Technology which could produce less carbon intensive steel has taken a step forward with the successful trial of new pellets to feed blast furnaces.

Middlesbrough-based Binding Solutions Limited (BSL) has completed a 250-tonne trial of its cold agglomerated pellets (CAP) which are said to cut energy usage and CO2 emissions by up to 80% and 70% respectively when they replace standard pellets and sinter in blast furnaces. The trial used the Queen Bess blast furnace at the British Steel Scunthorpe steelworks.

BSL's team of researchers, based at a facility at the Materials Processing Institute which is said to be world's leading iron ore agglomeration research centre, say their CAPs can replace up to 8% of indurated pellets - a mix of iron ore fines and additives - in a blast furnace. They say the product can help the industry reduce emissions from primary steel making

The technology can be used for blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces and direct reduced iron plants, and can cut capital requirements by 86% and reduce process complexity. BSL is now looking to invest in a commercial CAP production plant - with locations in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, Europe and Canada being considered

Jon Campbell, health, safety and environment director for British Steel, said: "We are delighted to have worked with BSL to enable this first large scale trial of BSL’s innovative, low emission Cold Agglomerated Pellets. The successful trial clearly demonstrates British Steel’s commitment to exploring new ways of reducing the carbon footprint of our ironmaking operations.

"We are excited by the results and look forward to working with BSL to review options for using their technology as and when we are able."

Binding Solutions has developed its cold agglomerated pellets which is says can substantially reduce emissions in primary steel making.
Binding Solution's cold agglomerated pellets before they are screened and taken to the blast furnace bunker.

Jon Stewart, CEO of Binding Solutions said: "After a decade of development, the successful trial with British Steel is a huge milestone in BSL’s development. This collaboration validates the potential of our Cold Agglomerated Pellets and reinforces our confidence in scaling our technology to commercial production."

Russell Kaschula, COO of Binding Solutions said: "The tests confirm our technology’s effectiveness, with no impact on the blast furnace, having closely monitored all parameters to ensure a successful result in collaboration with British Steel. It has been a pleasure to have worked alongside the Scunthorpe production and technical team and we’re thrilled with the results and proud to have proven our pellets as a viable replacement for indurated pellets."