Direktreduktion

Direktreduktion, also known as direct reduction, is a process used in metallurgy to convert iron ore into a metallic iron product that is nearly pure iron. This is achieved without melting the iron ore, distinguishing it from traditional blast furnace methods. The primary method involves reducing iron oxides using a gaseous reducing agent, typically carbon monoxide, at temperatures below the melting point of iron.

The most common direct reduction technologies utilize natural gas as the source of the reducing gas. In these processes, natural gas is reformed to produce a mixture rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This gas mixture is then passed through a shaft furnace or a fluidized bed reactor containing iron ore pellets or lumps. The reducing gases react with the iron oxides in the ore, stripping away the oxygen atoms and leaving behind solid metallic iron.

The product of direct reduction is known as direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI) if it is subsequently compacted. DRI is characterized by its high metallization, meaning a large proportion of its content is metallic iron. This makes it a highly desirable feedstock for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in steelmaking, as it requires less energy to melt compared to scrap steel and results in higher quality steel. The direct reduction process is considered more environmentally friendly than the blast furnace route, as it can produce steel with a lower carbon footprint, especially when powered by renewable energy sources.