Primary Metallurgy
Research group information
Unit and faculty
Contact information
Research group leader
- Associate Professor
Research group description
Profile
Recently, we have expanded our activities to include the study of hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR), a novel one-step process for reduction, melting, and refining. Through experimentation, simulation, and comprehensive analysis of process fundamentals, we aim to develop efficient, CO2-lean operating practices in collaboration with leading innovators in the steel industry.
Our current efforts focus on sustainable steelmaking practices, with a particular emphasis on utilizing CO2-free direct reduced iron (DRI) in EAFs and smelters, as well as applying the HPSR process for reducing iron ores and chromite. In the area of converters, we bring extensive expertise in argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) and basic oxygen furnaces (BOF). Additionally, our research covers hot metal desulfurization prior to the BOF process.
Methodologically, we specialize in developing dynamic mathematical models, utilizing computational thermodynamics and high-temperature experiments, and characterizing and modifying metallurgical slags. Our team collaborates actively with leading research groups, and we warmly welcome visiting researchers interested in primary metallurgy.
Research areas
- Hot metal pretreatments
- Electric arc furnaces
- Electric smelters
- Hydrogen plasma smelting reduction
- Converters
Research tools
- Reaction kinetics: thermodynamic-kinetic reaction models, data-driven models, process models, high-temperature experiments (metal-slag, metal-refractory, metal-gas)
- Reaction equilibria: computational thermodynamics (FactSage, Thermo-Calc, HSC Chemistry), thermogravimetry
- Fluid flows: computational fluid dynamics (Fluent, COMSOL), physical modelling
- Characterization: FE-SEM/EDS, XRF, XRD, OES, DSC-TGA