Metal Oxide Reduction with Hydrogen Heating and Re-Oxidation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing metal oxide materials are inefficient and destroy the reduction potential of reducing agents due to excessive heating, leading to suboptimal production of reduced metal materials that are prone to re-oxidation and require costly transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method and configuration that utilize the thermal energy of metal oxide materials to heat hydrogen-containing reducing agents, maintaining their reduction potential, and control the temperature for efficient chemical reactions and heat treatment processes, producing reduced metal materials resistant to re-oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the reducing agent is strongly heated to provide sufficient heat for the reduction process, then the heat requirement is met, but the reduction potential of the reducing agent is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing the reducing agent at different temperatures at different locations within the reduction facility. The reducing agent is introduced at a first temperature in an upper interior portion and at a second, lower temperature in a lower interior portion, allowing optimized thermal conditions in each zone while preserving overall reduction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating the reducing agent before introduction into the reduction facility. The reducing agent is heated to a controlled temperature range (200-500°C) before being introduced into the upper interior portion, ensuring it has sufficient thermal energy to initiate reduction reactions without being overheated and losing its reduction potential
2Use of energy by moving object
If the reducing agent is heated to provide heat for reduction, then the reduction process is supported, but the chemical reactivity of the reducing agent is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature parameters of the reducing agent throughout the process. The reducing agent is maintained within specific temperature ranges (200-500°C in upper portion, lower temperature in lower portion), which provides sufficient thermal energy for reduction while preserving the chemical reactivity needed for effective reduction of metal oxide materials
3Productivity
If metal oxide material is reduced using conventional methods, then reduction is achieved, but the reduced metal material is prone to re-oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuous flow of reducing agent through the reduction facility, with additional reducing agent introduced at multiple levels. This continuous presence of reducing agent ensures complete reduction and creates a protective atmosphere that prevents re-oxidation of the reduced metal material during the process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere by introducing hydrogen-containing reducing agent at multiple locations within the reduction facility. This establishes a reducing/protective atmosphere throughout the facility, particularly in the lower interior portion where reduced metal material is discharged, preventing contact with oxygen and thus preventing re-oxidation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures efficient reduction and heat treatment of metal oxide materials, resulting in reduced metal products that are resistant to re-oxidation, enabling cost-effective transportation and use in steel production, while minimizing energy consumption and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the thermal energy of the metal oxide material to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen containing reducing agent for providing a chemical reaction
Implementation Method 2
providing a chemical reaction between the hydrogen containing reducing agent and the metal oxide material
Implementation Method 3
controlling the temperature of the introduced hydrogen containing reducing agent for adjustment of the chemical reaction and/or the heat treatment process
Implementation Method 4
providing a heat treatment process for heat treatment of the metal oxide material subject to reduction and/or the reduced metal material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to reduction of a metal oxide material (5) and to a metal material production configuration (1) adapted for reduction of a metal oxide material (5) holding thermal energy into a reduced metal material (16).The metal oxide material (5) is charged into an upper interior portion (UP) of a reduction facility (7). A hydrogen containing reducing agent (6) is introduced into the reduction facility (7) and is adapted to react with the metal oxide material (5) holding thermal energy for reducing the metal oxide material (5) by utilizing the thermal energy of the metal oxide material (5) to heat or further heat the introduced hydrogen containing reducing agent (6).The reduction facility (7) of the metal material production configuration (1) is configured for providing a heat treatment process of the reduced metal material (16).A control circuitry (50) is configured to adjust the temperature of the hydrogen containing reducing agent (6) and control the temperature of the introduced hydrogen containing reducing agent (6) for reaching at least one desired passivation parameter value (DPPV) of the reduced metal material (16).