Biomass gasification for DRI production

Abstract

The Direct Reduction process can be carried out usingsyngas from biomass. Mathematical models of theintegrated process gasification plus direct reductionhave been used to evaluate flow rate, temperature andcomposition of the gas in the various steps of the wholeprocess. Fluidised bed gasification and operation withtechnological oxygen at high pressures is the proposedsolution to produce syngas. Best candidates for suchapplication are biomass from forest and wood industryand agricultural residues. Both of such type of biomassare present and distributed in many European areasin such amount to make industrially possible their use,taking into account the logistic requirements. A costbetween 30-60 Euros/t DRI is roughly estimated.
The characteristics of the syngas implies the adoptionof purification steps, before the use of the syngas inthe shaft furnace, using technologies permitting hot gascleaning, to save energy efficiency of the process.