Economic and environmental analyses of biomass torrefaction for injection as pulverized material in blast furnaces

Biomass was the first material used as a fuel by humanity, being replaced fossil fuels after industrial revolution. With growing of environment discursions and effects CO2 emissions, biomass has been gaining strength potential alternative to fuels, especially for steelmaking, which is responsible about 5 10% all emitted. It known that biomass, compared fossils, higher volatile content, high moisture lower calorific value. On other hand, it hydrogen content sulfur (important steel industry), in addition considered neutral emissions. Torrefaction, heating at temperature between 200-280°C an oxygen free atmosphere, interesting treatment adapt biomasses use steelmaking processes, mainly pulverized injection into blast furnace. PCI extremely important process production iron furnace, due its ability reduce coke consumption optimize operation reactor. This article comes with purpose presenting bibliographic review technique, torrefaction process, applicability industry. In addition, economic environmental analysis possible processes will be presented. Results shows torrefied interesting, generating savings 10 dollars reduction 264kg emissions per ton hot metal, replacement 50% coal biomass.