A Unified Voice For The Ore-Based Metallics Industry

Use of HBI DRI for Nitrogen Control In Steel

Products

David Trotter
BHP Billiton HBI,

David Varcoe
BHP Steel,

Rachel Reeves
BHP Steel,

Sara Hornby Anderson

Midrex Technologies Inc.,
Synopsis

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase not only in the production of steel
via the EAF route, but also the production of ‘high-end’ steel products by this route. The
stringent quality requirements of flat products and special bar quality (SBQ) end users demands
that steel nitrogen levels are kept to a consistent minimum.

HBI and DRI are a suitable raw materials for dilution of residual elements, however they
are often overlooked as a reliable means of reducing dissolved gases, especially nitrogen, in the
final product. As well as a dilution effect there is evidence that melting of HBI and DRI results
in lower nitrogen levels at low addition levels. The in situ carbon content of HBI/DRI (present as
both finely dispersed free carbon, and as iron carbide particles) is much more efficient to
promote carbon boil reactions than large batch additions of lump coke and similar materials.

The manner in which nitrogen enters the steel in the EAF, and the strategies for
minimizing nitrogen levels are discussed. The effects of nitrogen on steel processing and product
properties are also described.

Results from various EAF plants using HBI/DRI are presented and analyzed,
demonstrating improved nitrogen control, process efficiency and product properties. Further, it is
shown that using HBI and DRI to achieve these improvements optimizes productivity and cost of
the EAF and downstream processes.

1.0 Introduction

Over the last 40 years, the proportion of steel produced via the EAF route has been
steadily increasing. EAF steel production in 2000 was 286 million tons, which accounted for
34% of global steel production [1]. EAF steelmakers have traditionally been producers of long
products and lower quality steel products, but have become increasingly involved in production
of flat products and SBQ. The IISI have quantified this trend by forecasting an increase in the
production of flat products via the EAF route from 20 to 68 Mt/a by 2010. [2]

‘High-end’ steel products have stringent nitrogen specifications. For example deep
drawing applications require nitrogen levels below 50 ppm[2]. Further, steel produced via the
EAF route is typically higher in nitrogen than that produced via the BOF, as shown in Table 1.
Therefore increasingly strict control of nitrogen is becoming necessary during the EAF
steelmaking process.
Table 1: Typical nitrogen content of steel produced via the BOF and EAF [2]

Steelmakers use several strategies in order to control nitrogen in the EAF, including
foamy slag practice, CO boil during refining, and the use of low nitrogen feed materials, such as
HBI and DRI.

2.0 Sources Of Nitrogenin EAF Steelmaking

Nitrogen present in steel products has two main sources: the nitrogen that is present in the
feed materials, such as scrap; and the nitrogen that is absorbed from the atmosphere during the
steelmaking process. Table 2 shows the amount of nitrogen present in each of the feed materials
typically used in the EAF. Molinero et al have determined the nitrogen content of a wide range
of ferrous materials, carbonaceous materials, alloys and slag formers, presented elsewhere [3].

Table 2: Nitrogen content of feed materials used in EAF steelmaking [3-8]

 It is apparent from this data that virgin iron units such as HBI and DRI contain
considerably less nitrogen than recycled iron units such as scrap. Figure 1 shows that the use of
HBI dilutes the nitrogen content of the input materials.

Fig. 1 – Effect of raw materials on total nitrogen input for an 85 tons charge, assuming coke rate
of 10 kg/t and oxygen rate of 20 Nm3/t [After 3-8]

2.1 Mechanisms of Nitrogen Absorption

Nitrogen gas is absorbed into liquid iron from the atmosphere in two ways. The first is via
diatomic dissociation, as given in Equation (1).

The equilibrium constant for nitrogen absorption is therefore:

 If we assume that the activity of the nitrogen dissolved in the steel is approximately the
same as the chemical concentration (Henry’s law), then this concentration can be calculated as:

Hence, the greater the partial pressure of nitrogen in the atmosphere near the air/steel
interface, the greater the absorption of nitrogen into the liquid steel. In simple terms, the more
nitrogen in the atmosphere, the greater the nitrogen pickup during the steelmaking process. This
has particular implications when nitrogen gas or air is used for stirring or carbon injection.

The second means of nitrogen absorption is from monatomic nitrogen. Molecular

nitrogen dissociates to form monatomic nitrogen at the very high temperatures present in the
plasma arc in the EAF. This in turn, is readily absorbed into the steel bath. This phenomenon is
represented by Equations (4) and (5):

Equations (2) and (3) still hold for this second mechanism of nitrogen absorption, since
the overall reaction is the same. However, when the plasma arc is present it exerts such force on
the slag, that it exposes the liquid steel. Further, KN is a function of temperature, such that the
reaction proceeds to a greater extent at higher temperatures, such as those that exist near the arc.
This promotes absorption of nitrogen present in the arc, and so the arc has greater influence on
nitrogen absorption than the incidental atmosphere.

2.2 Nitrogen Levels During the Steelmaking Process

A study conducted by Pilliod [9] has demonstrated the change in nitrogen content in the
steel bath during melting and refining in the EAF, as represented in Figure 2. The solid line
represents heats using 50% foundry returns and 50% scrap, while the dashed line represents
heats using 100% scrap. The various stages of the steelmaking process are labelled alphabetically
and represent:

A: Electrodes boring through cold charge

B: Small molten pool forms and increases
C: Remaining charge melted
D: Bath heated to carbon boil temperature
E: Carbon boil period
F: Ferroalloy additions made and bath heated to tapping temperature
 G: Tapping of the heat
H: Molten steel held in tap ladle
I: Molten steel re-ladled and cast

Fig.2 – Nitrogen content in steel bath during EAF melting and refining [9]

It should be noted that although Pilliod’s work is significant, stage F – the addition of
ferroalloys in the EAF – is no longer typical practice for EAF steelmakers. Since Pilliod reports
that this stage has no effect on nitrogen levels, the data remain valid.

The only time during the process that the nitrogen content decreases is during stages C
and E. During stage C, a slag has formed which prevents nitrogen absorption, while the
remaining melting iron units dilute the nitrogen content. In stage E, bubbles of CO generated in
the steel adsorb dissolved nitrogen and remove it to the atmosphere. This will be discussed
further in Section 4.3.

2.3 Nitrogen Specifications

 Table 3 shows the typical nitrogen specifications and achieved nitrogen levels for various
long and flat steel products. Invariably, the actual nitrogen levels are less than the required
specification.

Table 3 Nitrogen specifications and actual levels for various steel products [2]

3.0 Effect Of Nitrogen On Steel Processing And Properties

3.1 Behavior of Nitrogen in Steel

While steel is liquid the nitrogen present exists in solution. However, solidification of
steel may result in three nitrogen-related phenomena: formation of blowholes; precipitation of
one or more nitride compounds; and/or the solidification of nitrogen in interstitial solid solution.

The maximum solubility of nitrogen in liquid iron is approximately 450 ppm, and less
than 10 ppm at ambient temperature, as shown in Figure 3 [10]. Further, the presence of
significant quantities of other elements in liquid iron affects the solubility of nitrogen. More
importantly, the presence of dissolved sulphur and oxygen limit the absorption of nitrogen
because they are surface-active elements. This is exploited during steelmaking to avoid excessive
nitrogen pickup, particularly during tapping, as will be discussed in Section 4.2.
Fig. 3 – Solubility of nitrogen in iron for temperatures of 600-2000°C [10]

Similar to nitrogen, there is a significant solubility differential for hydrogen in iron, with
respect to temperature, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, as steel solidifies, excess nitrogen and
hydrogen are rejected from the solid material, and the concentrations of nitrogen and hydrogen in
the liquid steel increase. The same is true of oxygen, however, oxygen will react with carbon to
produce carbon monoxide (CO). If the total gas pressure generated by the nitrogen, hydrogen and
CO satisfies Equation (6), bubbles of gas may form, resulting in blowholes in the cast structure.

Where pis the partial pressure of the respective gases, PS is the atmospheric pressure on
the surface of the solidifying steel, Pf is the ferrostatic pressure at the location of blowholes and σ
is the surface tension of the liquid steel in contact with the gas bubble of radius, r. Generally, the
sum of the partial pressures of the gases must be greater than 1.05 atmospheres in order to form
blowholes just below the surface of the cooling steel. [11]

If there is insufficient gas pressure to form blowholes, the remaining nitrogen in excess of
the maximum nitrogen solid solubility, will agglomerate as precipitates at dislocation sites. In the
absence of alloying elements, Fe4N will form, however, these precipitates induce strain ageing in
deep drawn products. Therefore, other alloys such as aluminum, vanadium and niobium are
added to produce alternative precipitates that can improve mechanical properties. Most
commonly, nitrogen will form aluminum nitrides in low carbon aluminum-killed (LCAK) steels.
[12]

The soluble component of nitrogen is commonly referred to as ‘free nitrogen’. Like

carbon, nitrogen atoms are significantly smaller than iron atoms and exist within the interstices
in the atomic structure. This atomic arrangement is known as an interstitial solid solution. [12]
3.2 Effect of Nitrogen on Steel Properties

The effect of nitrogen on steel properties can be either detrimental or beneficial,

depending on the other alloying elements present, the form and quantity of nitrogen present, and
the required behavior of the particular steel product. In general, however, most steel products
require that nitrogen be kept to a minimum. High nitrogen content may result in inconsistent
mechanical properties in hot-rolled products, embrittlement of the heat affected zone (HAZ) of
welded steels, and poor cold formability. In particular, nitrogen can result in strain ageing and
reduced ductility of cold-rolled and annealed LCAK steels. [13]

3.2.1 Effect of Nitrogen on Formability

Figure 4 shows that the strength of LCAK steels decreases slightly and then increases
with increasing nitrogen. Conversely, the elongation decreases and the r-value increases with
increasing nitrogen. The r-value is the average ratio of the width to thickness strain of strip
tensile specimens tested in various orientations [14]. It is an inverse measure of formability.
Hence, high nitrogen content leads to poor formability of LCAK steels, even after annealing.

Fig. 4 – Effect of nitrogen on yield strength, tensile strength, r-value and elongation of LCAK
steel in the annealed condition [15]

The effect of nitrogen on mechanical properties is the result of interstitial solid solution
strengthening by the free nitrogen; precipitation strengthening by aluminum and other nitrides;
and grain refinement due to the presence of nitride precipitates. [16]
3.2.2 Effect of Nitrogen on Hardness

Hardness is the resistance of a material to surface indentation. Figure 5 shows that

hardness increases linearly with increasing nitrogen content. Nitrogen absorbed during
steelmaking results in interstitial solid solution strengthening and grain refinement, both of
which increase hardness. Further, the diagram shows that nitrogen absorbed during the
steelmaking process has a more significant impact than that absorbed during batch annealing in a
nitrogen-rich atmosphere, although both have a measurable effect. [12, 17]

Fig. 5 – Increase in hardness of aluminum-killed sheet steel with respect to increasing nitrogen
content [17]

3.2.3 Effect of Nitrogen on Strain Ageing

Strain ageing occurs in steels containing interstitial atoms, predominantly nitrogen, after
they have been plastically deformed. After deformation, the nitrogen segregates to dislocations
causing discontinuous yielding when further deformed. Not only does strain ageing result in
increased hardness and strength, and reduced ductility and toughness, but it may also result in the
appearance of ‘fluting’ or ‘stretcher strains’ on the surface of deformed material. [18, 19]

Duckworth and Baird [14] have developed a measure of strain ageing termed ‘strain
ageing index’. This is based on an empirical equation to calculate the increase in yield stress
when deformed material is held for 10 days at room temperature. Figure 6 shows that increasing
nitrogen results in a higher stain-ageing index, and therefore greater propensity for surface
defects.
Fig. 6 – Effect of nitrogen on strain ageing in mild steels with varying manganese content [19
after 14]

3.2.4 Effect of Nitrogen on Impact Properties Including Welded Material

The ability of a material to withstand impact loading is commonly known as toughness. It

is sometimes quantified by measuring the amount of energy that is absorbed by a test piece of
known dimensions prior to fracture. It is further analyzed by determining the fracture mechanism
upon impact over a range of temperatures. As temperature is decreased, the fracture type will
change from fibrous/ductile to crystalline/brittle. This arbitrary temperature is termed the
‘ductile-to-brittle’ transition temperature. The lower the transition temperature the better the
impact properties, since failure via ductile fracture may be less catastrophic than that via brittle
failure. [20] Figure 7 demonstrates that as free nitrogen increases, the transition temperature
increases, and therefore toughness decreases. This is attributed to solid solution strengthening.
[21]
Fig. 7 – Effect of free nitrogen on impact properties [22]

Conversely, limited amounts of nitrogen present as precipitates have a beneficial effect

on impact properties. Nitrides of aluminum, vanadium, niobium and titanium result in the
formation of fine-grained ferrite [16]. Further, the smaller the grain size the lower the transition
temperature, hence improved toughness [23]. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully control, not
only the nitrogen content, but also the form in which it exists, in order to optimize impact
properties.

Nitrogen is known to affect the toughness of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welded
steel. This is important, since the weld metal should not be a point of weakness in a welded
structure. This loss in toughness is often referred to as HAZ embrittlement. It is thought this
occurs when the nitrides present in the HAZ are dissociated as a result of the elevated
temperatures that exist during welding. The absence of precipitates results in grains of larger
diameter. Also, the metal cools quickly producing low toughness martensite or bainite, which
contain high levels of free nitrogen further exacerbating the loss of toughness. Using lower heat
input and several passes to prevent dissociation of the nitrides may prevent this. [19]

4.0 Nitrogen Control During Steelmaking

There are several ways in which nitrogen can be controlled during the EAF steelmaking
process. This section will evaluate the merits of the various options: use of low nitrogen feed
materials; prevention of nitrogen absorption; and, removal of nitrogen from the steel prior to
casting. Figure 8 is a pictorial representation of the main options available for minimization of
nitrogen.
Fig. 8 Strategies for minimizing nitrogen during the EAF steelmaking process

4.1 Use of Low Nitrogen Feed Materials

Use of low nitrogen raw materials will provide dilution of the nitrogen in the steel bath.
These materials may include hot metal, prime scrap, pig iron and/or HBI/DRI. However, there
are limitations to the use of each material.

Hot metal not only provides virgin iron units, but also contributes heat energy to the
process. However, hot metal is only available at those plants with blast furnace or Corex®
facilities and has higher nitrogen levels than HBI/DRI and cold pig iron. Prime or prompt
industrial scrap is low in nitrogen and residual elements, however it commands a price premium
and is not readily available in some geographical regions. Cold pig iron is a virgin iron unit,
which also provides substantial carbon and hence chemical energy, but may contain significant
quantities of sulphur and phosphorus. HBI and DRI also contain very low nitrogen contents and
no residual elements. The gangue present in HBI/DRI can be used to advantage as discussed in
Section 4.2.

A plant-based study by Thomas et al has shown that, when using recycled iron units only,
there is little relationship between the total nitrogen added in the charge and the meltdown
nitrogen. Thomas proposes that an alternative phenomenon is a more dominant influence on steel
nitrogen levels. [7] Pilliod’s work supports this assertion (see Figure 2, Region B), and specifies
that significant nitrogen absorption occurs during initial melting when there is insufficient slag
present to shield the liquid steel. [9] This will be discussed further in Section 4.2.
4.2 Prevention of Nitrogen Absorption from the Atmosphere

Figure 2 shows that the liquid steel absorbs significant quantities of nitrogen from the
atmosphere during the early stages of melting. Formation of a slag as early as possible will
provide a barrier between the steel and the atmosphere. Boodarie™ Iron contains about 3%
gangue, comprised of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, K2O, TiO2, MgO, and P2O5, as well as about 7% FeO.
These oxides provide the basis of a slag that promotes shielding from the atmosphere. Fruehan et
al have asserted this mechanism of shielding based on laboratory studies of nitrogen control
using MIDREX® DRI [24, 25].

Carbon monoxide from the liquid steel generates a foamy slag. Sometimes, carbon and
oxygen are deliberately injected into the slag to make it foamy. In the case of high carbon
HBI/DRI, the slag may foam in the early part of the process [26]. This not only shields the steel
from the atmosphere, but also covers the arc, which minimizes the dissociation of nitrogen
molecules and therefore prevents nitrogen absorption.

It is thought that utilization of a ‘closed furnace’ practice will minimize nitrogen

absorption from the atmosphere. Such a practice requires that the furnace is well sealed and that
the doors and roof are not opened unnecessarily. Continuous feeding of the charge material is
amenable to this practice, particularly fifth hole charging of DRI or HBI. A comprehensive study
by the IISI revealed that ‘closed furnace’ practice has not been adopted as a standard practice for
nitrogen control. [2]

Other simple practices can assist in nitrogen minimization. These include the use of
nitrogen free stirring gases and carrier gases. Argon gas used to stir the steel in the ladle can
remove nitrogen to the atmosphere, and the use of argon gas, rather than air or nitrogen, for
carbon and lime injection will be beneficial. However, argon is very expensive and often only
available in limited quantities, so substitution of argon for air and nitrogen in these applications
is impractical.

Thomas et al have reported that during tapping absorption of only 1 ppm of nitrogen is
attributable to the addition of alloys. The notable exceptions are calcium silicide and coke. Of
more concern is the absorption of nitrogen into the tapping stream. [7] Several strategies can
assist: use of eccentric bottom tapping to ensure the tapping stream remains compact; tapping
before deoxidation in order to leverage the surface active nature of oxygen; and desulphurization
of the steel only at the ladle furnace, again to leverage the surface active nature of sulphur.

4.3 Removal of Nitrogen from Liquid Steel

4.3.1 CO Boil

Standard practice at most EAF steelmaking shops is the CO boil. This involves a
vigorous reaction between carbon and oxygen deep in the bath. The resulting bubbles of CO
adsorb nitrogen as they ascend to the surface releasing both gases to the atmosphere. The CO
boil is brought about by either injecting both oxygen and carbon into the steel bath, or by lancing
a high carbon liquid steel with oxygen. Alternatively, oxygen may be introduced via bottom
tuyeres in the furnace. [7] Region E on Figure 1 shows that this practice is highly effective in
removing nitrogen from liquid steel.

4.3.2 Carbon Efficiency

Thomas et al [7] have reported that the presence of DRI in the feed material can also
bring about a CO boil and therefore assist in nitrogen flushing. Since DRI contains both carbon
and oxygen (as an oxide of iron), it is possible to remove nitrogen even during melting. Results
from North Star Steel show this to be the case as presented in Table 4.

Table 4 – Meltdown nitrogen for different proportions of charged DRI at North Star Steel

The carbon contained in HBI/DRI is present as both free carbon, and iron carbide, finely
dispersed through the structure. The efficiency and consistency of carbon added is quite high,
providing predictable controlled carbon boil reactions to aid in degassing and stirring.

By contrast, carbon added in large batches, such as bags of coke or coal is inefficient and
unpredictable. Heat to heat variation in carbon recovery is very large, with efficiency typically
less than 40%. Large fireballs and sudden violent reactions are commonly associated with batch
additions of coke or coal carbon sources, adding to the uncertainty of using this method for
nitrogen control.

4.3.3 Nitrogen Removal Mechanism

Fruehan et al have presented contrary evidence based on their studies of nitrogen removal
using DRI. According to their experimental work, DRI only reduces nitrogen by dilution and
generation of slag early in the melting process. They hypothesize that the CO generated by the
DRI causes the pellets to become buoyant and rise to the slag phase, in which nitrogen flushing
cannot be accomplished. They assert that the reaction of carbon and injected oxygen deep in the
bath is more effective in removing nitrogen. [25] It has been observed during experimental work
conducted by Honeyands that BHP Boodarie™ Iron has a significantly higher density than DRI
pellets. It was further observed that HBI does not float in the slag, but rather sits at the slag/metal
interface, and generates a significant volume of CO gas. [8]

If the steel produced via the EAF contains excess nitrogen the final option available to
the steelmaker is vacuum degassing. Liquid steel is subjected to an atmospheric pressure of close
to zero – approximately 25 mbar or less – at which there is a thermodynamic tendency for
nitrogen (and hydrogen) to form diatomic molecules. These are adsorbed by the argon bubbles
used to stir the steel and are transported to the surface and released to the atmosphere. The
effectiveness of nitrogen removal by vacuum degassing will depend on the level of sulphur in the
steel since this is a surface-active element. [27] Bannenberg et al have calculated that
approximately 50% of the nitrogen can be removed in approximately 15 minutes for initial
nitrogen levels greater than50 ppm. This assumes conditions of 2 ppm dissolved oxygen, 10 ppm
sulphur and 1 mbar pressure. [28] Benchmarking has shown that vacuum degassing adds
approximately 2% to the overall cost of steel production. Also, significant capital is required for
installation of vacuum degassing equipment.

5.0 Effect Of HBI/DRI On nitrogen Levels In EAF Steelmaking

5.1 Shanghai No. 5 HBI Trial Results

Baosteel Group, Shanghai No. 5 Steel Co. Ltd. conducted a comprehensive trial program
using BHP’s Boodarie™ Iron HBI. A description of the trial regime has been presented
previously by Trotter et al [29].

The results of the trials showed that nitrogen content decreased with increasing use of
Boodarie™ Iron (see Figure 9), as did the sulphur content of the steel product. [26] This is
significant since liquid steel is more prone to nitrogen absorption at lower sulphur levels, since
sulphur is a surface-active element.

Fig. 9 – Influence of HBI on Nitrogen Content in Liquid Steel [30]

Shanghai No. 5 has quantified the improvement in mechanical properties of their 40Cr
and 65Mn products as a result of using Boodarie™ Iron. These are presented in Tables 5 and 6.
Table 5 – Comparison of mechanical properties of 40Cr med. C steel with 0% and 20% HBI in
the feed material [30]

The data in Table 5 shows that using HBI provides an improvement in toughness,
elongation, reduction in area, and strength. As discussed in section 3.2, these improvements
result in improved formability of the steel product.

Table 6 – Rolling performance of high C 65Mn grade with 0% and 20-30% HBI in the feed
material [30]

The data in Table 6 quantifies the downstream benefit of using HBI. In this case, use of
HBI eliminated cracking of the product during rolling. This has flow-on effects such as improved
rolling mill productivity. A detailed analysis of these results was previously presented by Trotter
et al [29].

Notably, Tables 5 and 6 show that the use of HBI resulted in significantly less variability
in mechanical properties. This also provides downstream benefits since the customer will receive
steel products with more consistent mechanical behavior.

Further, Shanghai No. 5 has reported that the requirement to produce steels with low
residual and nitrogen content demands the use of some virgin iron units. For example, there is a
requirement to produce tire cord steels with less than 45 ppm nitrogen and less than 0.10%
(Cu+Cr+Ni). Since they do not have an available supply of liquid iron and there is a shortage of
prime scrap, merchant HBI or DRI provides a suitable alternative. [30]
5.2 Ispat Sidbec Inc. (ISI)

ISI have used MIDREX® DRI in quantities of 20-100% in their EAF feed material since
1973. They have observed benefits in better nitrogen control when producing a range of products
including hot and cold rolled strip, rod, SBQ and wire. Since they have an in-house supply of
DRI they are able to supply 75% of their required iron units and therefore have flexibility in
choice of feed material. [26]

Giguere et al have reported that the iron oxide and carbon present in DRI react to produce
a CO boil throughout the melting process. This flushes nitrogen from the liquid steel and also
assists in the generation of a foamy slag for shielding of the steel from the arc and the
atmosphere. Typically 75% DRI is used and results in meltdown nitrogen levels of 20-35 ppm.
[26]

ISI have found that it is very important to achieve a preferred ratio of aluminum and
nitrogen, as this determines the formation of aluminum nitrides. This results in optimum draw
ability of LCAK steels and prevents strain ageing. The effect of DRI on the yield-to ultimate
ratio of rimmed and aluminum-killed steels is presented in Table 7. The lower this measure, the
better the formability. [26]

Table 7 – Yield to Ultimate Ratio of 1% Temper Rolled 1006 Rimmed or AK Steel for 100%
Scrap or 100% DRI Practice [26]

The experience of ISI has also shown that low nitrogen and other residual levels are
essential for wire drawing of silicon-killed steels. Table 8 summarizes the improvement in
reduction of area (ROA) for ISI’s 1008 SiK wire grade.ROA is a measure of ductility. [26]

Table 8 – Effect of feed material on ductility of wire drawing of 1008 SiK steel [26]

5.3 Other Results

Several other steel producers have quantified the reduction in nitrogen levels in steel
produced from DRI or HBI iron units. These include Nueva Montana, North Star Steel,
Georgetown Steel Corporation, and several plants in the EEC. Although they have not related
lower nitrogen to improvements in mechanical properties, they serve to demonstrate that
nitrogen control can be achieved universally by appropriate use of DRI/HBI. The reported
numbers are summarized in Table 10 and Figure 10.
Table 10 – Nitrogen content of steel at different EAF plants using different quantities of
HBI/DRI [7, 31, 32]

Fig 10 – Effect of HBI on meltdown nitrogen for 9 European EAF plants [2]

6.0 Conclusions

Due to the increasing production of flat products and other high-end steel products via the
EAF steelmaking route, the requirement for strict nitrogen control is becoming ever greater. A
variety of options are available to control nitrogen including improved operating practices and
use of virgin iron units.
 It has been demonstrated that use of HBI or DRI assists in nitrogen control by: diluting
the nitrogen content of the source iron units; generating a slag early in the melting stage in order
to shield the metal from the atmosphere; helping generate a foamy slag; and producing a CO boil
within the steel bath to flush out nitrogen.

It has also been demonstrated that by reducing the nitrogen content of steel products, HBI
can promote improvement in the mechanical properties of those products. In particular, increased
use of HBI leads to improved strength, toughness, and ductility, leading to better formability.
There is also evidence that use of HBI reduces susceptibility to cracking during rolling.

Further, the measurements of many steel producers show that use of HBI/DRI
consistently results in lower nitrogen content than when 100% scrap is used. Combined with the
added benefit of reduced residual content, use of HBI/DRI ensures greater consistency in
chemical composition, and therefore steel properties. Hence, the steel producer can be confident
of meeting product requirements, and minimizing downgraded product and unnecessary
inventory.

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