Overview of the main pathways for biochar utilization in iron and steelmaking
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51301/ejsu.2026.i4.01Keywords:
carbon materials, metallurgy, reactivity, biochar, biocoke, iron ore sintering, recarburization, electric furnacesAbstract
This paper summarizes the main applications and property requirements of biochar in iron and steel production as a renewable alternative to fossil carbon materials. It discusses its application in cokemaking, iron ore sintering, blast furnace (BF) injection, basic oxygen furnace (BOF), and electric arc furnace (EAF). For each process, the functions of biochar and the requirements for its main properties, reactivity, porosity, density, and mechanical strength are systematized. It is shown that in cokemaking, the biochar share is typically limited to about 10 wt% because it deteriorates coke strength and reactivity. In iron ore sintering, 40-60 wt% of coke breeze can be replaced by biochar, and in BF injection, the substitution level depends on combustion conditions and the need to maintain a stable temperature in the tuyere zone. Biochar has the greatest potential in BOF and EAF, where it can be used as a supplementary energy source, carburizer, and slag foaming agent. The main limitations of industrial biochar application include instability of properties, low density and strength, heterogeneous ash composition, and a tendency to self-heat. It is concluded that specific biochar requirements need to be developed for each metallurgical process.
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