Technology Development and Efficiency Assessment for Waste Utilization in Pig-Iron Production

The EVRAZ ZSMK combine is looking for ways to use ironmaking wastes in blast furnaces in order to reduce the cost of making pig iron. To this end, the combine is also evaluating the properties of the wastes and the expediency and effectiveness of their use. Utilizing wastes in pig iron production is efficient because it reduces pollution and the amounts of natural raw materials used in smelting while also improving the indices of the smelting operation. The use of different types of wastes in a blast furnace is effective because the furnace contains a high-temperature oxidizing zone and there is a high potential for reduction reactions to take place over a large part of the furnace's volume. A new blast-furnace smelting technology has been developed, the technology making it possible to improve environmental conditions and reduce (by 0.2–2.1%) the quantities of natural materials used in the process. The technology being proposed for utilizing technogenic wastes can be employed on the blast furnaces at metallurgical plants in Russia. It does not require a capital investment and ensures the production of conversion pig iron at low cost. The technology is consistent with the modern practices now being used throughout the world to improve the environment and is recommended as a means of making use of technogenic wastes at metallurgical plants.