Simulation of natural gas combustion in a steel blast furnace

High global steel productivity combined with concerns about the environmental impacts of carbon dioxide emissions require the development of new technologies. The driving force behind this work was the need for alternatives that promote cost reduction and environmental impact reduction, as well as increased productivity in the pig iron production process in steel blast furnaces, since the reduction stage is primarily responsible for energy consumption within a steel mill and the injection of auxiliary fuels such as charcoal or pulverized coal produces a high percentage of carbon dioxide. The application of simulation software provides support for process optimization, making it possible to quickly explore the impact of design variables on process performance. In this sense, the results from the computer simulation presented in this work allow for the control and optimization of gaseous auxiliary fuel combustion in steel blast furnaces in order to reduce costs, increase productivity, and protect the environment.