Technical information
Removing oxygen from iron ore before the steelmaking stage.
Direct reduction produces metallic iron from suitable iron ore without melting it. The resulting direct reduced iron, or DRI, is used as a metallic input in steelmaking. Hot briquetted iron, or HBI, is a compacted form of DRI prepared through hot briquetting.
Reduction and briquetting are related but distinct operations. Feed quality, reducing-gas supply, process control and the condition of briquetting equipment all matter to a stable programme. Commvensa’s commercial portfolio includes DRI/HBI; product form, analysis, handling requirements and shipment conditions are established for each supply discussion.
Direct reduction transforms iron oxides into metallic iron without melting the charge. Hot briquetting is a subsequent compaction operation: it allows obtaining HBI from the reduced material and connecting the plant with the supply to steel mills.
- Input material
- Compatible ore charge and reducing gas
- Industrial output
- Direct reduced iron and HBI briquettes
Transformation sequence
- 01
Feed and gas preparation
The charge and reducing gas are prepared according to the installed technology. The condition of the ore and the stability of the gaseous supply influence reduction. The circuit includes circulation, conditioning, and recovery equipment according to its design.
- 02
Solid-state reduction
Contact between charge and gas allows oxygen to be removed from the ore. The reduced iron retains a solid form before discharge. The operation follows the evolution of the process and coordinates feed, gas, and product extraction.
- 03
Discharge and briquetting
The reduced product can follow different handling routes. To obtain HBI, the hot material is compacted in briquetters and conditioned for transfer. Reduction, discharge, and compaction must be coordinated to maintain continuity and quality.
Equipment and systems
- Reactor and ore feed
- Gas circuit, heating, and heat exchange
- Discharge equipment and briquetters
- Cooling, handling, and dispatch preparation
Process control and quality
Evaluation considers the characteristics of the reduced iron and, for HBI, the condition of the briquette. Analysis, batch identification, and transport requirements are established for the product form and specific operation.
Operational continuity
Gas supply, thermal equipment integrity, and briquetting availability condition the schedule. Refractories, bearings, compaction elements, and control systems must be integrated into spare parts and shutdown preparation.
Connection to the next stage
DRI and HBI are metallic inputs for steel manufacturing. They are not finished steel nor do they equate to a melting stage.
Process focus
- Direct reduction
- Hot briquetting
- Material quality & dispatch planning
Output & applications
- Direct reduced iron (DRI)
- Hot briquetted iron (HBI)
- Metallic feed for steelmaking
The process shown explains the industrial value chain. The scope of each Commvensa engagement depends on the relevant project, contract and operating arrangements.
Process reference: World Steel Association ↗