon C, are fed to the carburization zone to provide carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material.

[0216] Alternatively, the carburizing zone is configured to provide a Sabatier reaction and / or a Fischer-Tropsch reaction or other possible reaction in which the iron ore oxide material acts as a catalyst to produce CH4 and / or other carbon compounds and / or carbon monoxide and / or carbon which acts as a carburizing agent to provide a directly reduced iron ore material.

[0217] This object or at least one of said objects is achieved by a steel production arrangement provided for the production of steel and for a process for producing steel, the steel production arrangement comprising an iron ore oxide material providing device configured to provide an iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy, a direct reduction installation configured for the reduction of the iron ore oxide material and configured to utilize thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat an introduced reducing agent, the direct reduction installation configured to introduce a reducing agent adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent, the direct reduction installation configured to provide an energy saving and time saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale and to conserve the renewable energy to accommodate fluctuations in the production of renewable generated electrical energy, a control circuitry configured to control the iron ore oxide material providing device and to control the reduction of the iron ore oxide material, an iron ore oxide transport device adapted to charge the iron ore oxide material from the iron ore oxide material providing device to the direct reduction installation, and / or an electrolysis unit configured for electrolysis of water for the production of hydrogen and oxygen, and / or a steelmaking industry configured for the production of steel.

[0218] Alternatively, the control circuitry is configured to operate the charging of the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction plant, the control circuitry being configured to control the temperature of the iron ore oxide material transferred to the direct reduction plant, and / or to control the internal gas pressure within the direct reduction plant and / or the reductant temperature and / or the reductant gas pressure of the introduced reductant.

[0219] This object or at least one of the objects is achieved by a data program adapted to carry out the processes disclosed herein, the data program comprising computer readable program code of control circuitry for providing the processes.

[0220] Alternatively, the carbon-containing material is fed into the carburizing zone along with a reducing agent.

[0221] This object or at least one of the objects is achieved by a method for providing a process, the method comprising the steps of producing iron ore oxide material, charging iron ore oxide material, retaining thermal energy provided by an iron ore oxide material providing device, from an iron ore oxide material providing device to a direct reduction facility, introducing a reducing agent to the direct reduction facility, reducing the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction, and discharging the reducing agent from the direct reduction facility, and / or transporting the intermediate product to a steel industry.

[0222] Alternatively, the method comprises the further steps of: signalling the parameter value signal from the detector member of the direct reduction installation to a control circuit network, and instructing a transport device of the iron ore oxide material providing device to stop charging of the iron ore oxide material carrying thermal energy to the direct reduction installation.

[0223] Alternatively, the method includes commanding the direct reduction plant to stop a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reductant if the parameter value signal is an interrupt value.

[0224] Alternatively, the method includes the further step of signalling a stop signal to an operator if the parameter value signal matches the interrupt value.

[0225] Alternatively, the electrical energy required for electrolysis may be partly or wholly renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms.

[0226] Alternatively, the reducing agent (hydrogen) is produced by electrolysis of water. Preferably, the electrical energy required for the electrolysis is renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable forms of energy.

[0227] Alternatively, the present disclosure relates to a process for producing a carburized intermediate product that includes reducing an iron ore oxide material with a reducing agent such as hydrogen in a direct reduction facility to provide a reduced iron material, transporting the reduced iron material to a carburizing zone, and carburizing the reduced iron material in the carburizing zone using a carburizing gas and / or a carbon-containing substance such as solid carbon to provide a carburized intermediate product.

[0228] Alternatively, the invention relates to a process for producing a carburized intermediate product (iron ore oxide material) comprising a step of directly reducing an iron ore oxide material by a reducing agent (such as hydrogen) having a hydrogen content of at least 80% by volume, the carbon content in the intermediate product being then increased by a carburizing gas, after which the used carburizing gas is at least partially removed while substantially avoiding mixing of the carburizing gas with the reducing agent.

[0229] Alternatively, the technical feature relating to pre-heating the iron ore oxide material prior to transporting the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction facility may be combined with the further technical feature of introducing oxygen produced by the electrolysis unit into an iron ore oxide material production unit to produce iron ore oxide material, providing a sustainable and comprehensive production concept for the efficient production of steel, where renewable energy is available on an industrial scale and accommodates fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

[0230] Alternatively, the carbon production unit and / or the Sabatier reactor and / or the Fischer-Tropsch unit and / or the carbon production unit and / or the carbon capture and utilization unit and / or the biogas production unit and / or the syngas production unit are incorporated as an integrated unit in the preheating unit and / or the iron ore oxide material production unit and / or the direct reduction facility and / or the electrolysis unit and / or the steelmaking industry and are an integrated part of an integrated steel production setup to produce steel.

[0231] Alternatively, the electrical energy required for electrolysis may be derived in part or entirely from nuclear energy.

[0232] The term reducing agent may be replaced with the term reduction agent.

[0233] The reducing agent may be a gas containing a hydrogen content of 50% to 100% by volume.

[0234] The word "process" may be modified to "method" and vice versa.

[0235] Alternatively, the upper interior portion of the reduction facility is configured to receive thermal energy bearing iron ore oxide material that is charged to the reduction facility.

[0236] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide inlet of the reduction facility is configured to transport the iron ore oxide material bearing thermal energy from the iron ore oxide material providing device via an iron ore oxide transport device configured to charge the iron ore oxide material bearing thermal energy directly to the reduction facility.

[0237] The first sensor device may be arranged at an iron ore oxide material outlet and / or an iron ore oxide material inlet of the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0238] The term "heat treatment" may be changed to "thermal solidification."

[0239] The term "iron ore" may refer to metal ore or iron ore that contains elements and / or minerals other than iron, such as naturally occurring alloying elements or minor amounts of non-alloying minerals.

[0240] The term "iron ore" may refer to iron ore with introduced additives such as silica, silicon, etc.

[0241] The term "iron ore" may be replaced by the term "metal ore".

[0242] The term "reduction facility" may be changed to "direct reduction facility."

[0243] The control circuitry may include first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth and / or fifth and / or sixth control circuitry.

[0244] Alternatively, the heat treatment comprises heat consolidation.

[0245] Alternatively, the heat treatment comprises a thermal solidification process, which comprises sintering the reduced iron ore material and / or shrinking the reduced iron ore material and / or densifying the reduced iron ore material.

[0246] Alternatively, the reduction facility is configured and / or coupled to heat treatment equipment for providing a heat treatment process (preferably below about 700°C, or below about 650°C-750°C, or below about 600°C-750°C) of the iron ore oxide material prior to reduction of the iron ore oxide material.

[0247] At least one of these or said objects is a method for reducing an iron ore oxide material bearing thermal energy into a reduced iron ore material, the iron ore oxide material bearing thermal energy being provided by an iron ore oxide material providing device and being charged into an upper internal part of a reduction installation of a metal material production arrangement via an iron ore oxide material charging device, a sixth control circuitry being electrically coupled to a reducing agent temperature regulating device configured to regulate a temperature of a hydrogen-containing reducing agent introduced into an intermediate part and / or a lower internal part of the reduction installation via a reducing agent inlet device, the method comprising: This is achieved by a method characterized by the steps of reducing the iron ore oxide material in the upper internal portion by utilizing thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat an introduced hydrogen-containing reducing agent to provide a chemical reaction, providing a heat treatment process for heat treating the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and / or the reduced iron ore material before being discharged from the lower internal portion, and controlling the temperature of the introduced hydrogen-containing reducing agent for adjustment of the chemical reaction and / or the heat treatment process to reach at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material.

[0248] In this way, it is achieved that the chemical reactivity and / or high driving force of the hydrogen is largely maintained, which is essential for providing efficient reduction of the iron ore oxide material.

[0249] Alternatively, the sixth control circuitry is adapted for coarse setting of the thermal energy and for fine setting of the temperature of the introduced (pre-heated or cooled) hydrogen-containing reductant to achieve at least one desired passivation parameter value.

[0250] In this way, efficient adjustment of the temperature of the heat treatment of the reduced iron ore material is achieved and at the same time efficient adjustment of the temperature of the reduction of the iron ore oxide material is achieved.

[0251] Alternatively, the middle and lower internal portions are configured for the introduction of a pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant, the pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy.

[0252] Alternatively, the hydrogen-containing reductant is introduced into the middle and lower internal portions.

[0253] Alternatively, the bottom of the upper interior portion is configured for the introduction of a pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant, the pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy.

[0254] Alternatively, the hydrogen-containing reductant is introduced into the bottom of the upper interior portion.

[0255] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility is configured to allow the reduced iron ore material to descend into the lower internal portion and / or the intermediate internal portion to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material utilising additional thermal energy provided by the pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reducing agent.

[0256] Alternatively, further thermal energy is defined as thermal energy added to the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy and / or thermal energy added to the thermal energy of the reduced iron ore material descending the middle and / or lower internal portions.

[0257] Alternatively, a control circuit electrically coupled to the reductant temperature regulating device configured to regulate the temperature of the hydrogen-containing reductant is adapted to control the temperature of the introduced hydrogen-containing reductant to reach at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material.

[0258] In this way, it is achieved to prevent the intermediate products (sponge iron, e.g. pellets, briquettes, etc.) from having a tendency to revert to the oxidative state when exposed to the natural environment, thus reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion processes.

[0259] Alternatively, the sixth control circuitry is adapted to control the internal gas pressure of the direct reduction equipment, and / or the hydrogen temperature and / or the hydrogen gas pressure of the input hydrogen gas used as the reducing agent.

[0260] Alternatively, a reductant inlet device configured to introduce the reductant directly into the reduction facility.

[0261] Alternatively, the sixth control circuitry is electrically coupled to a reductant temperature adjustment device configured to adjust a temperature of the reductant introduced into the intermediate portion and / or the lower internal portion of the direct reduction equipment via the reductant inlet device of the direct reduction equipment.

[0262] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material charging and transferring unit of the metal materials production configuration is configured to charge the iron ore oxide material to the upper interior portion of the direct reduction installation.

[0263] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material charging device is configured to charge the iron ore oxide material into an upper interior portion of the reduction installation.

[0264] Alternatively, the discharge transport unit is coupled to an opening in the lower interior portion of the direct reduction equipment, the opening being configured to discharge the direct reduced iron ore material from the direct reduction equipment.

[0265] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility further includes a waste reduction fluid outlet device configured to discharge waste reduction fluids, such as water vapor and hydrogen gas, from the direct reduction facility.

[0266] Alternatively, the reducing agent may be preheated prior to introduction into the direct reduction equipment, and the introduced reducing agent may be preheated to a temperature of about 200 to about 500°C, or about 300°C to about 600°C, or about 400°C to about 700°C, or about 500°C to about 800°C, or about 600°C to about 900°C, or about 700°C to about 1000°C, or about 800°C to about 1100°C, or about 900°C to about 1200°C or higher (e.g., referred to as elevated temperatures in some cases).

[0267] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility (e.g., referred to as elevated temperature in some cases) can be from about 50° C. to about 350° C., or from about 100° C. to about 400° C., or from about 200 to about 500° C., or from about 300° C. to about 600° C., or from about 400° C. to about 700° C., or from about 500° C. to about 800° C., or from about 600° C. to about 900° C., or from about 700° C. to about 1000° C., or from about 800° C. to about 1100° C., or from about 900° C. to about 1200° C., or higher.

[0268] For example, to slow the cooling rate of the direct reduced iron material descending the direct reduction facility and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to direct reduction, a reducing agent having a temperature (e.g., referred to in some cases as elevated temperature) (e.g., any temperature between the ranges of about 600-1000°C, or about 500-900°C, or about 700-1100°C) that is introduced and / or is introduced into the direct reduction facility encounters the direct reduced iron material descending the direct reduction facility and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to direct reduction.

[0269] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material charged and / or being charged to the direct reduction facility at that temperature (e.g., referred to in some cases as high temperature) (e.g., any temperature between the ranges of about 600°C to about 900°C, or about 700°C to about 1000°C, or about 800°C to about 1100°C, or about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher) encounters the reducing agent that has been mostly used in the chemical reaction in the upper internal part of the reduction facility to partially further provide said chemical reaction, while the iron ore oxide material subjected to direct reduction and / or the directly reduced iron material further down the direct reduction facility is preferably subjected to said heat treatment process, whereby the overhead gas withdrawn from the reduction facility and formed by the chemical reaction in the upper internal part becomes very hot and contains high temperature steam which is fed to the high temperature electrolysis unit.

[0270] Alternatively, the reducing agent hydrogen has a lower reducing capacity than the reducing agent hydrogen introduced further down in the reduction installation.

[0271] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material being charged and / or being charged into the direct reduction equipment at a certain temperature (e.g., any temperature between the range of about 50°C to about 350°C, or about 100°C to about 400°C) encounters the reducing agent that has been mostly used for the chemical reaction in the upper interior portion of the reduction equipment to further provide said chemical reaction at least to some extent by further heating the introduced reducing agent to effect said chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent.

[0272] Thereby, an energy saving process for the direct reduction of iron ore oxide material using hydrogen and / or a hydrogen-containing reductant is achieved, which hydrogen may be temporarily stored, preferably in gas storage tanks and / or storage facilities at the geological repository and / or other buffer facilities, so that the reductant hydrogen is available and can be used when the renewable energy is not sufficiently produced, i.e. to meet fluctuations in the production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0273] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility may be lower than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction facility.

[0274] The invention may also relate to a process for producing steel, in which in a direct reduction facility iron ore oxide material is reduced with a reducing agent, such as a hydrogen-containing reducing agent, and the thus obtained intermediate products of directly reduced metallic materials and finally associated substances are metallurgically processed, the reducing agent being produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit, such as a high temperature electrolysis unit, the electrical energy required for the electrolysis may be renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power and / or other renewable energy forms and / or nuclear plants, such as plants including Small Modular Reactors (SMR), and the produced reduced iron material, so-called intermediate product, such as sponge iron, is produced independently of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available.

[0275] The iron ore oxide material is transferred to the reduction facility directly from an iron ore oxide material providing device, such as a pelletizing plant and / or a preheating unit, retaining thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device.

[0276] The direct reduction facility is configured to introduce a reducing agent adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy, thereby reducing the iron ore oxide material into an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent, to provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale, and to conserve renewable energy to accommodate fluctuations in production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0277] Alternatively, if sufficient synthetically generated electrical energy is available, reductant can be produced independent of current demand, and the produced reductant can be temporarily stored to accommodate such fluctuations.

[0278] The hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant of the hydrogen-containing reductant may be stored in gas storage tanks and / or in a storage facility at a geological repository and / or other buffer facility.

[0279] A gas storage tank or geological repository storage facility may be located between the electrolysis unit and / or the high temperature electrolysis unit and the direct reduction facility.

[0280] The hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant is configured to be fed and / or transported to a direct reduction facility for use as a reductant during fluctuations, such as during the summer.

[0281] Renewable electricity may be produced by a wind farm coupled to and used by the electrolysis unit and / or the high temperature electrolysis unit in the spring and autumn. In the spring and autumn, the hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant produced by this means by renewable energy is preferably temporarily stored in a gas storage tank and / or a storage facility of the geological repository.

[0282] In this way, efficient storage of renewable energy is achieved (in the form of hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reducing agent), which may later be used as reducing agent by a direct reduction facility during summer months when renewable electricity production is low, i.e., when sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is not available.

[0283] Alternatively, the reductant may be preheated to some extent before being introduced into the direct reduction facility.

[0284] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction plant may be greater than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction plant.

[0285] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility may be lower than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction facility.

[0286] The temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction equipment may be from about 50°C to about 350°C, or from about 100°C to about 400°C, or from about 200°C to about 500°C, or from about 300°C to about 600°C, or from about 400°C to about 700°C, or from about 500°C to about 800°C, or from about 600°C to about 900°C, or from about 700°C to about 1000°C, or from about 800°C to about 1100°C, or from about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher.

[0287] The reducing agent may be preheated before being introduced into the direct reduction equipment, and the reducing agent introduced may be preheated to a temperature of about 200 to about 500°C, or about 300°C to about 600°C, or about 400°C to about 700°C, or about 500°C to about 800°C, or about 600°C to about 900°C, or about 700°C to about 1000°C, or about 800°C to about 1100°C, or about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher.

[0288] Alternatively, by introducing a relatively warm reducing agent (e.g., about 600°C to 900°C) into the direct reduction equipment, it is achieved that the iron ore oxide material retains the thermal energy, reaches the middle and / or lower interior parts of the direct reduction equipment, is subjected to direct reduction and / or heat treatment, and is not cooled rapidly within the direct reduction equipment.

[0289] This allows the heat treatment to be carried out efficiently. The passivated and reduced iron material has a compact and dense structure to achieve an intermediate product that is resistant to reoxidation.

[0290] The intermediate product may be defined as small, round, pear-shaped, droplet-shaped, globular, bead-shaped, spherical or ellipsoidal bodies of passivated reduced iron ore material having a compact and dense structure to produce an intermediate product that is resistant to reoxidation.

[0291] Alternatively, the direct reduction equipment is configured to lower the reduced iron ore material into the lower internal portion and / or the intermediate internal portion to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material utilizing a relatively warm reducing agent that provides thermal energy to avoid rapid cooling of the iron ore material subjected to direct reduction and / or heat treatment.

[0292] Alternatively, the control circuitry is coupled to the iron ore oxide preheating plant and / or the heating device and is configured to control the temperature of the incoming iron ore oxide material such that the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and / or heat treatment progresses towards a predetermined temperature of about 200-600°C, preferably about 300-500°C, for a predetermined period of time long enough to enable a heat treatment process that provides said desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material, and thus provides an intermediate product that is resistant to re-oxidation.

[0293] Alternatively, the predetermined temperature is about 400 to 800°C, preferably about 500 to 700°C.

[0294] Alternatively, the predetermined temperature is about 600 to 1000°C, preferably about 700 to 900°C.

[0295] Alternatively, the control circuitry is further coupled to a reductant pre-heating device configured to pre-heat the reductant prior to introduction into the direct reduction equipment and configured to control the temperature of the reductant such that the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and / or heat treatment progresses towards a predetermined temperature of about 200-600°C, preferably about 300-500°C, for a predetermined period of time long enough to enable a heat treatment process that provides said desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material, and thus provides an intermediate product that is resistant to re-oxidation.

[0296] Alternatively, the control circuitry may be adapted to control the temperature of the iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy towards a predetermined temperature to provide a heat treatment process in a direct reduction facility for the thermal treatment of iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction for a predetermined period of time, thereby reaching desired passivation parameter values ​​in terms of porosity and / or sponge iron size and / or weight per volume of sponge iron produced and / or iron ore particle structure and / or cut uniformity of the samples and / or shrinkage and / or sintering and / or cold crushing strength etc.

[0297] Alternatively, the desired passivation parameter value may be defined as a rate and / or degree and / or grade and / or amount and / or percentage value of reoxidation of the intermediate product (sponge iron and / or reduced iron ore material).

[0298] Alternatively, the desired passivation parameter value for porosity, the definition of which may be expressed as the ratio of the pore volume of the produced sponge iron to its total volume. The sponge iron size may be expressed as the average diameter of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The weight per volume may be defined as a measure of the iron concentration of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The iron ore grain structure may be defined as the final microstructure and distribution of dense and porous regions of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The cut uniformity of the sample may define the density of the sponge iron agglomerates produced.

[0299] Alternatively, a heat treatment process provided by the control circuitry for a predetermined period of time, thereby reaching a desired passivation parameter value of the produced sponge iron, produces sponge iron or intermediate products having a dense structure and / or high uniformity of final porosity and / or high uniformity of chemical composition in specific regions (such as the central region of the sponge iron aggregates), which is resistant to reoxidation and produced with low carbon dioxide emissions for cost-efficient and energy-saving production in subsequent steel production in the steel mill.

[0300] The present disclosure(s) may not be limited to the above-described examples, and many possibilities for modification or combination of the described examples should be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the basic idea defined in the appended claims.

[0301] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, although some unimportant details may be omitted from the drawings for clarity and understanding of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0302] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a steel production setup and process using renewable energy according to a first example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a steel production configuration and process using renewable energy according to a second example. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, using renewable energy and using carbon-containing materials to produce intermediate products to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, using renewable energy and using carbon-containing materials to produce intermediate products to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [Figure 3c] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, using renewable energy and using carbon-containing materials to produce intermediate products to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [Figure 3d] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, using renewable energy and using carbon-containing materials to produce intermediate products to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment including control circuitry adapted to provide desired carburization parameter values ​​of direct reduced iron ore material / iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction in order to optimize carburization and current demand. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment including control circuitry adapted to provide desired carburization parameter values ​​of direct reduced iron ore material / iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction in order to optimize carburization and current demand. [Figure 4c] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment including control circuitry adapted to provide desired carburization parameter values ​​of direct reduced iron ore material / iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction in order to optimize carburization and current demand. [Figure 4d]FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment including control circuitry adapted to provide desired carburization parameter values ​​of direct reduced iron ore material / iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction in order to optimize carburization and current demand. [Figure 4e] FIG. 1 illustrates a preheating device in a steel production configuration according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a steel production configuration and process in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows an iron ore oxide material production unit in a steel production configuration according to a fifth example. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates a steel production configuration and process using renewable energy according to a sixth example. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows a steel production configuration and process using renewable energy according to a seventh example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 shows a direct reduction facility for steel production configuration and process according to an eighth example. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary method for reducing iron ore oxide materials in a steel production configuration and process. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary method for reducing iron ore oxide materials in a steel production configuration and process. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 illustrates a control circuitry for a steel production configuration and process according to a further example. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated steel production configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 14a] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary iron ore oxide material production unit. [Figure 14b] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary iron ore oxide material production unit. [Figure 14c] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary iron ore oxide material production unit. [Figure 14d] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary iron ore oxide material production unit. [Figure 15a] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary steel production configuration. [Figure 15b]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary steel production configuration. [Figure 15c] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary steel production configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0303] FIG. 1 shows a steel production configuration and process using renewable energy according to a first example. The process for producing steel comprises process steps in which iron ore oxide material 5 (such as iron ore pellets) is reduced with hydrogen H in a direct reduction facility 7 and the thus obtained intermediate product RM of the direct reduced iron ore material (such as sponge iron) and possible associated substances are metallurgically processed by a steel production facility 17. Hydrogen H is produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit 19. The electric energy required for the electrolysis is renewable energy originating from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy supply 2. Hydrogen H and / or intermediate product RM are produced independently of the current demand, provided that sufficient regeneratively generated electric energy is available. The iron ore oxide material 5 is transferred from a preheating device 4 to a direct reduction facility 7, retaining the thermal energy generated from the preheating device 4. The preheating device 4 is configured to preheat the iron ore oxide material 5 before transferring the iron ore oxide material 5 from the preheating device 4 to the direct reduction facility 7 by a transfer device 95.

[0304] Alternatively, the pre-heating device 4 is configured to utilise some of the heat recovered from the direct reduction facility and / or the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 configured to produce the iron ore oxide material 5 to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material ready to be transferred to the direct reduction facility.

[0305] Alternatively, the technical feature of pre-heating the iron ore oxide material 5 prior to its transfer to the direct reduction facility 7, combined with the further technical feature of introducing oxygen 10 produced by the electrolysis unit 19 (which also produces hydrogen H) into the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 in order to produce the iron ore oxide material 5, provides a sustainable comprehensive production concept for the efficient production of steel, where renewable energies can be used on an industrial scale and which accommodates fluctuations in the production of renewable energies.

[0306] The direct reduction facility 7 is configured to introduce hydrogen H adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 retaining the thermal energy provided by the pre-heating device 4, thus reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 to an intermediate product RM by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen H to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material 5 and the hydrogen H.

[0307] Hydrogen H and / or intermediate products RM are always produced, regardless of current demand, provided sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available. Intermediate products RM for which there is no demand are stored until they are in demand / used, and thus the regenerative energy saved is also stored.

[0308] Alternatively, when reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 to the intermediate product RM, a carbon- or hydrogen-containing gas may be added to the hydrogen H in order to incorporate carbon into the intermediate product RM. At least an amount of carbon- or hydrogen-containing gas is added to the hydrogen H for reduction such that the carbon content in the intermediate product is 0.0005% by mass to 6.3% by mass.

[0309] Alternatively, the carbon or hydrogen containing gas is methane or other carbon containing gas from biogas production or pyrolysis of renewable feedstocks, or synthesis gas from biomass.

[0310] Alternatively, a carbon-containing gas or a hydrogen-containing gas is added to the hydrogen H for reduction in an amount sufficient to make the carbon content in the intermediate product 1% by mass to 3% by mass.

[0311] Alternatively, hydrogen H may be comprised of pure hydrogen gas and possibly carbon-containing gases, introduced into the reduction process at a temperature between 450°C and 1200°C, the reduction process using thermal energy from the charged iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy from the preheater 4.

[0312] Alternatively, the reduction facility 7 is configured to produce a carbon-free intermediate product RM.

[0313] Alternatively, the overpressure in the reduction is between 0 bar and 15 bar.

[0314] Alternatively, the steel production configuration includes an iron ore oxide material production unit 3 , such as a pelletizing plant configured for the production of iron ore oxide material 5 .

[0315] Alternatively, the electrical energy required for electrolysis includes electrical energy derived in part from atomic energy.

[0316] The electrolysis unit 19 is electrically coupled to a hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar photovoltaic or other renewable energy supply 2 and is configured to provide electrolysis of said water also producing oxygen 10 which is used by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to produce iron ore oxide material 5.

[0317] The pre-heater 4 heats the iron ore oxide material 5 before it is charged to the direct reduction plant 7 .

[0318] In this manner, the iron ore oxide material 5 being reduced in the direct reduction facility 7 is able to retain the thermal energy generated from the pre-heater 4 .

[0319] In this way, a process for producing steel is provided which uses renewable energy for steel production on an industrial scale, achieving a sustainable and inclusive production concept based on renewable energy.

[0320] In this way, a process for producing steel is provided which requires less renewable energy for reduction and takes less time, while at the same time responding to fluctuations in the production of renewable energy used in the process for producing steel.

[0321] This is due to the fact that the reduction ability of hydrogen is maintained while the iron ore oxide material is reduced to intermediate products. The chemical reactivity and / or high driving force of hydrogen is maintained, which is essential for providing an efficient chemical reaction with the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0322] This is due to the fact that the utilization of hydrogen as a reducing agent for reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 is minimized in order to conserve regeneration energy.

[0323] Alternatively, the transport of the carbon-free intermediate product is performed by a combustible storage transport train car FL including a thermocabinet into which the carbon-free intermediate product RM is transferred from the direct reduction facility 7 .

[0324] 2 shows a steel production setup and process using renewable energy according to a second example. The process for producing steel comprises process steps in which iron ore oxide material 5 (such as iron ore pellets) is reduced with hydrogen H in a direct reduction facility 7 and the intermediate product RM of direct reduced iron ore material thus obtained and possible associated substances are metallurgically processed by a steel production unit 17. Iron scrap SI may be added to the process for producing steel.

[0325] Hydrogen H is produced by electrolysis of water in an electrolysis unit 19. The electrical energy required for the electrolysis is renewable energy coming from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy supplies 2.

[0326] The direct reduction facility 7 is configured for the introduction of hydrogen H adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy, thus reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 to an intermediate product RM by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen H in order to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material 5 and the hydrogen H. The hydrogen H and / or intermediate product RM are always produced, independent of the current demand, provided that sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available. The intermediate product RM that is not in demand is stored until it is in demand / used, whereby the regenerative energy saved there is also stored.

[0327] The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 is configured to produce thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material 5. The thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material 5 is transported by a transport device 95 to the direct reduction facility 7. The thermal energy is generated from the manufacturing thermal process of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0328] Thus, the reduction capacity of the hydrogen H is maintained and not compromised during the reduction of the iron ore oxide material in the direct reduction facility 7 by use of the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5. The chemical reactivity of the hydrogen H and / or the high driving force of the hydrogen H is thus maintained, which is essential for providing an efficient chemical reaction with the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0329] The usage of hydrogen H as a reducing agent for the reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 is minimized to save regeneration energy.

[0330] In order to compensate for temporary fluctuations in the production of renewable energy, the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less renewable energy for reduction and reduces the time, while at the same time this energy is stored in the form of hydrogen if a surplus is available.

[0331] Alternatively, a hydrogen storage tank HT is provided between the electrolysis unit 19 and the direct reduction installation 7. Such a hydrogen storage tank arrangement HT can be used in case of fluctuations in the production of renewable energy. The temporary fluctuations may be predictable, for example at night in a photovoltaic installation, or unpredictable, for example fluctuations in wind strength in a wind farm.

[0332] While the process for producing steel according to the invention requires less regenerative energy and reduces the time for reduction, long-term fluctuations that may occur, especially due to seasonal differences, can be included in the energy storage in the form of HBI (hot briquetted iron).

[0333] 3a-3d illustrate a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment that uses renewable energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by using carbon-containing materials to produce intermediate products.

[0334] 3a shows a steel production configuration and process using renewable energy according to a third example, in which carbon-containing material 100 is extracted from a carbon source CS and added to the iron ore oxide material being reduced in a separate carburization zone 101 of the direct reduction facility 7 and / or in a separate carburization reactor 102 configured to provide carbon to the directly reduced iron ore material, managing the production of a carbon-containing intermediate product RM discharged from the direct reduction facility 7 and / or the separate carburization reactor 102.

[0335] Alternatively, the carbon-containing material 100 may comprise pure elemental carbon or may be a molecular component such as methane, propane, or other hydrocarbons or other molecules.

[0336] Alternatively, the carbon source CS may comprise a carbon capture and utilization unit (CCU).

[0337] Alternatively, the carbon capture and utilization unit (CCU) includes a CO2 capture device CCD configured to capture CO2 from the atmosphere, and the captured CO2 is transferred to a separate carburizing zone 101 and / or a separate carburizing reactor 102.

[0338] FIG. 3b shows an exemplary steel production configuration and process.

[0339] The direct reduction equipment 7 may be charged with high-temperature iron ore oxide material 5, for example, at 800 to 1300°C, and the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 charged into the direct reduction equipment 7 is generated by an iron ore oxide material providing device (not shown).

[0340] Alternatively, the carburization zone constitutes a separate (insulated) carburization zone 101 configured to avoid mixing of the carbon-containing material 100 and the reducing agent RA injected into the carburization zone 101 .

[0341] Alternatively, the carburizing zone constitutes a carburizing volume (not shown) within the direct reduction installation 7, which is configured for the reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 and is configured to carburize the iron ore oxide material 5 subjected to reduction and to mix the carbon-containing material 100 with the reducing agent RA.

[0342] Alternatively, the carburizing volume is configured to provide a carburizing chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to achieve carburization of the reducing iron ore oxide material 5, the reducing iron ore oxide material 5 acting as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing material added to the reducing iron ore oxide material 5.

[0343] Alternatively, the separate carburization zone 101 is configured to provide a separate (insulated) carburization chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to achieve carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material 5, with the direct reduced iron ore material acting as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing materials added to the direct reduced iron ore material. CO 2 +2H 2 →C+2H 2 O CO 2 +H 2 →CO+H 2 O CO+H 2 →C+H 2 O

[0344] Alternatively, a separate carburization zone 101 is configured with a carburization zone carbon-containing material inlet device (not shown) and / or a carburization zone hydrogen inlet (not shown).

[0345] Alternatively, the carburization zone carbon-containing material inlet is configured to feed carbon-containing material 100 (e.g., CO2, CH4) or other carbon-containing compounds into a separate carburization zone 101.

[0346] Alternatively, the carburizing zone hydrogen inlet is configured to feed a hydrogen-containing gas H (H2) to the separate carburizing zone 101.

[0347] Alternatively, the carburization zone is configured as a separate carburization reactor 102 with a first reactor fluid inlet (not shown) for feeding a first reactor fluid (carbon-containing material 100) to the separate carburization reactor 102 and a second reactor fluid inlet (not shown) for feeding a second reactor fluid (hydrogen-containing gas H) to the separate carburization reactor 102 configured to provide a chemical reaction between said first reactor fluid and second reactor fluid.

[0348] Alternatively, the first reactor fluid inlet and / or the second reactor fluid inlet include a regulating device (not shown) for regulating the properties of the first and / or second reactor fluids.

[0349] Alternatively, the regulating device is electrically coupled to control circuitry (not shown) adapted to regulate a property of the first and / or second reactor fluid, such as concentration, temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc.

[0350] Alternatively, the directly reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction acts as a catalyst to produce carbon-containing materials such as methane CH4 and / or carbon monoxide CO and / or solid carbon C and / or other carbon compounds which carburize the directly reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0351] Alternatively, the separate carburization reactor 102 is configured for a chemical reaction between a first reactor fluid comprising carbon dioxide CO2 and a second reactor fluid comprising a hydrogen content of 80-100% by volume, in which the direct reduced iron ore material DRI fed to the separate carburization reactor 102 acts as a catalyst to produce CH4 and / or carbon monoxide CO and / or solid carbon C and / or other carbon compounds that carburize the direct reduced iron ore material DRI.

[0352] Alternatively, the chemical reaction between the first reactor fluid and the second reactor fluid is controlled by control circuitry (not shown) to provide a carburization chemical reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2 to provide carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization reactor 102, the direct reduced iron ore material DRI acting as a catalyst to produce CH4 and / or carbon monoxide and / or solid carbon and / or other carbon compounds which act to carburize the direct reduced iron ore material. CO 2 (g)+2H 2 (g) → C(s) + 2H 2 O(g) CO 2 +H 2 →CO+H 2 O CO+H 2 →C+H 2 O

[0353] FIG. 3c shows an exemplary steel production configuration and process using renewable energy. The carbon production unit includes a Sabatier reactor SR for producing methane CH4 from a reaction between hydrogen H2 and carbon dioxide CO2, which is a carbon-containing or hydrogen-containing gas that is transferred to a separate carburization zone 101 and / or a separate carburization reactor 102. The carbon production unit includes a Fischer-Tropsch FT device configured to produce a carbon-containing product by reducing the methane CH4 produced by the Sabatier reactor, which is transferred to a separate carburization zone 101 and / or a separate carburization reactor 102. The produced intermediate product RM is transferred to the steelmaking industry 17.

[0354] Figure 3d shows an exemplary steel production setup and process using renewable energy. Biogas production unit CS2 is configured for the production of carbon-containing gas.

[0355] Alternatively, the steel production configurations and processes using renewable energy may include means for providing the so-called Bosch reaction within and / or separately from part of the direct reduction facility by adding hydrogen and carbon dioxide to the iron ore oxide material being reduced in order to carburize the iron ore oxide material.

[0356] Alternatively, the Bosch reaction utilizes iron as a catalyst to produce carbon via CO2(g) + 2H2(g) → C(s) + 2H2O(g) + heat energy, which may be produced in a separate carburization zone of the direct reduction facility and / or in a separate carburization reactor 102.

[0357] Alternatively, the carbon production unit CS1 configured for the production of non-fossil produced carbon is used by a cement industry plant which produces cement from mined calcium minerals.

[0358] Alternatively, the carbon production unit CS1 of the cement industry plant includes a cement kiln (not shown) configured to capture carbon dioxide CO2 released from the cement kiln during the production of cement, which carbon dioxide CO2 is used for carburization of the iron ore oxide material during reduction.

[0359] Alternatively, the carbon production unit and / or the Sabatier reactor and / or the Fischer-Tropsch unit and / or the carbon production unit and / or the carbon capture and utilisation device and / or the biogas production unit and / or the syngas production unit are incorporated as an integrated unit in the preheating unit and / or the iron ore oxide material production unit and / or the direct reduction facility and / or the electrolysis unit and / or the steelmaking industry17.

[0360] 4a-4d show a steel production configuration and process according to an exemplary embodiment including a control circuitry coupled to an iron ore oxide material production unit 3 and adapted to provide desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction in order to optimize the carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material and current demand from the steel production industry 17.

[0361] FIG. 4a shows a process using a first control circuitry 51 adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material 5 fed from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to the direct reduction plant 7, and / or to control the internal gas pressure (not shown) in the direct reduction plant 7, and / or the hydrogen temperature and / or hydrogen gas pressure of introduced hydrogen (not shown) used as a reducing agent.

[0362] The first control circuitry 51 may be adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material 5 transferred to the direct reduction facility 7 by controlling the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 at a particular temperature, the particular temperature having a first temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization. The first detector member DCT1 of the carburization reactor 102 and / or the carburization zone 101 is electrically coupled to the first control circuitry 51.

[0363] Alternatively, a first sensor device S1 is arranged at an iron ore oxide material outlet (not shown) of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 and / or at an iron ore oxide material inlet (not shown) of the direct reduction equipment 7, and this first sensor device S1 is coupled to the first control circuit network 51.

[0364] Alternatively, the steel and / or sponge iron process for producing carburized sponge iron includes the steps of reducing iron ore oxide material with a reducing agent such as hydrogen introduced into a direct reduction facility 7 to provide a directly reduced iron ore material, transporting the directly reduced iron material to a carburizing zone 101, and carburizing the reduced iron ore material in the carburizing zone 101 using a carburizing gas and / or a carbon-containing material such as solid carbon and / or the introduced hydrogen itself to provide a carburized sponge iron or intermediate product.

[0365] Alternatively, the first sensor device S1 is configured to detect said first temperature value.

[0366] Alternatively, the first control circuitry 51 is configured to control the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 at a first temperature value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, and the first control circuitry 51 takes into account the desired carburization parameter value when determining the first temperature value of the iron ore oxide material 5 to be charged to the direct reduction equipment 7.

[0367] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter values ​​are parameter values ​​of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provide optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0368] FIG. 4b shows application of a second control circuitry 52 adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material 5 transferred to the direct reduction facility 7 by controlling the pre-heating device 4 to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 to the direct reduction facility 7 at a particular temperature, the particular temperature having a second temperature value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0369] Alternatively, a second sensor device S2 is disposed at the iron ore oxide material outlet (not shown) of the pre-heating apparatus 4 and / or at the inlet (not shown) of the direct reduction plant 7, and this second sensor device S2 is coupled to the second control circuit network 52.

[0370] Alternatively, the second sensor device S2 is configured to detect said second temperature value.

[0371] The second detector element DCT 2 of the carburization reactor 102 and / or the carburization zone 101 is electrically coupled to the second control circuitry 52 .

[0372] Alternatively, the second control circuitry 52 is configured to control the pre-heating device 4 to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 at a second temperature value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0373] The second control 52 circuit takes into account the desired carburization parameter values ​​in determining said second temperature value of the iron ore oxide material 5 charged to the direct reduction plant 7 .

[0374] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value is a temperature value of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provides optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0375] for example, The specific temperature of the ore oxide material 5 when it is charged to the direct reduction plant is about 1100°C. - The reducing agent (e.g., having a hydrogen content of 100% by volume) has a temperature of about 500°C when introduced into the direct reduction facility, and the reducing agent reacts with the iron ore oxide material and reduces the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent. The produced reduced iron ore material ready to be discharged from the direct reduction plant and / or ready for carburization has a temperature of about 600°C (1100°C - 500°C = 600°C).

[0376] Thus, for example, the reduced iron ore material may have a desired temperature of about 600° C. at which carburization of the reduced iron ore material is most efficient.

[0377] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value corresponds to a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a carbon content value, and the like.

[0378] FIG. 4c illustrates the application of a third control circuitry 53 adapted to control the hydrogen gas pressure of the hydrogen H transferred to the direct reduction facility 7 by controlling a first pressurizing device 63 adapted to pressurize the hydrogen entering the direct reduction facility 7 at a specific hydrogen gas pressure, the specific hydrogen gas pressure having a first hydrogen gas pressure value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0379] The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 is configured to discharge iron ore oxide material 5 retaining thermal energy (arising from the manufacturing thermal process provided by the iron ore oxide material production) to a direct reduction facility 7 .

[0380] Alternatively, the third control circuitry 53 is adapted to control the hydrogen gas pressure by controlling a first pressurizing device 63 (such as a pressurizing pump) to inject hydrogen H directly into the reduction equipment 7 at said first hydrogen gas pressure value.

[0381] Alternatively, a third sensor device S3 is disposed at the hydrogen gas inlet 69 of the direct reduction facility 7 , and this third sensor device S3 is coupled to the third control circuitry 53 .

[0382] Alternatively, the third sensor device S3 is configured to detect the first hydrogen gas pressure value.

[0383] A third detector element (not shown) in the carburization reactor 102 and / or the carburization zone 101 is electrically coupled to the third control circuitry 53 and configured to detect the desired carburization parameter value.

[0384] Alternatively, the third control circuitry 53 is configured to control the first pressurizing device 63 to pressurize the hydrogen H in the direct reduction installation 7 at said first hydrogen gas pressure value determined from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization, wherein the third control circuitry 53 takes into account the desired carburization parameter value in determining said first hydrogen gas pressure value.

[0385] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value is a temperature value of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provides optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0386] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value corresponds to a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a carbon content value, and the like.

[0387] FIG. 4d shows that the process application using the fourth control circuitry 54 is adapted to control the internal reduction pressure in the direct reduction facility 7 by controlling the second pressurizing device 64.

[0388] The second pressurizing device 64 may include a valve package assembly (not shown) configured to regulate the internal reduction pressure, and the interior of the direct reduction equipment 7 may be pressurized by controlling the flow rates of hydrogen, carburizing gas, etc., and by controlling the overhead gas outlet flow by a regulating device RD coupled to the fourth control circuitry 54.

[0389] Alternatively, the regulating device RD may be configured to regulate the internal reduction pressure and / or the flow rate of hydrogen, carburizing gas, etc., and can be used to regulate the withdrawn overhead gas.

[0390] The internal reduction pressure is set to a specific internal reduction pressure, the specific internal reduction pressure having a first internal reduction pressure value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the carburization ready direct reduced iron ore material.

[0391] Alternatively, the fourth control circuitry 54 is adapted to control the internal reduction pressure by controlling the second pressurizing device 64 and / or by controlling the regulating device. The fourth sensor device S4 is disposed in the direct reduction installation 7 and is coupled to the fourth control circuitry 54. The fourth sensor device S4 is configured to detect the first internal reduction pressure value.

[0392] The fourth control circuitry 54 is configured to control the second pressurizing device 64 (and / or the regulating device RD) to pressurize the interior of the direct reduction installation 7 at the first internal reduction pressure value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0393] A fourth detector element (not shown) in the carburizing zone 101 and / or the carburizing reactor 102 is electrically coupled to the fourth control circuit network 54, and the fourth detector element detects the first internal reduction pressure value.

[0394] The fourth control circuitry 54 takes into account the desired carburization parameter values ​​in determining the first internal reduction pressure value.

[0395] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter values ​​are parameter values ​​of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provide optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0396] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter value or parameter values ​​correspond to a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a carbon content value, or the like.

[0397] Figure 4e shows a pre-heater 4 of an iron ore oxide material providing device in a steel production configuration according to one embodiment. The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 is configured to discharge iron ore oxide material 5 which retains thermal energy.

[0398] The iron ore oxide material 5 is cooled by a cooling device 81 configured to cool the discharged iron ore oxide material 5.

[0399] Alternatively, the thermal energy TE′ extracted from the iron ore oxide material 5 discharged by the cooling device 81 is fed back to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 and used in the manufacturing thermal process for producing the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0400] Alternatively, the cooled iron ore oxide material 5 is stored and / or transported to the direct reduction facility 7. Prior to charging the iron ore oxide material 5 to the direct reduction facility 7, the iron ore oxide material 5 is preheated by a preheating device 4.

[0401] Alternatively, the control circuitry 50 is adapted to control the pre-heating device 4 to enable the iron ore oxide material 5 to have a specific temperature value (e.g., about 1100°C) for reaching a desired temperature value of the reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) (e.g., about 600°C).

[0402] Alternatively, the pre-heating device 4 is configured to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material 5 to a temperature in the range of approximately 800-1300°C.

[0403] Alternatively, the pre-heating device 4 comprises a heating element 82 for pre-heating the iron ore oxide material 5 to have said particular temperature value before the iron ore oxide material 5 is charged to the direct reduction facility 7 .

[0404] For example, the heating element 82 may be fed with thermal energy TE″ extracted from the manufacturing thermal process of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3, which thermal energy TE″ is used to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0405] For example, the heating element 82 may be configured with a hydrogen gas burner (not shown) that generates heat in the iron ore mixture by using hydrogen and oxygen produced by an electrolysis unit (not shown), and / or may be configured with another type of combustion device (not shown) and / or an electric heater (or the like).

[0406] Alternatively, the control circuitry 50 is configured to control the pre-heater 4 to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 at a particular temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM).

[0407] For example, the desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material may correspond to a desired carburization temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, and the like.

[0408] FIG. 5 illustrates application of the process using a fifth control circuitry 55 adapted to control the hydrogen temperature of the hydrogen injected into the direct reduction plant 7 by controlling a heating device 74 configured to heat the hydrogen H at a specific hydrogen temperature, the specific hydrogen temperature having a first hydrogen temperature value determined from desired carburization parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization.

[0409] Alternatively, the fifth control circuitry 55 is adapted to control the hydrogen temperature by controlling the heating device 74 to provide the first hydrogen temperature value. A fifth sensor device S5 is disposed in the direct reduction arrangement 7, the fifth sensor device S5 being coupled to the fifth control circuitry 55 and configured to detect the first hydrogen temperature value.

[0410] The fifth control circuitry 55 may be configured to control the hydrogen temperature from a desired carburization parameter value of the direct reduced iron ore material ready for carburization. A fifth detector element (not shown) of the carburization reactor 102 and / or carburization zone 101 is electrically coupled to the fifth control circuitry 55.

[0411] Alternatively, the desired carburization parameter values ​​are parameter values ​​of the directly reduced iron ore material (and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction) that provide optimal carburization of the directly reduced iron ore material and / or optimal carburization of the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction.

[0412] Alternatively, at least one of the desired carburization parameter values ​​corresponds to a desired carburization temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore porosity value of the direct reduced iron ore material, a desired iron ore size value of the direct reduced iron ore material, or the like.

[0413] The exemplary process may be combined and the first, second, third, fourth and fifth control circuitry 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 may be circuits of the control circuitry 50 that adjusts the iron ore oxide material temperature and / or the reduction pressure and / or the hydrogen temperature and / or the hydrogen gas pressure from the required properties of the intermediate product RM.

[0414] FIG. 6 shows a steel production configuration and process using an iron ore oxide material providing device including an iron ore oxide material production unit 3 configured to produce iron ore oxide material 5 that retains said thermal energy, which is transferred to a direct reduction facility 7 for producing an intermediate product RM that is processed in a steelmaking industry 17.

[0415] The mined iron ore is transported from the iron ore mine IOM to the sorting and concentrating plant SCP of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3. The iron ore may be subjected to screening, crushing, separation, grinding, flotation processes and further separation may be provided by the sorting and concentrating plant SCP.

[0416] Alternatively, various additives may be mixed into the iron ore mixture 24 or slurry after the crushing, separation and flotation processes.

[0417] The iron ore mixture 24 may be filtered to a particular moisture content and impurities may be separated from the iron ore mixture 24 to increase the iron content.

[0418] Once enrichment of the iron content in the iron ore mixture 24 is complete, the iron ore mixture 24 is transferred to a pelletizing plant 78 of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3. In the pelletizing plant 78, clay minerals may be added to the iron ore mixture 24 as a binder, after which an agglomerated iron ore mixture (e.g. so-called "green" pellets) may be formed in a rotating drum (not shown). The iron ore mixture 24 may be dried 72 and preheated 74 to increase the structural strength of the iron ore mixture 24.

[0419] The pelletizing plant 78 may be a grate kiln pelletizing plant or a rotary kiln plant, or any other type of pellet producing plant. The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 is configured to process the agglomerated iron ore mixture 24 by a manufacturing thermal process.

[0420] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 may produce agglomerated iron ore oxide material 5 such as pellets which are fed directly into a direct reduction plant 7 for use in the direct reduction plant 7 to utilize the heat of the iron ore oxide material 5 either directly or via a pre-heating device (see FIG. 1 , reference numeral 4).

[0421] Alternatively, the production of the iron ore oxide material 5 may comprise the following steps: crushing the iron ore bodies, separating the iron ore particles, producing an iron ore mixture 24 of the iron ore particles, and hardening the iron ore mixture 24 by oxidizing the iron ore mixture 24 and / or sintering the iron ore mixture 24.

[0422] Alternatively, the step of hardening the iron ore mixture 24 may be preceded by a step of drying the iron ore mixture 24 and / or a step of preheating the iron ore mixture 24 and / or a step of heating the iron ore mixture 24.

[0423] Prior to being charged to the direct reduction facility 7, the iron ore mixture 24 is preferably preheated in a regulated preheating zone 74, oxidized in an oxidation zone 77, and / or sintered in a sintering zone 76 in order to ensure that the iron ore oxide material 5 has good and suitable final properties.

[0424] Thus, the iron ore mixture 24 is transferred to the induration device 22 which includes an oxidation zone 77 and / or a sintering zone 76 .

[0425] Alternatively, the step of preheating and / or heating the iron ore mixture comprises oxidation of magnetite ore to hematite ore.

[0426] In this way, it is known that additional thermal energy is produced as magnetite oxidizes to hematite, thereby further reducing the energy demand and providing an efficient handling of fluctuations in the production of renewable energy used in the process for producing steel.

[0427] Alternatively, oxygen-enriched process gas OE is fed to the induration device 22 to provide an efficient sintering and / or oxidation process of the iron ore mixture 24 (agglomerated iron ore mixture, e.g. so-called "green" pellets).

[0428] Alternatively, a hydrogen gas burner (not shown) may be disposed within the hardening device 22 to provide a long flame of ignited gas mixture (such as hydrogen and oxygen, and / or ambient air) for hardening of the iron ore mixture 24 to produce the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0429] Control circuitry (not shown) may be adapted to control the intensity and temperature of the long flame.

[0430] The hydrogen gas burner may include a housing (not shown) and a hydrogen gas inlet (not shown) directed toward a combustion chamber (not shown) positioned within the housing.

[0431] Oxygen enriched process gas OE is provided to enhance the oxidation rate and provide operational control of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0432] The amount of thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 when it is charged to the direct reduction plant 7 can be controlled by a control circuit network.

[0433] The control circuitry may take into account a desired temperature value of the reduced iron ore oxide material to be carburized for optimal carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material.

[0434] Alternatively, the oxygen used to enrich the process gas may be oxygen 10 produced by an electrolysis unit 19 that is also used to produce hydrogen H. In this way, the reduction capacity of hydrogen H is maintained, so that the iron ore oxide material 5 retains the thermal energy that drives the reduction process and chemical reactions in the direct reduction facility 7, while at the same time a better use of the regenerative energy required to drive the electrolysis unit is achieved.

[0435] The sintering process can be differentiated between heating and oxidation, which may be carried out with an oxygen-enriched process gas OE maintaining a high oxygen pressure during the thermal manufacturing process, i.e. during the oxidation and / or sintering process (hardening process) of the thermal manufacturing process.

[0436] Alternatively, the oxygen-enriched process gas comprises a heated process gas injected with the oxygen gas 10 at a mixing unit 70'. The heated process gas PG is generated by a heat exchanger 79 configured to transfer heat from the waste reduction fluid 8 discharged from the direct reduction facility 7 to the atmospheric gas AG.

[0437] Pure oxygen gas 10 may also be transferred from the electrolysis unit 19 to the induration unit 22 to enable efficient oxidation and / or sintering of the iron ore mixture 24 .

[0438] Alternatively, the oxygen gas 10 may be fed from an electrolysis unit 19, for example via a piping assembly (not shown).

[0439] The electrolysis unit 19 is configured to split water w into hydrogen H and oxygen 10 and can use renewable and / or non-fossil produced energy.

[0440] The hydrogen H is introduced into a direct reduction facility 7 to provide a direct reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 by a chemical reaction between the hydrogen H and the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains said thermal energy, the chemical reaction utilizing the thermal energy.

[0441] The direct reduced iron ore material discharged from the direct reduction facility 7 has a lower temperature than the temperature at which the iron ore oxide material was charged to the direct reduction facility 7.

[0442] The hydrogen H introduced into the direct reduction plant 7 has a lower temperature than the temperature at which the waste reduction fluid 8 leaves the direct reduction plant 7.

[0443] Thus, the waste reduction fluid 8 comprising hydrogen H and water vapor is discharged from the top of the direct reduction installation 7 to a heat exchanger 79, and a condensation device CD is configured to condense the water vapor of the waste reduction fluid 8 into water.

[0444] The hydrogen H may be transported back to the direct reduction facility 7 via heat exchanger 79 and reused in the chemical reaction. A purification unit 71 may be coupled to the direct reduction facility 7 for purifying the hydrogen H of the waste reduction stream 8.

[0445] Fig. 7 shows a steel production setup and process for producing steel using renewable and / or non-fossil produced energy according to a sixth example. Iron ore pieces are transported from an iron ore mine IOM to an iron ore oxide material production unit 3. The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 is configured to produce iron ore oxide material 5. The iron ore oxide material 5 retains thermal energy provided by a manufacturing thermal process including, for example, an oxidation and sintering process carried out by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0446] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy from the manufacturing thermal process is transferred directly to the direct reduction facility 7 such that the iron ore oxide material 5 retains said thermal energy (e.g., retains all of the thermal energy, or substantially retains the thermal energy, or retains to the extent of 50% to 90%) when it is charged to the direct reduction facility 7 for providing a chemical reaction between hydrogen H (reductant) and the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0447] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material 5 retains thermal energy corresponding to a temperature in the range of about 850°C to about 1300°C, preferably about 1000°C to about 1250°C, when it is charged (transferred) to the direct reduction equipment 7 from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0448] Iron ore oxide material 5, which retains thermal energy originating from the manufacturing thermal process provided by iron ore oxide material production unit 3, is charged to a direct reduction facility 7. The direct reduction facility 7 is configured to introduce hydrogen H produced by electrolysis unit 19. The hydrogen H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5, which retains said thermal energy.

[0449] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material 5 is reduced to a directly reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) by utilising said thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat the hydrogen H to achieve a substantially or completely endothermic and / or completely endothermic chemical reaction between the hydrogen H and the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0450] The direct reduction facility 7 includes an iron ore oxide material inlet device 9 (eg, a first opening) configured to transfer (pass) the iron ore oxide material 5 from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to the direct reduction facility 7.

[0451] The direct reduction facility 7 further includes a hydrogen inlet device 11 configured to introduce hydrogen H into the direct reduction facility 7.

[0452] Alternatively, the hydrogen H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains said thermal energy in a substantially or completely endothermic chemical reaction.

[0453] Alternatively, hydrogen H is adapted to react in a partially exothermic chemical reaction with said thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5.

[0454] Alternatively, the hydrogen H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains said thermal energy by a substantially or completely endothermic and slightly exothermic chemical reaction, which precedes or follows the substantially or completely endothermic chemical reaction during the reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0455] Alternatively, hydrogen H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains the thermal energy provided by the manufacturing thermal process in a substantially or fully endothermic and / or exothermic chemical reaction, which substantially or fully endothermic chemical reaction absorbs a first energy content from the iron ore oxide material 5 and which exothermic chemical reaction releases a second energy content, the first energy content being greater than the second energy content.

[0456] Alternatively, the hydrogen H is adapted to absorb a first energy content to initiate and sustain a chemical reaction.

[0457] Alternatively, the first energy content is 95-99% of the total energy content and the second energy content is 1-5% of the total energy content of the chemical reaction.

[0458] The direct reduction facility 7 further includes a waste reduced fluid outlet device 13 configured to discharge waste reduced fluids, such as water steam and hydrogen gas, from the direct reduction facility 7. The direct reduction facility 7 further includes a direct reduced iron ore material outlet device 15 configured to discharge the direct reduced iron ore material from the direct reduction facility 7. The direct reduced iron ore material is transported to a steelmaking facility 17 to carry out the production of steel.

[0459] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility 7 is configured to provide a direct reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 to a directly reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) by utilizing said thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 provided by said production thermal process, i.e. thermal energy generated from the production thermal process, to heat hydrogen H to achieve a chemical reaction.

[0460] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility 7 and / or the electrolysis unit 19 and / or the steelmaking industry 17 are fully or partially integrated with the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 forming an integrated direct reduced iron ore material and steelmaking industry 17.

[0461] Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the iron ore oxide material 5 may be cooled by a cooling device (not shown) configured to cool the iron ore oxide material 5 discharged from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3. The thermal energy extracted from the discharged iron ore oxide material is fed back to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 and used for the manufacturing thermal process. The cooled iron ore oxide material 5 may be stored and / or transported to the direct reduction facility 7. Before charging the cooled iron ore oxide material 5 into the direct reduction facility 7, the iron ore oxide material 5 is preheated by a preheating device (not shown), so that the iron ore oxide material 5 again retains thermal energy for chemical reactions in the direct reduction facility 7.

[0462] FIG. 8 shows a steel production configuration with integrated production units and a process for producing steel according to the seventh example. Iron ore pieces are transported from an iron ore mine IOM to an iron ore oxide material production unit 3. The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 produces iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy provided by the manufacturing thermal process provided by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0463] The manufacturing thermal process may include, for example, drying and preheating the iron ore mixture, oxidizing the iron ore mixture, and sintering the iron ore mixture in a hardening process managed by hardener 22.

[0464] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material 5 retaining said thermal energy is transferred directly to a direct reduction facility 7 for providing a chemical reaction with hydrogen gas H for the direct reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0465] The electrolysis unit 19 is configured to produce hydrogen gas H, and also produces oxygen gas 10 which can be used by the induration device 22 to provide the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0466] For example, the amount of hydrogen gas H and / or oxygen gas 10 produced by the electrolysis unit 19 may be regulated by the control circuitry 50 to provide heat used in the hardening process (oxidation and / or sintering) performed by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to produce iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0467] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material 5 retaining said thermal energy may be cooled and the thermal energy may be reused by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 for said manufacturing thermal process. The cooled iron ore oxide material 5 may be transferred to a sponge iron production device (not shown) which heats the iron ore oxide material 5 in a pre-heating device (not shown) for providing said thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material ready for reduction in a direct reduction facility to provide a chemical reaction with hydrogen for direct reduction of the iron ore oxide material in a direct reduction facility.

[0468] Alternatively, the pre-heater is configured to utilise recovered heat from the direct reduction facility, where thermal energy is introduced to the cooled iron ore oxide material 5 to provide an iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0469] The direct reduction facility 7 is configured to receive hydrogen H produced by an electrolysis unit 19, which may be an integrated production unit of a steel production setup.

[0470] Alternatively, the electrolysis unit 19 may be located remotely from the direct reduction facility 7.

[0471] The chemical reaction produces a waste reduced fluid 8 which is discharged as overhead gas from the direct reduction facility 7 and which may be reused by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 for said thermal manufacturing process.

[0472] For example, the amount of waste reduced fluid 8 may be regulated by the control circuitry 50 to provide heat to a hardening process (oxidation and / or sintering) carried out by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to produce iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0473] The control circuitry 50 may be adapted to control the thermal manufacturing process and to control the transport of waste reduced fluid 8 from the reduction facility 7 back to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 .

[0474] Control circuitry 50 may also be electrically coupled to the electrolysis unit 19 to control the production of hydrogen H and oxygen 10.

[0475] The control circuitry 50 may also be electrically coupled to a direct reduction facility 7 for controlling and monitoring the reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 to directly reduced iron ore material (the intermediate product RM).

[0476] The control circuitry 50 may be electrically coupled to a hydrogen gas regulation and / or pressurization device (not shown) of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to control the manufacturing thermal process for producing the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0477] Control circuitry 50 may be electrically coupled to a pre-heating device (not shown) to control the pre-heating of the iron ore oxide material 5 prior to charging to the direct reduction facility 7 .

[0478] The direct reduction facility 7 includes a direct reduced iron ore material outlet device (not shown) configured to discharge the directly reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) to a train 20 for transporting the directly reduced iron ore material to a steel industry 17. The direct reduction facility 7 is thus configured to provide a reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 to the directly reduced iron ore material by utilizing said thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material, the thermal energy originating from said production thermal process, to heat hydrogen H to achieve said chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and hydrogen H to provide said reduction.

[0479] Alternatively, oxygen gas 10 is transferred from electrolysis unit 19 to iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to assist in the manufacturing heat process provided by iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0480] Alternatively, the control circuitry 50 may be electrically coupled to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to regulate the amount of oxygen 10 introduced into the oxidation and / or sintering process (hardening process) that effectuates the thermal manufacturing process provided by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0481] Alternatively, the control circuitry 50 is adapted to control the amount of oxygen 10 introduced to any processing / production unit of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 that contributes to the oxidation and / or sintering process (hardening process), or to the thermal manufacturing process, and to adjust / guide the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility 7 towards a particular temperature value that corresponds to the desired temperature value of the direct reduced iron ore material discharged from the direct reduction facility 7 or charged to the carburization zone (not shown).

[0482] 9 shows a direct reduction plant 7 in a steel production configuration according to a further example. The iron ore oxide material production unit 3 produces iron ore oxide material 5 which, for example, retains a temperature of about 900° C. to 1300° C., preferably about 950° C. to 1250° C., as it is transferred from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to the direct reduction plant 7.

[0483] The iron ore oxide material 5 may be in the form of iron ore pellets or other suitable aggregates. The iron ore oxide material 5 is directly charged to the direct reduction facility 7 after production of the iron ore oxide material 5, while the iron ore oxide material 5 still retains thermal energy from the production process accomplished by the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to produce the iron ore oxide material 5. The reductant supply device 30 is coupled to the direct reduction facility 7 and configured to supply hydrogen H to the direct reduction facility 7.

[0484] A downward flow 56 of hot (said thermal energy) iron ore oxide material contacts an upward flow 57 of hydrogen H. The hydrogen H exhibits a lower temperature than that of the iron ore oxide material 5. The direct reduction facility 7 may be defined as a countercurrent heat exchanger, configured to cool the hot inflowing iron ore oxide material 5 under direct reduction, with unheated hydrogen H providing a substantially or completely endothermic chemical reaction.

[0485] Alternatively, the intermediate product RM discharged from the direct reduction equipment 7 may have a temperature of about 50°C to 300°C, preferably about 100°C to 200°C, when discharged from the direct reduction equipment 7.

[0486] Alternatively, the discharged intermediate product RM may have a temperature of about 20° C. to 500° C. when discharged from the direct reduction equipment 7.

[0487] Alternatively, the discharged direct reduced iron ore material may be subjected to carburization, where a method of reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 is determined to produce a higher temperature direct reduced iron ore material, for example at about 400°C to 700°C, preferably at about 500°C to 650°C.

[0488] The temperature of the direct reduced iron ore material is controlled to a desired temperature value optimum for efficient carburization or other preparation processes. In case of producing a carbon-free intermediate product, the discharged hot direct reduced iron ore material is cooled, preferably by a cooler (not shown), while the hot heat may be recovered and transported back, for example, to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0489] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for producing steel, in which iron ore is reduced with hydrogen in a direct reduction facility, the intermediate products and possible associated substances of the direct reduced iron ore material thus obtained are metallurgically processed, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water, and the electrical energy required for the electrolysis is renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power and / or other renewable energy forms.

[0490] Hydrogen and / or intermediate products can be produced independent of current demand, provided sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available.

[0491] The process includes a first step 101 that starts the process. A second step 102 shows the process. A third step 103 includes stopping the process.

[0492] The second step 102 may include transporting the iron ore from the iron ore providing device to a direct reduction facility that retains thermal energy generated from the iron ore providing device, the direct reduction facility being configured for the introduction of hydrogen adapted to react with the iron ore oxide retaining the thermal energy, thereby reducing the iron ore oxide to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide and the hydrogen.

[0493] A second step 102 may include providing a method including producing iron ore oxide material, charging thermal energy-holding iron ore oxide material to a direct reduction facility, introducing a reducing agent to the direct reduction facility, reducing the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction, and discharging the intermediate product from the direct reduction facility and / or transporting the intermediate product to a steel industry.

[0494] FIG. 11 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for producing steel. The process includes a first step 111 that starts the process. A second step 112 includes producing hydrogen. The intermediate product and / or hydrogen can always be produced regardless of current demand if sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available. A third step 113 includes storing the intermediate product that is not in demand until it is in demand / used, whereby the regenerative energy saved there is also stored. A fourth step 114 includes adding a carbon or hydrogen containing gas to the hydrogen during the reduction of the iron ore oxide to the intermediate product in order to incorporate carbon into the intermediate product. A fifth step 115 includes adding a carbon or hydrogen containing gas to the hydrogen for reduction in an amount such that the carbon content in the intermediate product is between 0.0005% and 6.3% by weight. A sixth step 116 includes allowing the carbon or hydrogen containing gas to be methane or other carbon containing gas from biogas production or pyrolysis of renewable feedstocks, or synthesis gas from biomass. A seventh step 117 includes producing iron ore oxide material by the iron ore oxide material production unit, and the thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material is transferred to the direct reduction facility. Alternatively, an eighth step 118 includes introducing oxygen-enriched process gas into the hardener to enhance the oxidation rate in the production of the iron ore oxide material and to provide further operational control by the control circuitry coupled to the iron ore oxide material production unit. Alternatively, a ninth step 119 includes controlling the amount of thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material from a desired temperature value of the discharged direct reduced iron ore material to a set temperature as the iron ore oxide material is charged to the direct reduction facility, thereby promoting optimal carburization of the direct reduced iron ore material. A tenth step 120 may include electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen, which may be used by the iron ore oxide material production unit for the production of the thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material generated from the iron ore oxide material production unit.An eleventh step 121 includes extracting a carbon-containing material from a carbon source that is added to the direct reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization zone of the direct reduction facility and / or in a separate carburization reactor configured to introduce carbon into an intermediate product discharged from the direct reduction facility. A twelfth step 122 includes stopping the process.

[0495] Alternatively, the method includes the steps of signaling a parameter value signal from a detector member of the direct reduction equipment to a control circuitry, and if the parameter value signal is an interrupt value, instructing the direct reduction equipment to stop a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent, and instructing a transport device of the iron ore oxide material providing device to stop charging of iron ore oxide material carrying thermal energy to the direct reduction equipment.

[0496] FIG. 12 shows a control circuitry 50 of an iron ore oxide material production unit of a steel production arrangement and a process for producing steel according to a further example. The control circuitry 50 is configured to control a process for producing steel, whereby iron ore oxide material is reduced with hydrogen in a direct reduction facility and the intermediate products of the direct reduced iron ore material and possible associated substances thus obtained are metallurgically processed. Hydrogen may be produced by electrolysis of water. The electrical energy required for electrolysis is renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms. Hydrogen and / or intermediate products can be produced independently of current demand if sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available. Iron ore oxide material is transported from the iron ore oxide material providing device to the direct reduction facility, retaining the thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device. The direct reduction facility is configured to introduce hydrogen adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy, thereby reducing the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen to effect a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the hydrogen.

[0497] Control circuitry 50 may include a computer and non-volatile memory NVM 1320, which is computer memory that can retain stored information even when the computer is not powered.

[0498] The control circuitry 50 further includes a processing unit 1310, and a read / write memory 1350. The NVM 1320 includes a first memory unit 1330. The first memory unit 1330 stores a computer program (which may be of any type suitable for any operational data) for controlling the functioning of the control circuitry 50. The control circuitry 50 further includes a bus controller (not shown), a serial communication unit (not shown) for providing a physical interface through which information is transferred separately in two directions. The control circuitry 50 may include any suitable type of I / O module (not shown) for providing input / output signal transfer, an A / D converter (not shown) for converting continuously changing signals from a sensor arrangement (not shown) of the control circuitry 50 configured to determine the actual operational state of the iron ore oxide material production unit.

[0499] The control circuitry 50 is further configured to provide appropriate adjustments, such as flow of process gas, hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, charge rate of iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction plant, discharge rate of direct reduced iron ore material, etc., from the received control signals and the detected operating conditions and other operating data. The control circuitry 50 also includes input / output devices (not shown) for adapting the time and date. The control circuitry 50 includes an event counter (not shown) for counting the number of multiple events arising from independent events in the operation of the iron ore oxide material production unit and the direct reduction plant.

[0500] Additionally, the control circuitry 50 includes an interrupt unit (not shown) associated with the computer for providing multitasking capabilities and real-time computing for semi-automatic and / or automatic operation of the iron ore oxide material production unit and the direct reduction facility. The NVM 1320 also includes a second memory unit 1340 for external sensor checks of the sensor devices and detector components.

[0501] The data medium for storing the program P may include a program routine for automatically adapting the operation of the iron ore oxide material production unit and the direct reduction installation according to the operation data. The data medium for storing the program P includes program code stored on a computer readable medium for causing the control circuitry 50 to perform the process and / or method steps described herein. The program P may further be stored in a separate memory 1360 and / or in the read / write memory 1350. The program P in this embodiment is stored in an executable or compressed data format.

[0502] When the processing unit 1310 is described as performing a specific function, it should be understood that the processing unit 1310 may execute a specific part of a program stored in the separate memory 1360 or a specific part of a program stored in the read-write memory 1350. The processing unit 1310 is associated with a data port 999 for communicating through a first data bus 1315 coupled to a set of direct reduction facilities, iron ore oxide material production units, electrolysis units and / or steel industry process control units for carrying out the process. The non-volatile memory NVM 1320 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 1310 through a second data bus 1312. The separate memory 1360 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 610 through a third data bus 1311. The read-write memory 1350 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 1310 through a fourth data bus 1314. After the received data is temporarily stored, the processing unit 1310 is ready to execute the program code according to the above-mentioned process.

[0503] Preferably, the signals (received by data port 999) include information regarding the operational status of the iron ore oxide material production unit and the direct reduction installation. The signals received at data port 999 may be used by the control circuitry 50 to control and monitor the automatic calibration of the sensor devices and detector elements. Information and data may be manually fed by an operator to the control circuitry 50 via a suitable communication device such as a computer display or touch screen. The method may also be partly carried out by the control circuitry 50 by the processing unit 1310, which operates a program P stored in a separate memory 1360 or in the read-write memory 1350. The control circuitry 50 operates the program P which results in the process disclosed herein being carried out.

[0504] Figure 13 shows an integrated steel production setup according to one embodiment. Iron ore is transported from an iron ore mine IOM to an iron ore preparation facility 91 of an iron ore oxide material production unit 3 to provide an iron ore mixture 24. An electrolysis unit 19 is configured to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen H and oxygen 10, using renewable energy. Thermal energy-bearing iron ore oxide material 5 is produced by an iron ore induration device 22 that utilizes oxygen 10 and hydrogen H for oxidation and / or sintering of the iron ore mixture 24.

[0505] Optionally, the iron ore oxide material 5 may be charged via a transport device 95 (e.g., including a refractory steel transport feeder) to a first direct reduction facility 7′ for directly reducing the iron ore oxide material 5 by utilizing thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material and introduced hydrogen H, where the temperature of the hydrogen is lower than the temperature of the charged iron ore oxide material 5.

[0506] Optionally, the iron ore oxide material 5 may be cooled by a cooling device 81. The iron ore oxide material 5 may be stored and transported / transferred to a pre-heating device 4 for pre-heating the iron ore oxide material 5 before charging into the second direct reduction facility 7''. The direct reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 uses thermal energy provided to the iron ore oxide material 5 by the pre-heating device 4. The cooling device 81 is configured to recover thermal energy TE which is fed back to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3. The pre-heating device 4 may reuse thermal energy TE from the iron ore hardening facility 92. The pre-heating device 4 may similarly use thermal energy TE from the second direct reduction facility 7''.

[0507] First and second direct reduction plants 7', 7'' configured to produce a directly reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM).

[0508] Optionally, the direct reduced iron ore material is carburized by a carburization process C to provide a carburized intermediate product RM.

[0509] Carbon-containing matter 100 is extracted from a carbon source CS and added to the iron ore oxide material during reduction and / or in a separate carburization zone (not shown) of the direct reduction facility 7 and / or to the directly reduced iron ore material in a separate carburization reactor (not shown) configured to provide a carburized intermediate product RM. The carbon-containing intermediate product RM is prepared for transport to the steelmaking industry 17.

[0510] Optionally, first and second direct reduction facilities 7 ′, 7 ″ configured to produce a carbon-free intermediate product RM ready to be transported to a steelmaking industry 17 .

[0511] Fig. 14a shows an iron ore oxide material production unit 3 of a metal material production configuration 200 including an iron ore oxide material pre-heating device 203 and a transport device (not shown) adapted to transport iron ore oxide material 5 retaining thermal energy generated from a production thermal process. The iron ore oxide material pre-heating device 203 of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 may produce iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy, for example by means of a burner device, heating element, etc. (not shown), where previously cooled iron ore oxide material is pre-heated by the iron ore oxide material pre-heating device 203.

[0512] The iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 of the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 may produce iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy by means of an induration device (not shown) of the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201. The iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 is configured to process the iron ore mixture 24 into said iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0513] Optionally, the thermal energy carrying iron ore oxide material 5 is transferred from the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 to a reduction facility 7 configured to reduce the iron ore oxide material to reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) by a reducing agent H introduced to the reduction facility 7. The iron ore oxide material 5 produced by the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 may be charged directly to the reduction facility 7.

[0514] Optionally, the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5 is transferred from the iron ore oxide material pre-heater 203 to a reduction facility 7 configured to reduce the iron ore oxide material to an intermediate product RM by a reducing agent H introduced to the reduction facility 7. Prior to transferring the iron ore metal oxide material to the iron ore oxide material pre-heater 203, the previously cooled iron ore oxide material may be stored in a storage stockpile 205.

[0515] The iron ore oxide material 5, which holds the thermal energy provided by the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 or the iron ore oxide material pre-heating device 203, is reduced by the reducing agent H in the reduction facility 7, utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent H to achieve a chemical reaction providing an intermediate product RM.

[0516] FIG. 14b illustrates an iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating apparatus 207 configured to operate as an iron ore oxide material preheating apparatus or an iron ore oxide material cooling apparatus.

[0517] An iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 of an iron ore oxide material production unit (not shown) is coupled to an iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207 to produce iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy by a hardener (not shown) of the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201. The iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 is configured to process the iron ore mixture 24 into said iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy.

[0518] The manufacturing thermal process may be adapted to produce an iron ore oxide material and includes hardening the iron ore mixture to produce the iron ore oxide material. Hardening the iron ore mixture may include oxidizing the iron ore mixture and / or sintering the iron ore mixture.

[0519] The iron ore oxide material 5, which retains thermal energy, is transferred from the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 to the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207 which cools the iron ore oxide material 5 into cooled iron ore oxide material which is transferred to a storage stockpile 205. The thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 is recovered by the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207 using atmospheric process gas 204 which is fed through the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207.

[0520] The iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating unit 207 is set in a cooling operation mode to heat the atmospheric process gas 204 and provide a heat-laden process gas 208 that is transported back to the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201. The heat-laden process gas 208 is used by the iron ore oxide material production unit to produce thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5. The transport vehicle 206 is configured to transport the cooled iron ore oxide material to a reduction facility (not shown).

[0521] FIG. 14 c illustrates an iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating unit 207 associated with the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 of the iron ore material production configuration 200 .

[0522] Optionally, the iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating device 207 is decoupled from the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 and the iron ore oxide material is transported (preferably directly) from the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 to a reduction facility 7 for charging the iron ore oxide material 5 which retains thermal energy generated from the thermal manufacturing process of the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201.

[0523] The iron ore oxide material 5, retaining the thermal energy provided by the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201, is reduced by a reducing agent H in the reduction facility 7 utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to achieve a chemical reaction providing a reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM). A waste reduced fluid outlet (not shown) at the top of the reduction facility 7 is configured to withdraw the heat-retaining waste reduced fluid 8 through a heat exchanger (not shown) which provides a heat-laden process gas that is transferred back to the iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201.

[0524] The iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201, wherein the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 comprises an iron ore oxide material outlet 214 configured to discharge the iron ore oxide material 5 holding thermal energy from the iron ore oxide material production unit 3.

[0525] Optionally, the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5 is transferred via a transfer path 212 through an iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating device 207 (set in an operation mode that does not cool the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material, but instead provides additional heat to the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material) to the reduction facility 7. The iron ore oxide material is transferred from the iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating device 207 to the reduction facility 7 via an iron ore oxide material outlet 214 of the iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating device 207.

[0526] FIG. 14 d illustrates the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207 of the iron ore oxide material production configuration 1 .

[0527] The iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating unit 207 is configured in a preheating mode of operation to preheat previously cooled iron ore oxide material transferred from the storage stockpile 205 that stores previously cooled iron ore oxide material to the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating unit 207 prior to charging the thermal energy retained iron ore oxide material 5 to the reduction facility 7.

[0528] Thermal energy is generated from the manufacturing thermal process provided by an iron ore oxide material cooling / pre-heating device 207 adapted to produce iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy in a pre-heating mode of operation.

[0529] In the pre-heating mode of operation, the previously cooled iron ore oxide material may first be heated by a heating source (such as an electric heating element 210 or a process gas burner device). Additionally, it is possible to utilize recovered thermal energy from the reduction facility 7 and / or waste reduction fluid 8, which holds thermal energy from the operating iron ore oxide material pelletizing plant 201 or from other heat sources, to add heat to the pre-heating process.

[0530] Alternatively, the waste reduction fluid 8 is transferred to the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207 and used as fuel for a burner element (not shown) of the iron ore oxide material cooling / preheating device 207, which is configured to preheat the iron ore oxide material 5 being charged to the reduction facility 7.

[0531] Alternatively, the manufacturing thermal process is adapted to provide the iron ore oxide material and includes the step of pre-heating the iron ore oxide material to provide the iron ore oxide material.

[0532] After the step of pre-heating the previously cooled iron ore oxide material to produce iron ore oxide material that retains heat, the following steps are required to produce reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM); producing said iron ore oxide material 5; charging said iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy into a reduction facility 7; introducing a reducing agent H into the reduction facility 7; reducing said iron ore oxide material 5 to reduced iron ore material by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent H to achieve a chemical reaction; and discharging the intermediate product RM from the reduction facility 7.

[0533] FIG. 15 a illustrates an exemplary steel production configuration iron ore material production configuration 200 adapted for reducing thermal energy-bearing iron ore oxide material 5 into reduced iron ore material 16 .

[0534] The metallic material production arrangement 1 includes an iron ore oxide material production unit 3, such as an iron ore oxide pelletizing plant or an iron ore oxide preheating plant, configured to provide thermal energy-holding iron ore oxide material 5. The metallic material production arrangement 1 includes a direct reduction installation 7 configured to reduce the thermal energy-holding iron ore oxide material 5. An iron ore oxide material charging and transferring unit (not shown) of the metallic material production arrangement 1 is configured to charge the iron ore oxide material 5 into an upper internal part UP of the direct reduction installation 7.

[0535] Alternatively, an iron ore oxide material charging device (not shown) is configured to charge the iron ore oxide material into the upper interior portion of the reduction equipment.

[0536] The direct reduction equipment 7 includes a reductant inlet (not shown) configured to introduce a hydrogen-containing reductant H into a lower internal portion of the direct reduction equipment 7, whereby the hydrogen-containing reductant H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5, which holds thermal energy for reducing the iron ore oxide material 5, by utilizing thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen-containing reductant H to provide a chemical reaction between the hydrogen-containing reductant H and the iron ore oxide material 5.

[0537] The hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing reductant H may be produced by an electrolysis unit (not shown) that includes a reductant temperature regulator 18 configured to adjust (pre-heat or cool) the temperature of the hydrogen-containing reductant H.

[0538] The direct reduction facility 7 is configured to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the iron ore oxide material 5 and / or reduced iron ore material 16 subjected to reduction in the direct reduction facility 7. The metal material production configuration 1 includes a sixth control circuitry 50 electrically coupled to the reductant temperature regulator 18 for pre-heating the hydrogen-containing reductant H.

[0539] The sixth control circuitry 56 is adapted to control the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H to provide at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material 16 forming the intermediate product RM.

[0540] The sixth control circuitry 56 is electrically coupled to the iron ore oxide material production unit 3 and adapted to control the temperature of the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5 charged to the upper internal part UP. The reduced iron ore material 16 exhibiting at least one desired passivation parameter value is discharged from the direct reduction plant 7 and transported to a steel production device (not shown), while the reduced iron ore material (intermediate product RM) is resistant to re-oxidation due to the passivation of the reduced iron ore material 16.

[0541] The direct reduction facility 7 is further configured to lower the reduced iron ore material 16 into the lower internal portion LP and provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material utilising further thermal energy provided by the hydrogen-containing reducing agent.

[0542] The use of the present disclosure has been shown to be beneficial due to the fact that the chemical reactivity and / or high driving force of the hydrogen of the hydrogen-containing reductant H is maintained when introduced into a direct reduction facility.

[0543] Chemical reactivity and / or high driving force are essential to provide an efficient reduction of the iron ore oxide material. The introduced hydrogen-containing reducing agent H comprises 80-100% hydrogen, preferably 100% hydrogen. The sixth control circuitry 50 is adapted to control the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H towards a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to provide a sintering and / or heat treatment of the iron ore oxide material 5 subjected to reduction.

[0544] Alternatively, the heat treatment comprises heat consolidation.

[0545] Alternatively, the heat treatment comprises a thermal solidification process, which comprises sintering the reduced iron ore material and / or shrinking the reduced iron ore material and / or densifying the reduced iron ore material.

[0546] Alternatively, the temperature of the thermal energy-bearing iron ore oxide material charged into the upper interior portion UP is controlled by the sixth control circuitry 50 to be within the range of 900-1500°C, preferably 1000-1300°C.

[0547] Alternatively, the temperature of the hydrogen-containing reducing agent is controlled by the sixth control circuit network 56 to be within the range of 100 to 400°C, preferably 200 to 300°C; or 0 to 300°C, preferably 100 to 200°C.

[0548] FIG. 15b shows a provided flow diagram of an exemplary steel production configuration iron ore material production configuration 200 adapted to reduce thermal energy-holding iron ore oxide material 5 into reduced iron ore material 16.

[0549] Thermal energy-carrying iron ore oxide material 5 is charged to the direct reduction facility 7. The direct reduction facility 7 may be defined as having an upper internal portion UP, a middle internal portion IP, and a lower internal portion LP. Preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H is introduced into the middle internal portion IP and flows upwardly and encounters the thermal energy-carrying iron ore oxide material 5 transferred downwardly, such that the upper internal portion UP functions as a countercurrent heat exchange zone to provide a chemical reaction between the thermal energy-carrying iron ore oxide material 5 and the preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant 6.

[0550] Alternatively, the thermal energy is retained and the reducing iron ore oxide material is transported by gravity from the upper interior portion UP to the middle and / or lower portion.

[0551] Alternatively, the temperature of the preheated hydrogen-bearing reducing agent H introduced to encounter the thermal energy-bearing iron ore oxide material 5 in the upper interior portion UP is controlled by a sixth control circuitry (not shown) to enable the waste reduction fluid 8 produced by the reduction to contain 100% water vapor or substantially 100% water vapor. Due to the high temperature of the charged iron ore oxide material 5, efficient reduction of the iron ore oxide material 5 is achieved despite the fact that the preheated hydrogen-bearing reducing agent H contains a large amount of water vapor.

[0552] An additional introduction of pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant H' may be provided to the middle internal portion IP and / or the lower internal portion LP. The temperature of the additionally introduced pre-heated hydrogen-bearing reductant H' is controlled by sixth control circuitry to adapt the temperature towards a predetermined temperature that achieves sintering and / or heat treatment of the reduced iron ore material 16 for a predetermined period of time to provide at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material 16.

[0553] Figure 15c illustrates an exemplary steel production configuration iron ore material production configuration 200 adapted to reduce thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5 into reduced iron ore material 16. The metal material production configuration 1 includes an iron ore oxide material production unit 3, such as an iron ore oxide pelletizing plant or an iron ore oxide preheating plant, configured to provide thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5. The metal material production configuration 1 includes a direct reduction facility 7 configured to reduce the thermal energy retaining iron ore oxide material 5.

[0554] The iron ore oxide material charging and transporting unit 12 of the iron ore material production configuration 1 is configured to charge the iron ore oxide material 5 into the upper internal part UP of the direct reduction installation 7 via an iron ore oxide material charging device a including, for example, a transporting refractory steel band (not shown) configured to charge the iron ore oxide material 5 that retains thermal energy into the upper part of the upper internal part UP.

[0555] The direct reduction facility 7 includes a reductant inlet device b configured to introduce a preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H into an intermediate internal portion IP of the direct reduction facility 7, whereby the preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H is adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material 5 that holds thermal energy to reduce the iron ore oxide material 5 by utilizing thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 to heat or further heat the introduced preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H to provide a chemical reaction between the preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H and the iron ore oxide material 5. Hydrogen of the preheated hydrogen-bearing reductant H may be produced by an electrolysis unit (not shown).

[0556] The thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material 5 descends through the upper internal portion UP and is sequentially reduced to reduced iron ore material 16 in the upper internal portion UP. The temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H increases as the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H ascends further up in the upper internal portion UP, and the thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material 5 encounters the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H, causing the thermal energy-retaining iron ore oxide material 5 to cool.

[0557] The upper interior portion UP functions as a countercurrent heat exchange zone to facilitate chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the preheated hydrogen-containing reductant H.

[0558] Further, the middle internal portion IP is configured to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material 16 within the middle internal portion IP. The reduced iron ore material 16 descends from the upper internal portion UP into the middle internal portion IP.

[0559] The sixth control circuitry 56 is electrically coupled to the reductant preheater 18 configured to preheat the hydrogen-containing reductant H introduced into the intermediate internal portion IP via the reductant inlet b.

[0560] The sixth control circuitry 56 controls the temperature of the reduced iron ore material 16 towards a predetermined temperature, for example a temperature set in the range of 200-600°C, preferably 300-500°C, for a predetermined period of time long enough to enable a heat treatment process to provide at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material 16.

[0561] In this manner, the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H is controlled by the sixth control circuitry 56 to maintain the temperature of the reduced iron ore material 16 in the intermediate inner portion IP at an elevated predetermined temperature for an extended period of time to accomplish the heat treatment process.

[0562] In this way, a heat treatment process for the thermal treatment of the reduced iron ore material is achieved utilising additional thermal energy provided by the pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H, the heat treatment process being controlled by the sixth control circuitry 56.

[0563] Alternatively, the direct reduction facility 7 is configured to lower the reduced iron ore material 16 into the lower internal portion LP and / or the intermediate internal portion IP to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material 16 utilising further thermal energy provided by the pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent H.

[0564] Alternatively, the further thermal energy is defined as thermal energy added to the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 which retains thermal energy and / or as thermal energy added to the unutilised thermal energy of the reduced iron ore material descending through the middle internal portion IP and / or the lower internal portion LP.

[0565] Alternatively, the sixth control circuitry 56 is configured to control the further thermal energy by adjusting the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reducing agent to provide at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material.

[0566] The sixth control circuitry 56 may be electrically coupled to a further reducing agent preheater 18' configured to preheat the hydrogen-containing reducing agent H introduced into the lower internal portion LP and / or the middle internal portion of the reduction equipment.

[0567] The introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reductant H fed to the lower internal part LP may comprise 80-100% hydrogen, preferably 100% hydrogen. The sixth control circuitry 56 is adapted to control the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reductant H fed to the lower internal part LP towards a predetermined temperature for providing sintering and / or heat treatment of the reduced iron ore material 16 for a predetermined period of time.

[0568] Alternatively, the further thermal energy is defined as thermal energy added to the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material 5 which retains thermal energy and / or as thermal energy added to the unutilised thermal energy of the reduced iron ore material descending through the middle internal portion IP and / or the lower internal portion LP.

[0569] The sixth control circuitry 56 is configured to control the additional thermal energy by adjusting the temperature of the preheat introduced to provide at least one desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material.

[0570] 15d illustrates a closed loop diagram of a closed loop algorithm used by the iron ore material production configuration of the exemplary steel production configuration. The sixth control circuitry 56 is electrically coupled to the iron ore oxide material providing unit 3, such as an iron ore oxide pelletizing plant or an iron ore oxide preheating plant, and is adapted to regulate the temperature of the thermal energy bearing iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility.

[0571] The sixth control circuitry 56 may be adapted to control the temperature of the thermal energy-holding iron ore oxide material towards a predetermined temperature value PDTV, thereby reaching at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV of the reduced iron ore material, during a predetermined period of time, to provide a heat treatment process in the direct reduction installation for heat treating the iron ore oxide material and / or reduced iron ore material subjected to reduction.

[0572] The at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV may take into account a porosity parameter and / or a dimensional parameter and / or a weight parameter and / or an iron ore grain structure parameter and / or a sample cut uniformity parameter and / or a shrinkage parameter and / or a sintering parameter and / or a cold crushing strength parameter, etc.

[0573] A passivation parameter detector PPD is associated with the reduction facility for detecting the actual passivation parameter value APPV. The sixth control circuitry 56 is capable of carrying out calculation and comparison procedures for adjusting the temperature of the iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy by the iron ore oxide material providing unit 3.

[0574] Alternatively, the sixth control circuitry 56 may be adapted to control the temperature of the charged iron ore oxide material such that the predetermined temperature value PDTV for providing the heat treatment process generates a temperature value of the heat treatment process for reaching the at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV. The sixth control circuitry 56 repeats the closed loop algorithm until the at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV is reached.

[0575] The sixth control circuitry 56 is electrically coupled to a reductant temperature adjustment device 18 configured for adjusting the temperature of a hydrogen-containing reductant introduced to the reduction equipment of the metallic material production configuration to achieve at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV of the reduced iron ore material.

[0576] The closed loop diagram may use a start process in which an input temperature value IN of the preheated hydrogen-containing reductant is used.

[0577] The sixth control circuitry 56 is adapted to control the reductant temperature regulating device 18 such that the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reductant is adapted, during a predetermined period of time, towards a predetermined temperature value PDTV for providing a heat treatment process in the reduction installation for the heat treatment of the iron ore oxide material and / or reduced iron ore material subjected to reduction, thereby reaching at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV of the reduced iron ore material. The sixth control circuitry 56 takes into account the at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV when determining the predetermined temperature value PDTV. The at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV of the reduced iron ore material is determined taking into account reaching an efficient passivation of the reduced iron ore material.

[0578] The at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV may take into account a porosity parameter and / or a dimensional parameter and / or a weight parameter and / or an iron ore grain structure parameter and / or a sample cut uniformity parameter and / or a shrinkage parameter and / or a sintering parameter, etc.

[0579] A passivation parameter detector PPD is associated with the reduction equipment to detect an actual passivation parameter value APPV. The actual passivation parameter value APPV of the reduced metallic material is detected by the passivation parameter detector PPD electrically coupled to the sixth control circuitry 56. The sixth control circuitry 56 executes a calculation and comparison procedure for adjusting the reductant temperature adjustment device 18 such that the temperature of the introduced pre-heated hydrogen-containing reductant is adapted towards a predetermined temperature value PDTV for reaching at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV.

[0580] The sixth control circuitry 56 repeats the closed loop algorithm until at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV is reached.

[0581] The sixth control circuitry 56 is configured to compare the actual passivation parameter value APPV with the at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV, and controls the reductant temperature adjustment device 18 to adjust the temperature of the hydrogen-containing reductant until the at least one desired passivation parameter value DPPV is reached.

[0582] The iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy may be iron ore oxide pellets that have been preheated to contain thermal energy. The iron ore oxide pellets may be produced by a pelletizing plant that processes the iron ore mixture and transported to the reduction facility by a transport steel band.

[0583] The upper interior portion of the reduction equipment is configured for reduction of the iron ore oxide pellets, the reduction equipment being configured to provide a chemical reaction between a hydrogen-containing reducing agent and the iron ore oxide pellets. The lower and / or middle portion are configured for a heat treatment process for heat treating the iron ore oxide material.

[0584] The reduced and thermally solidified iron ore material is discharged from the lower internal portion by a discharge transport unit coupled to an opening in the lower internal portion. Alternatively, the computer of the sixth control circuitry 56 is electrically coupled to the iron ore oxide material charging device to control the charging rate to the reduction facility.

[0585] The computer may be electrically coupled to the iron ore oxide material providing unit to control the temperature of the iron ore oxide pellets being charged, and / or electrically coupled to the reductant temperature regulating device to control the temperature of the introduced hydrogen-containing reductant, and / or electrically coupled to the exhaust transport unit.

[0586] Alternatively, the reducing agent H containing hydrogen may be preheated before being introduced into the direct reduction equipment 7, and the introduced reducing agent H may be preheated to a temperature of about 200 to about 500° C., or about 300° C. to about 600° C., or about 400° C. to about 700° C., or about 500° C. to about 800° C., or about 600° C. to about 900° C., or about 700° C. to about 1000° C., or about 800° C. to about 1100° C., or about 900° C. to about 1200° C., or higher (e.g., referred to as high temperature in some cases).

[0587] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility (e.g., referred to in some cases as elevated temperature) may be from about 50° C. to about 350° C., or from about 100° C. to about 400° C., or from about 200 to about 500° C., or from about 300° C. to about 600° C., or from about 400° C. to about 700° C., or from about 500° C. to about 800° C., or from about 600° C. to about 900° C., or from about 700° C. to about 1000° C., or from about 800° C. to about 1100° C., or from about 900° C. to about 1200° C., or higher.

[0588] For example, to slow the cooling rate of the directly reduced iron material descending the direct reduction facility 7 and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to direct reduction, a reducing agent having a temperature (e.g., referred to in some cases as elevated temperature) (e.g., any temperature between the ranges of about 600-1000°C, or about 500-900°C, or about 700-1100°C) that is introduced and / or has been introduced into the direct reduction facility 7 encounters the directly reduced iron material descending the direct reduction facility 7 and / or the iron ore oxide material subjected to direct reduction.

[0589] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material charged and / or being charged to the direct reduction facility 7 at that temperature (e.g., referred to as high temperature in some cases) (e.g., any temperature between the ranges of about 600°C to about 900°C, or about 700°C to about 1000°C, or about 800°C to about 1100°C, or about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher) encounters the reducing agent H that has been mostly used for the chemical reaction in the upper internal part of the reduction facility 7, in order to partially further provide said chemical reaction, while the iron ore oxide material 5 subjected to direct reduction and / or the directly reduced iron material further below the direct reduction facility 7 is subjected to said heat treatment process, whereby the overhead gas withdrawn from the reduction facility and formed by the chemical reaction in the upper internal part becomes very hot and contains high temperature steam which is fed to the high temperature electrolysis unit.

[0590] Alternatively, the reducing agent hydrogen has a lower reducing capacity than reducing agent hydrogen introduced farther down in the reduction facility.

[0591] Alternatively, the iron ore oxide material being charged and / or being charged to the direct reduction equipment at a certain temperature (e.g., any temperature between the ranges of about 50°C to about 350°C or about 100°C to about 400°C) encounters the reducing agent that has been mostly used for the chemical reaction in the upper internal portion of the reduction equipment to partially further provide said chemical reaction at least to some extent by further heating the introduced reducing agent to achieve said chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent.

[0592] Thereby, an energy saving process for the direct reduction of iron ore oxide material using hydrogen and / or a hydrogen-containing reductant is achieved, which hydrogen may be temporarily stored, preferably in gas storage tanks and / or storage facilities at the geological repository and / or other buffer facilities, so that the reductant hydrogen is available and can be used when the renewable energy is not sufficiently produced, i.e. to meet fluctuations in the production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0593] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility may be lower than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction facility.

[0594] The invention may also relate to a process for producing steel, in which an iron ore oxide material is reduced with a reducing agent, such as a hydrogen-containing reducing agent, in a direct reduction facility, and the thus obtained intermediate product of directly reduced metallic material and finally associated substances are metallurgically processed, the reducing agent being produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit, such as a high temperature electrolysis unit, the electrical energy required for the electrolysis may be renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power and / or other renewable energy forms and / or nuclear plants, such as small modular reactor (SMR) plants, and the produced reduced iron material, called intermediate product, such as sponge iron, is produced independently of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available.

[0595] The iron ore oxide material is transferred to the reduction facility directly from an iron ore oxide material providing device, such as a pelletizing plant and / or a preheating unit, retaining thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device.

[0596] The direct reduction facility is configured to introduce a reducing agent adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material that retains thermal energy, thereby reducing the iron ore oxide material into an intermediate product by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material to further heat the introduced reducing agent to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material and the reducing agent, to provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale, and to conserve renewable energy to accommodate fluctuations in production of regeneratively generated electrical energy.

[0597] Alternatively, if sufficient synthetically generated electrical energy is available, reductant can be produced independent of current demand, and the produced reductant can be temporarily stored to accommodate such fluctuations.

[0598] The hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant of the hydrogen-containing reductant may be stored in gas storage tanks and / or in a storage facility at a geological repository and / or other buffer facility.

[0599] A gas storage tank or geological repository storage facility may be located between the electrolysis unit and / or the high temperature electrolysis unit and the direct reduction facility.

[0600] Hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant may be configured to be fed and / or transferred to a direct reduction facility for use as a reductant during, for example, summertime fluctuations.

[0601] Renewable electricity may be produced by a wind farm coupled to and used by the electrolysis unit and / or the high temperature electrolysis unit in the spring and autumn. Hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reductant produced by this means of renewable energy in the spring and autumn is preferably temporarily stored in a gas storage tank and / or a storage facility of the geological repository.

[0602] In this way, efficient storage of renewable energy is achieved (in the form of hydrogen and / or hydrogen-containing reducing agent), which may later be used as reducing agent by direct reduction facilities during summer months when renewable electricity production is low, i.e. when sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is not available.

[0603] Alternatively, the reductant may be preheated to some extent before being introduced into the direct reduction facility.

[0604] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction plant may be greater than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction plant.

[0605] Alternatively, the temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction facility may be lower than the temperature of the reducing agent that is introduced and / or has been introduced to the direct reduction facility.

[0606] The temperature of the iron ore oxide material charged to the direct reduction equipment may be from about 50°C to about 350°C, or from about 100°C to about 400°C, or from about 200°C to about 500°C, or from about 300°C to about 600°C, or from about 400°C to about 700°C, or from about 500°C to about 800°C, or from about 600°C to about 900°C, or from about 700°C to about 1000°C, or from about 800°C to about 1100°C, or from about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher.

[0607] The reducing agent may be preheated before being introduced into the direct reduction equipment, and the introduced reducing agent may be preheated to a temperature of about 200 to about 500°C, or about 300°C to about 600°C, or about 400°C to about 700°C, or about 500°C to about 800°C, or about 600°C to about 900°C, or about 700°C to about 1000°C, or about 800°C to about 1100°C, or about 900°C to about 1200°C, or higher.

[0608] Alternatively, by introducing a relatively warm reducing agent (e.g., about 600°C to 900°C) into the direct reduction equipment, it is achieved that the iron ore oxide material that reaches the middle and / or lower interior parts of the direct reduction equipment and retains thermal energy to be subjected to direct reduction and / or heat treatment is not cooled rapidly within the direct reduction equipment.

[0609] This allows the heat treatment to be carried out efficiently. The passivated and reduced iron material has a compact and dense structure to achieve an intermediate product that is resistant to reoxidation.

[0610] The intermediate product may be defined as small, round, pear-shaped, droplet-shaped, globular, bead-shaped, spherical or ellipsoidal bodies of passivated reduced iron ore material having a compact and dense structure to produce an intermediate product that is resistant to reoxidation.

[0611] Alternatively, the direct reduction equipment is configured to lower the reduced iron ore material into the lower internal portion and / or the intermediate internal portion to provide a heat treatment process for heat treating the reduced iron ore material utilizing a relatively warm reducing agent that provides thermal energy to avoid rapid cooling of the iron ore material subjected to direct reduction and / or heat treatment.

[0612] Alternatively, the control circuitry is coupled to the iron ore oxide preheating plant and / or the heating device and is configured to control the temperature of the incoming iron ore oxide material such that the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and / or heat treatment progresses towards a predetermined temperature of about 200-600°C, preferably about 300-500°C, for a predetermined period of time long enough to enable a heat treatment process that provides said desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material, and thus provides an intermediate product that is resistant to re-oxidation.

[0613] Alternatively, the predetermined temperature is about 400 to 800°C, preferably about 500 to 700°C.

[0614] Alternatively, the predetermined temperature is about 600 to 1000°C, preferably about 700 to 900°C.

[0615] Alternatively, the control circuitry is further coupled to a reductant pre-heating device configured to pre-heat the reductant prior to introduction into the direct reduction equipment and configured to control the temperature of the reductant such that the iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction and / or heat treatment progresses towards a predetermined temperature of about 200-600°C, preferably about 300-500°C, for a predetermined period of time long enough to enable a heat treatment process that provides said desired passivation parameter value of the reduced iron ore material, and thus provides an intermediate product that is resistant to re-oxidation.

[0616] Alternatively, the control circuitry may be adapted to control the temperature of the iron ore oxide material retaining thermal energy towards a predetermined temperature to provide a heat treatment process in a direct reduction facility for the thermal treatment of iron ore oxide material subjected to reduction for a predetermined period of time, thereby reaching desired passivation parameter values ​​in terms of porosity and / or sponge iron size and / or weight per volume of sponge iron produced and / or iron ore particle structure and / or cut uniformity of the samples and / or shrinkage and / or sintering and / or cold crushing strength etc.

[0617] Alternatively, the desired passivation parameter value may be defined as a rate and / or degree and / or grade and / or amount and / or percentage value of reoxidation of the intermediate product (sponge iron and / or reduced iron ore material).

[0618] Alternatively, the desired passivation parameter value for porosity, the definition of which may be expressed as the ratio of the pore volume of the produced sponge iron to its total volume. The sponge iron size may be expressed as the average diameter of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The weight per volume may be defined as a measure of the iron concentration of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The iron ore grain structure may be defined as the final microstructure and distribution of dense and porous regions of the sponge iron agglomerates typically produced. The cut uniformity of the sample may define the density of the sponge iron agglomerates produced.

[0619] Alternatively, a heat treatment process provided by the control circuitry for a predetermined period of time, thereby reaching a desired passivation parameter value of the produced sponge iron, produces sponge iron or intermediate products having a dense structure and / or high uniformity of final porosity and / or high uniformity of chemical composition in specific regions (such as the central region of the sponge iron aggregates), which is resistant to reoxidation and produced with low carbon dioxide emissions for cost-efficient and energy-saving production in subsequent steel production in the steel mill.

[0620] The present disclosure(s) may not be limited to the above-described examples, and many possibilities for modification or combination of the described examples should be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the basic idea defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A process for producing steel, comprising the steps of: reducing iron ore oxide material (5) with a reducing agent (H) in a direct reduction plant (7); and metallurgically processing the intermediate product of direct reduced iron ore material (RM) thus obtained and finally associated materials; - the reducing agent (H) is produced by electrolysis of water using an electrolysis unit (17), the electrical energy required for the electrolysis may be renewable energy derived from hydroelectric and / or wind and / or solar power or other renewable energy forms (2); In a process in which an intermediate product (RM) is produced independently of current demand, provided sufficient reducing agent is available, - the iron ore oxide material (5) is transferred from the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) directly to the reduction facility (7) and retains the thermal energy generated from the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4); a direct reduction facility (7) configured to introduce a reducing agent (H) adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material (5) that retains thermal energy, and thus reduce the iron ore oxide material (5) into an intermediate product (RM) by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material (5) to heat or further heat the introduced reducing agent (H) in order to achieve a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material (5) and the reducing agent (H), to provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale, and to save renewable energy to meet the fluctuations in the production of regeneratively generated electrical energy; A process characterized in that

2. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the reducing agent (H) is produced independent of current demand if sufficient synthetically generated electrical energy is available, and the produced reducing agent (H) is temporarily stored to accommodate fluctuations in the production of renewable energy.

3. The reducing agent (H) and / or intermediate product (RM) are always produced, independently of the current demand, provided that sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available; - intermediate products (RM) that are not in demand are stored until they are in demand / used, and thus the renewable energy saved there is also stored; During the reduction of the iron ore oxide material (5) to the intermediate product (RM), a carbon-containing gas (CG) or a hydrogen-containing gas is added to the reducing agent (H) in order to incorporate carbon into the intermediate product; a carbon-containing gas (CG) or a hydrogen-containing gas is added to the reducing agent (H) for reduction, at least in an amount such that the carbon content in the intermediate product is between 0.0005% and 6.3% by weight, A process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbon-containing gas is methane or other carbon-containing gas from biogas production or pyrolysis of renewable raw materials, or synthesis gas from biomass.

4. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises an iron ore oxide material production unit (3), which is configured to produce iron ore oxide material (5) retaining said thermal energy, and wherein said iron ore oxide material (5) retaining said thermal energy is transported to a direct reduction facility (7).

5. 5. The process according to claim 4, wherein the iron ore oxide material (5) retains thermal energy originating from the thermal manufacturing process of the iron ore oxide material production unit (3).

6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the iron ore oxide material providing device comprises a pre-heating device (4), the pre-heating device (4) being configured to pre-heat the iron ore oxide material (5) before transporting the iron ore oxide material (5) to the direct reduction facility (7).

7. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrolysis unit (19) also produces oxygen (10), which is used by the iron ore oxide material production unit (3) to produce the iron ore oxide material (5).

8. 8. The process according to claim 7, wherein oxygen (10) is produced independently of current demand if sufficient regeneratively generated electrical energy is available, and the intermediate product (RM) for which there is no demand is stored until it is in demand / used, thereby also storing the regenerative energy saved therein.

9. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carbon-containing material (100) extracted from the carbon source (CS) is added to the direct reduced iron ore material in a carburizing zone (101, 102) integrated with and / or coupled to the direct reduction plant (7).

10. Carbon source (CS) Carbon Capture and Utilization Units (CCUs); and / or - a carbon production unit configured for the production of non-fossil produced carbon, and / or a biogas production unit (CS2) configured for the production of a carbon-containing gas, and / or - a synthesis gas production unit configured for the production of carbon-containing synthesis gas from biomass; 10. The process of claim 9, comprising:

11. 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate product (RM) is a carbon-free intermediate product.

12. 12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate product (RM) is transported to a steel industry (17) in a combustible product storage and transport device (FL).

13. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuitry (50) is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material (5) transferred to the direct reduction plant (7) and / or to control the internal gas pressure of the direct reduction plant (7) and / or the reductant temperature and / or the reductant gas pressure of the introduced reductant (H).

14. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first control circuitry (51) is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material (5) transferred to the direct reduction facility (7) by controlling the iron ore oxide material production unit (3) to discharge the iron ore oxide material (5) at a specific temperature, the specific temperature corresponding to a first temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product (RM).

15. 10. The process of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second control circuitry (52) is adapted to control the iron ore oxide material temperature of the iron ore oxide material (5) transferred to the direct reduction facility (7) by controlling the pre-heating device (4) to discharge the iron ore oxide material (5) from the pre-heating device (4) at a specific temperature, the specific temperature corresponding to a first temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product (RM).

16. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third control circuitry (53) is adapted to control the reductant gas pressure of the reductant transferred to the direct reduction plant (7) by controlling a first pressurizing device (63) adapted to pressurize the reductant entering the direct reduction plant at a specific reductant gas pressure, the specific reductant gas pressure corresponding to a first reductant gas pressure value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product (RM).

17. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth control circuitry (54) is adapted to control an internal reduction pressure of the direct reduction facility (7) by controlling a second pressurizing device 64 for pressurizing the interior of the reduction facility (7) at a specific internal reduction pressure, the specific internal reduction pressure corresponding to a first internal reduction pressure value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product (RM).

18. 10. The process of any preceding claim, wherein the fifth control circuitry (55) is adapted to control a reductant temperature of the reductant injected into the direct reduction facility (7) by controlling a heating device (74) configured to heat the reductant at a specific reductant temperature, the specific reductant temperature corresponding to a first reductant temperature value determined from desired parameter values ​​of the direct reduced iron ore material and / or the intermediate product (RM).

19. 10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuitry (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) is adapted to adjust the iron ore oxide material temperature and / or the internal reduction pressure and / or the reductant temperature and / or the reductant pressure from the desired properties of the intermediate product (RM).

20. 10. A process according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step of directly reducing an iron ore oxide material by a reducing agent having a hydrogen content of at least 80% by volume, the carbon content in the directly reduced iron ore material being then increased and / or added to by a carburizing gas, after which the used carburizing gas is at least partially removed whilst substantially avoiding mixing of the carburizing gas with the reducing agent.

21. A steel production configuration is provided for the production of steel and a process for producing steel, the steel production configuration comprising: - an iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) configured to provide an iron ore oxide material (5) that retains thermal energy; - a direct reduction installation (7) configured for the reduction of iron ore oxide material and configured to utilize the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material (5) for heating or further heating an introduced reducing agent (H), a direct reduction facility (7) configured to introduce a reducing agent (H) adapted to react with the iron ore oxide material (5) that retains thermal energy in order to effect a chemical reaction between the iron ore oxide material (5) and the reducing agent (H), to provide an energy-saving and time-saving process for producing steel using renewable energy on an industrial scale, and to conserve renewable energy to meet fluctuations in the production of regeneratively generated electrical energy; - control circuitry (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) configured to control the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) and to control the reduction of the iron ore oxide material; an iron ore oxide transfer device (95) adapted to feed the iron ore oxide material (5) directly to the reduction installation (7) from the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4), and / or an electrolysis unit (19) configured to electrolyze water for the production of hydrogen and oxygen, and / or - Steelworks, organised for the production of steel (17) Steel production configuration characterized by:

22. 22. Steel production arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the control circuitry (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) is configured to operate the charging of the iron ore oxide material to the direct reduction plant (7), the control circuitry (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) being configured to control the temperature of the iron ore oxide material (5) transferred to the direct reduction plant (7) and / or to control the internal reduction pressure of the direct reduction plant (7) and / or the reducer temperature and / or the reducer gas pressure of the introduced reducer (H).

23. A data program (P) programmed to cause a steel production configuration according to claim 21 or 22 to carry out a process according to any one of claims 1 to 20, said data program (P) comprising: - producing an iron ore oxide material (5), - charging the iron ore oxide material (5) retaining the thermal energy provided by the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) directly from the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) into a reduction installation (7); - introducing a reducing agent (H) into a direct reduction facility (7), - reducing the iron ore oxide material (5) to an intermediate product (RM) by utilizing said thermal energy of said iron ore oxide material (5) to heat or further heat an introduced reducing agent (H) to achieve a chemical reaction; and - discharging the intermediate product (RM) from the direct reduction facility (7), and / or - Transferring the intermediate product (RM) to the steel industry (17) A data program (P) comprising computer readable program code for control circuitry (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) for providing a method comprising the steps of:

24. The method further comprises the steps of: signalling parameter value signals from the detector elements (DCT1, DCT2) of the direct reduction installation (7) to the control circuitry (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55); and - commanding the transport device (95) of the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) to stop feeding the iron ore oxide material (5) carrying thermal energy to the direct reduction installation (7); A data program (P) according to claim 23, comprising:

25. The iron ore oxide material (5) holding the thermal energy provided by the iron ore oxide material providing device (3, 4) is charged into an upper internal part (UP) of a direct reduction installation (7) of a steel production configuration via an iron ore oxide material charging device, a sixth control circuitry (56) is electrically coupled to a reductant temperature regulating device (18) configured to regulate a temperature of a reductant (H) introduced into the intermediate part (IP) and / or the lower internal part (LP) of the direct reduction installation (7) via a reductant inlet device, the method comprising: - reducing the iron ore oxide material (5) in the upper internal part (UP) by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material (5) to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen-bearing reducing agent (H) in order to provide a chemical reaction between the hydrogen-bearing reducing agent (H) and the iron ore oxide material (5); providing a heat treatment process for heat treating the iron ore oxide material (5) and / or the reduced iron ore material (16) subjected to reduction before being discharged from the lower internal part (LP) and controlling the temperature of the introduced reducing agent (H) for the regulation of the chemical reactions and / or the heat treatment process to reach at least one desired passivation parameter value (DPPV) of the intermediate product (RM); The process according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that

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