Direct method for producing reduced iron for steel plants

The continuous direct reduction process addresses low productivity and high capital costs in batch processes by using ammonia decomposition to generate nitrogen and hydrogen reducing agents, enhancing geographical reach and reducing carbon emissions.

JP7893865B2Active Publication Date: 2026-07-22LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
Filing Date
2022-05-06
Publication Date
2026-07-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing direct reduction processes for producing iron, particularly those using ammonia as a reducing gas, face challenges of low productivity and high capital costs due to their batch nature, limiting their geographical reach and carbon footprint reduction potential.

Method used

A continuous direct reduction process utilizing a direct reduction unit with distinct zones for ore reduction and iron recovery, where ammonia is decomposed to produce nitrogen and hydrogen, which are used as reducing agents, while nitrogen acts as a thermal ballast, enabling efficient and low-carbon-footprint iron ore reduction.

Benefits of technology

This process enhances productivity and reduces capital costs by using ammonia efficiently, allowing for wider geographical deployment and lower carbon emissions, while maintaining a low carbon footprint.

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Abstract

1. A process for the continuous direct reduction of iron ore (2) in a direct reduction unit (1) comprising a direct ore reduction zone (4a) and an iron recovery zone (4b), wherein ammonia (19) is fed to the iron recovery zone (4b), the ammonia (19) is decomposed into nitrogen and hydrogen, the nitrogen and hydrogen are transferred from the iron recovery zone (4b) to the direct ore reduction zone (4a), and the iron ore (2) is reduced with one or more reducing agents comprising said hydrogen.
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