Cold Briquetting of Ferrous By-Products Generated in Ironmaking and Steelmaking

Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent worldwide, including tighter restrictions on the disposal and storage of dust and sludge from the iron and steelmaking industry. As a result, efficient recycling of iron-containing by-products has become essential. These materials, which include dust, sludge, and oxide fines, can comprise up to 10% of the total steel output, with an iron content up to 65%. Cold briquetting offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution by enabling the reuse of these by-products while reducing raw material consumption and minimizing landfill waste.

In many cases, by-products generated in ironmaking and steelmaking can be used as feed material in sinter plants without further processing or sold at a low value, thereby avoiding the space-consuming and sometimes costly option of depositing the materials within or outside the plant. However, in many Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)-based plants without a sinter facility, the ferrous cold briquetting technology offers the most effective way to utilize these materials, transforming them into a valuable resource rather than a waste product. The cold briquetting process is designed to transform ferrous by-products into briquettes that meet the necessary standards to be reused as an ideal substitute for pellets or lump ore in direct reduction plants. This technology enhances the physical stability and chemical reducibility of materials, supporting environmental sustainability.

The technology is particularly beneficial for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)-based plants, where a large amount of oxide fines, Direct Reduced iron (DRI) sludge, and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) fines are generated. These by-products are briquetted in the fines recycling plant and are then charged directly back to the primary process as a raw material substitute. By transforming waste into a valuable asset, this technology supports sustainability and enhances operational efficiency. It empowers steel producers to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation, making it a cornerstone of modern steelmaking practices.

Benefits of Ferrous Briquetting for By-Product Recycling

• Reduce raw material costs: by recycling by-products, steel plants can significantly reduce their raw material expenses, resulting in savings in raw material costs.
• Minimize landfill needs: the process reduces the volume of waste requiring disposal, thus lowering landfill and transport costs and contributing to a cleaner environment.
• Enhance resource utilization: converts waste into valuable resources, supporting a circular economy within the plant and maximizing the use of available materials.
• Short payback period: the investment in Ferrous Cold Compacting technology is quickly recovered through operational savings and efficiency gains, ensuring a rapid return on investment.
• Support environmental compliance: helps plants meet stringent environmental regulations by reducing waste and emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.