Authors: P. Towsey, R. Pereira, I. Cameron, Y. Gordon
Brazilian Association of Metals, Raw Materials and Mining, 39th Ironmaking And Raw Materials Seminar, 10th Brazilian Symposium On Iron Ore, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil, November 22 - 26, 2009
Abstract
As part of Pre-feasibility and Feasibility studies performed by Hatch in recent years, several coke plant trade-off studies were completed to help clients recognize which cokemaking technology, by-product or heat recovery would provide a competitive advantage. The work performed concluded that selection of the technology must be made on a case-by-case basis as many different factors can affect the decision including for example, available land and energy sources, steel plant configuration and energy consumers, environmental issues and the capital cost of equipment. Two case studies show the distinct difference in the overall plant energy balance for each technology; the heat-recovery generating a large amount of electric power, and the by-product producing gas for use the steelmaking process. Case study 1 favoured the heat-recovery technology; the absence of natural gas and power from the grid favoured its electrical power production and associated lower fuel oil consumption resulting in a lower Opex and better return on investment (ROI) over the project life. Case study 2 found that by-product cokemaking resulted in a lower Capex and had no requirements for an alternative fuel source. This gave it an economic advantage over the heat-recovery coke plant, although sensitivity analyses showed that electricity and natural prices presented a significant project risk. From an environmental standpoint, the two technologies were assessed using Hatch’s 4QA sustainable development tool considering the coke plant in an entire steel plant arrangement. This found in both cases that the heat-recovery option had a smaller environmental footprint.
