New uses for steel gas: pioneers in chemical co-production

Thread Content

Author/Source: China Nitrogen Fertilizer and Methanol Technology Network. On November 21, 2018, the \"Technical Exchange Meeting on Efficient Utilization of Gas Resources in Steel Production Processes\" was held in Jinan, Shandong, organized by the Chinese Society for Metals. More than 100 expert representatives from dozens of enterprises in the steel, coking, chemical, and related industries across the country gathered to discuss reform strategies for the efficient use of gas generated in steel production processes. They also explored innovative development models that could leverage this gas to facilitate integrated steel-chemical production. After the meeting, the participants visited Shiheng Special Steel in Shandong, where they saw the \"world’s first production facility for converting converter gas into formic acid.\" 　　It is reported that the experts attending the conference include Yin Ruiyu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Wang Tianyi, chairman of a specialized committee of the Chinese Society for Metals; Cui Pijiang, president of the China Coking Industry Association; Wang Yining, secretary-general of the China Environmental Protection Machinery Industry Association; and Zheng Wenhua, a leading expert from MCC Coking & Refractory. The conference focused on key technologies for the innovative use of gas in steel production processes, their advantages and characteristics, as well as case studies and future prospects of integrated steel production models. 　　The meeting began on the morning of the 21st. Tian Zhibin, director of the Low-Carbon Development Center at China Energy Conservation Consulting Co., Ltd., explained to the attendees the latest low-carbon policies for the steel industry, highlighted the urgency of pursuing low-carbon development in this sector, and discussed how to carry out carbon sequestration efforts from the source in order to advance the reform process toward green development in the steel industry. Experts from Beijing Peking Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. introduced innovative approaches to the efficient utilization of gas generated in steel production processes – ranging from preliminary purification and key gas separation to integrated production models that combine these processes with chemical synthesis – as well as solutions for achieving ultra-low emissions in the steel industry. These insights enabled the industry representatives present to view the potential value of gas produced in steel processes from a completely new perspective. Representatives from Yanchang Zhongke (Dalian) Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Tongliao Jinmei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. presented the specific technologies and market analyses related to the production of ethanol and ethylene glycol from gas generated in steel manufacturing processes, offering suggestions on chemical products for steel companies interested in integrated production. Finally, Academician Yin Ruiyu delivered an excellent commentary. For many years, Academician Yin has been actively working to promote the green development of our steel industry. The combined production of tempered products and other goods represents a green approach to making use of gas resources generated in steel production processes, and it is worth trying and innovating in this area by steel companies that have the necessary capabilities. Following the meeting, Beijing Peking Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. signed strategic cooperation agreements with Yanchang Zhongke (Dalian) Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Komirongcheng Energy Technology Co., Ltd., regarding the production of ethanol/methyl acetate from gas generated in steel production processes, as well as the purification and recycling of CO2 from such gas streams. 　　On the afternoon of the 21st, the delegates visited Shiheng Special Steel to see the \"world’s first production facility for converting converter gas into formic acid.\" Through on-site inspections and explanations provided by the staff, the delegates developed a strong interest in the integrated steel and chemical production project. This facility uses the converter gas produced by Shiheng Special Steel as its raw material, and employs Beida Pioneer’s \"Innovative Utilization of Steel Plant Exhaust Gas 4.0\" technology to convert it into raw materials for the production of 200,000 tons of formic acid per year. The production line has been operating stably for 7 months now; all technical parameters meet the design requirements. The product quality is excellent, profits are high, and annual carbon emissions are reduced by 320,000 tons. It represents a typical model project for integrated steel production. 　　At the executive meeting of the State Council on August 22, 2018, the Premier of the State Council emphasized the importance of the development of the fuel ethanol industry; the meeting also called for the implementation of demonstration projects aimed at utilizing exhaust gases from the steel industry to produce fuel ethanol. In the future, fuel ethanol will be one of the important products in the combined production of gasified steel through the steelmaking process. 　　The steel industry is a traditional sector, and the chemical industry also has a long history; combining the production of steel and chemicals represents a groundbreaking advancement of unprecedented nature. It provides steel companies with a model for coupled development in a circular economy, and also opens up entirely new business areas and investment channels for them. This new field complements and relies on the core steel industry; it not only helps enterprises increase their output and profits but also enhances their ability to withstand cyclical risks. Moreover, the social benefits brought about by integrated steel production cannot be ignored. At the most basic level, it addresses the issue of ultra-low emissions – not only by controlling the release of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dust, but also by significantly reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, integrated steel production represents a new model for optimizing resource utilization, reducing primary energy consumption, and minimizing pollution emissions. It serves as a model for inter-industry collaboration, sustainable development of enterprises, and the creation of circular economic benefits. It is believed that in China’s future industrial development, integrated steel production will surely become a truly significant and valuable contribution!