Energy Technologies for High-Temperature Processes Program

The Energy Technologies for High-Temperature Processes Program (EHTP) conducts, R&D; investigations for government and industry on the ecological use of fuels for metallurgical industries. Investigations include evaluation of coal, coke, and alternative fuels for ironmaking

Research conducted by EHPT includes support for Canadian coal producers and ironmakers, with research covering areas such as carbonization technology; fuel evaluation; coal, natural gas and biofuel injection into blast furnaces enhancing fuels qualities to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

The Group's facilities are one of a kind, and include coal preparation capabilities, four coke ovens, three sole-heated ovens, a coal injection pilot plant and computer models of the blast furnace process and an injection simulator. Supporting these pilot scale facilities is a comprehensive laboratory capability for the evaluation of coals and cokes and alternative fuels. Clients use the facilities to optimize their coal, coke, and blast furnace operations by improving fuel properties.

The Group enjoys a close working relationship with the Canadian Carbonization Research Association and individual clients include coal producers, iron and steel makers, iron ore producers, natural gas producers, universities and equipment manufacturers.

Availability of Services

EHTP's services are available to coal mining, iron-making and related industries in Canada and abroad. Collaborative projects are usually task or cost-shared with clients. Many larger projects are collaborative with involvement of Canadian and provincial governments, universities, and industry.

Description

Experimental R&D; projects conducted for clients have been focused on the energy efficiency of the iron-making process, super strength coke for PCI, extending coke oven life, mineral and coke quality, and pulverized coal injections. Computer modeling capabilities for blast furnace optimization have also been developed. Study areas include:

• evaluation of the suitability of coals, biomass, and alternative fuels for blast furnace injection by: computer modeling of the injection process;
• evaluating char/coke reactivity under simulated raceway conditions;
• development of "supercokes" for use in blast furnaces with high fuel injection levels;
• more practical conversion and utilization of coke and steel plant gas streams to minimized GHG emissions;
• development of "alternative" coke and ironmaking processes to meet future environmental regulations;
• evaluation of the suitability of coking coals for domestic and foreign markets; and
• extension of coke-oven life and reduction of emissions by controlling coke expansion, thereby improving operational safety.

While meeting the research needs of its clients and partners, the group's activities also improve energy efficiency and ensure sustainable growth for Canadian metallurgical coal exports.

For more information on the Energy Technologies for High Temperature Processes Program: Ask A Specialist.