Tailored solutions for green steel production routes
Green steel refers to steel that is produced using environmentally friendly methods, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of steel production. This can involve using renewable energy sources and innovative technologies like hydrogen-based reduction processes instead of traditional carbon-intensive methods. The goal is to create steel with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional steel production techniques.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) production is a method of steelmaking that uses high-voltage electric arcs to melt scrap metal or direct reduced iron. This process is energy-efficient and allows for precise control over the composition of the steel. EAFs are widely used for recycling scrap metal, contributing to more sustainable steel production.
Scrap-EAF
Scrap metal is vital in green steel production, as its use reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while conserving resources and minimizing waste. However, there is the potential for contamination from impurities in scrap, which can affect the quality and properties of the final steel product.
In scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) production, our integrated analytical value stream facilitates precise control of tramp elements and inclusions from recycled feedstock. This comprehensive approach begins with bulk material verification, continues through targeted sorting and melt quality control, and concludes with finished product certification. The result is premium-quality recycled steel that meets stringent specifications despite variable input materials.
Key benefits of advanced analysis:
- Complete traceability from scrap yard to finished product
- Early detection and rejection of problematic materials
- Real-time monitoring of melt chemistry and inclusion formation
- Precise control of residual and main elements that affect steel quality
- Reduced energy consumption through optimized processing
Key Technologies: PGNAA for bulk scrap loads → Laboratory XRF and/or OES for detailed elemental analysis → Handheld XRF for targeted sorting → OES for melt control and inclusion analysis → XRD for slag analysis → non-contact thickness gauging for finished product verification
DRI-EAF
For Direct Reduced Iron with Electric Arc Furnace processing (DRI-EAF), our analytical value stream monitors material quality from raw materials through finished products, with special emphasis on oxide control and metallization degree. This integrated approach optimizes the reduction process, monitors gangue carry-over, and enables exceptional steel cleanliness, leading to the production of premium-grade steel with significantly reduced carbon emissions.
Key benefits of advanced analysis:
- Accurate metallization degree measurement for process optimization
- Identification of oxide phases that predict inclusion formation
- Comprehensive elemental analysis of DRI feedstock
- Enhanced control of oxide inclusions in final products
- Reduced energy consumption through precise process control
Key Technologies: PGNAA for raw material monitoring and/or control → XRD for mineralogical analysis of iron ore → XRF and XRD for DRI quality assessment → OES for melt control and inclusion analysis → XRF for slag chemistry analysis → non-contact thickness gauging for dimensional control
H2-DRI + EAF
For hydrogen-based Direct Reduction (H2-DRF) with Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processing, our comprehensive analytical value stream supports ultra-clean steel production for premium markets. This integrated approach monitors every stage from raw material quality through finished product verification, enabling manufacturers to achieve both environmental sustainability and exceptional steel cleanliness for the most demanding applications.
Key benefits of advanced analysis:
- Comprehensive analysis of hydrogen-reduced iron quality
- Streamlined quality control with multi-technique approach
- Enhanced process optimization for maximum carbon reduction
- Verification of steel elemental composition and cleanliness
- Reduced processing costs through optimized material usage
Key Technologies: PGNAA for raw material monitoring and/or control → XRD for mineralogical analysis → XRF and XRD for DRI quality assessment → OES for premium steel verification → XRD for slag analysis → XRF for slag chemistry analysis → non-contact thickness gauging for precision dimensional control
Advanced steel analysis: From scrap to final product
Transform your green steel production with our comprehensive suite of analytical solutions designed for every stage of the value stream. Each technology in our portfolio addresses specific challenges in sustainable steelmaking, from initial material verification to final product certification. Whether you're operating a scrap-based EAF, implementing hydrogen-based DRI, or integrating carbon capture with traditional processes, our precision instruments deliver the critical data needed to optimize quality, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Click here to explore our complete range of analytical technologies below to discover how they can be integrated into your specific production route for maximum impact on both sustainability and profitability.
Benefits across the value stream
Our integrated analytical value stream delivers comprehensive benefits for green steel producers:
- Reduced carbon footprint - Optimize material usage and processing efficiency
- Enhanced material recovery - Identify and capture high-value alloys in scrap streams
- Improved process control – Obtain real-time data for immediate process adjustments
- Superior product quality – Ensure consistent properties despite variable input materials
- Regulatory compliance – Record documentation of material composition throughout production
- Cost savings - Reduce processing errors and optimize material utilization
With our comprehensive analytical capabilities across the entire value stream, steel producers can strengthen ESG (environmental, social, and governance) messaging by aligning quality and sustainability goals, creating a compelling value proposition as carbon premiums tighten beyond 2030.
Thermo Fisher Scientific can help you with your quest towards greener steel production:
- Check out our extensive resources here.
- Contact us now and request an evaluation of your current analytical capabilities and identify opportunities for improvement throughout your entire production process.
- Speak with our experts about integrating multiple analytical technologies for a seamless value stream solution.
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