Green Steel Initiatives Supported by CERO Waste Refractory Concept, Enhanced Slag Engineering and Using Circular Metallurgical Additives
摘要
In striving for sustainability in the refractory and steel industries, embracing a circular economy is the most effective approach. RHI Magnesita and MIRECO close the loop by engaging producers, users, and recyclers of refractories. Alongside the CERO (Continuous Economic Recycling Optimization) Waste Concept, this approach also includes a slag engineering solution and circular metallurgical additives. The CERO Waste Concept comprises the collection, sorting, reuse assessment, and disposal, as well as legal management of refractory material. This concept produces circular minerals that can substitute primary resources for circular refractory products and green metallurgical additives, thereby maximising refractory recycling rates, cutting CO2 emissions, and significantly reducing landfill disposal. A metallurgical consultancy service for slag engineering delivers deep insights into process optimisations, the application of green metallurgical additives, and slag compatibility with refractory linings. In particular, the prejudices regarding the dissolution of these additives in the laboratory and on an industrial scale were refuted. Three studies on electric arc furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and secondary metallurgy ladle treatments highlight the opportunities associated with circular metallurgical additives while also addressing challenges such as MgO saturation, slag foaming, desulphurisation and alloys saving. Applying e‑tech slag modelling tools, these studies emphasise the added value in metallurgical, refractory, and circular economy knowledge for enhancing a steel plant’s approach to green steel production.