Development of a DRI Furnace Model Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

As the steel industry investigates processes for decarbonizing virgin iron production, the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process stands out as one of the most well-established processes with a path to reach zero CO2 emissions. This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for a HYL-Energion ZR furnace capable of simulating the reduction reactions, gas reforming reactions, carburization reactions, and interphase heat transfer within the shaft reactor. An iterative production rate model has been developed to allow for the prediction of process throughput given a target metallization and reducing gas flow conditions.