InSGeP - Investigations of Slags from Next Generation Steel Making Processes

- Initial situation:

To comply with the EU’s objective to move towards climate neutrality by 2050 with a zero-pollution ambition, it is essential to make sure that while introducing breakthrough technologies to produce green steel, the circularity of the new processes is ensured, especially with respect to recycling of the by-product slag. Next generation iron and steelmaking processes will decrease CO2 by producing hydrogen- or natural gas-based direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI) of different qualities, which are finally molten in the electric arc furnace (EAF) or in other electrical smelters. Furthermore, new processes like hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) will be operated. This will result in an increase of EAF- and other slags with different properties and requires the understanding of the possibility to valorise future slags in the present value chain and define innovative applications to assure a smooth transition process without disruption to the steel industry as well as to other sectors (such as road construction or cement), who currently rely on slag as raw material for their processes.

- Project targets:

Within the InSGeP project five steelworks, six RTOs and two technology suppliers investigate slags resulting from next generation steelmaking in Europe and explore the corresponding valorisation options.

- Innovative approaches:

The project relies on the limited amount of currently produced slags from the direct reduction route, as well as on laboratory, pilot scale and industrial scale tests that will be performed based on the needs of the involved partners. The slags will be evaluated based on chemical, mineral, environmental and physical properties and will be treated with different cooling and granulation methods to produce physical characteristics needed for different applications and environmentally compatible products. Use of the slags in applications such as road construction, cement/concrete or 3D printing will be tested.

- Benefits for the industry:

The InSGeP project will create guidelines for the use of the new slags from future steelmaking.

Funded by:

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