Theoretical Analysis of Hydrogen-Rich Reduction in Blast Furnace and Its Effect on Metallurgical Properties of Burden

With the introduction of the dual-carbon strategy, steel companies, as large energy consumers and carbon emitters, are facing tremendous pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen-enriched in the blast furnace affects the temperature and gas flow distribution in the furnace, leading to changes in furnace permeability and gas utilization. Therefore, basic research on the theory of hydrogen-rich reduction in blast furnaces and the metallurgical properties of iron-bearing burden becomes crucial. In this paper, firstly, the equilibrium, limit, rate and rate-controlling steps of the iron oxide reduction reaction are analyzed from thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. Secondly, from the perspective of reduction degradation, expansion, soft melting and coke dissolution loss, it analyzes the influence mechanism of blast furnace hydrogen-enriched reduction of burden, and offers guidance for the selection and optimization of hydrogen-rich blast furnace charge structure. Finally, it summarizes the problems of hydrogen-enriched smelting in the blast furnace at the present stage, looks forward to the new development direction of hydrogen-enriched technology, and provides theoretical support for hydrogen-enriched smelting in the blast furnace.