A semi-industrial investigation about the use of iron-steel production by-products in reactive coke production

This study investigates the utilization of by-products from iron-steel integrated plants in the production of reactive coke. Various by-products were evaluated, and blast furnace flue dust with high iron (Fe) content was incorporated into the coal blend through the briquetting of highly volatile coal. The blend consisted of 10 % briquette coal comprise 1 % blast furnace flue dust. The addition of blast furnace flue dust with briquettes aimed to mitigate the reduction in coke strength caused by increased reactivity. Reactive coke was successfully produced through the evaluation of blast furnace flue dust, a by-product of iron and steel plants. The resulting reactive coke exhibited a reactivity value approximately 20 % higher than coke produced without the addition of blast furnace flue dust while maintaining its strength. By re-evaluating blast furnace flue dust as a by-product of the iron and steel process, the reactivity of coke increased without compromising its strength. [Display omitted] •The study aimed to reduce CO2 emissions and to recover solid wastes in the processes.•In this context, the blast furnace flue dust was evaluated in the coking process, resulting in the production of metallurgical coke with increased reactivity.•Prior to the use of the flue dust in the coking process, a briquetting operation was carried out to prevent a decrease in the CSR (Coke Strength after Reaction) value of the resulting coke.•As a result, the blast furnace flue dust was utilized in the coking process, leading to the production of metallurgical coke that is suitable for blast furnaces in terms of strength and chemical properties.