New insights into the influence of hydrogen on important parameters of blast furnace

In the pursuit of curbing carbon dioxide emissions, hydrogen is being explored as a substitute for coke in the blast furnace smelting process. This research delved into the potential of hydrogen to mitigate carbon emissions, employing a hydrogen-rich blast furnace model for calculations. A novel approach for preheating hydrogen through blast furnace injection was proposed, accompanied by a more scientifically rigorous CO2 assessment method. This approach encompassed not only CO2 generation during blast furnace smelting but also factors in CO2 emissions from the hot blast stove and hydrogen preheating stove. Simulation outcomes underscored the significant carbon reduction potential of hydrogen. However, it's noteworthy that introducing preheated hydrogen into the blast furnace didn't guarantee lower CO2 emissions. For hydrogen volumes below 300 m³/THM, CO2 emissions rose as hydrogen temperature increased. Conversely, when hydrogen injection surpasses 300 m3/THM, elevated hydrogen temperatures correspond with decreased CO2 emissions. The most significant reduction in CO2 emissions, amounting to 26.1%, occurred when hydrogen at 1250 °C was blown at a rate of 350 m³/THM. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of hydrogen's potential for emissions reduction, underscoring the importance of intricate factors in optimizing its implementation in the blast furnace smelting process. •Giving a novel process of BF with injection of preheating hydrogen.•Proposing a calculation method for CO2 emissions of hydrogen-rich BF.•Analyzing the distribution of gas and heat in hydrogen-rich BF.•The impact of hydrogen on energy and CO2 emissions of BF.