Application of fast pyrolysis char in an electric arc furnace

The feasibility of applying char obtained from wheat straw fast pyrolysis as charge carbon in an electric arc furnace (EAF) for the production of steel was investigated. Fast pyrolysis char represents a by-product which could be made available at reasonable cost. It is characterized by higher volatile content than slow pyrolysis char. Prior to application in the EAF, agglomerates with good strength characteristics were formed from the char by adding water and molasses as binder material. Minerals content, specifically potassium, was increased by this procedure which possibly limits the use in an EAF. The burn-off characteristics of these agglomerates in the EAF proved to be feasible. Further experiments in industrial scale can be recommended based on the results of this pilot study with special focus on balancing the minerals in the process. •First investigation of fast pyrolysis char for use in electric arc furnaces•Agglomerates with sufficient strength characteristics could be produced.•Reasonable burn-off characteristics are observed in pilot scale.•Mineral content requires further attention depending on the biomass feedstock.