Title: Use of metallized raw materials in electric furnace steelmaking

Abstract

The paper discusses the use of a secondary smelting technology for reinforcing steel (rebar) production at Baku Steel Company, LLC, noting the feasibility of adding metallized pellets to the furnace charge consisting of scrap metal and other manufacturing waste products. The addition of such pellets enhances the process of melting the charge in an electric arc furnace (EAF). The process utilizes direct-reduced iron (DRI) and hot-briquetted iron (HBI) pellets. The status of metallized pellet production in different countries was analyzed. The characteristics of DRI and HBI pellets were compared. The results of two EAF melting runs conducted at Baku Steel Company, LLC are presented. It is shown that the use of metallized raw materials in the EAF charge resulted in 87 to 90 % yield of usable metal. The rebar stock obtained from this steel meet the standard strength requirements. Various EAF pellet-charge layouts are demonstrated, noting the importance of continuous loading of the charge materials through the furnace roof. Alternatively, the pellets can be loaded into EAF through an opening in the furnace wall. At Baku Steel Company, LLC, pellets are loaded through the furnace port. It is shown that the mixture of materials is supplied to a bunker, and then loaded into the furnace using a belt.