8th International Congress on Science and Technology of Ironmaking - ICSTI 2018

Since LKAB decided to invest in a pilot scale blast furnace in 1996, the equipment has over the years produced a significant amount of data and results for improvement of products and processes within ironmaking. The experimental blast furnace has played a vital role in many research projects, producing important results which simplify the decisions whether to move into larger scale or continue development. The Experimental Blast Furnace has not only been an important tool for LKAB product development but also contributed to the continues improvements for ironmaking technology. Since the start, various burden materials has been tested together with different types of injection materials. Larger joint projects like ULCOS and Course50 has been developing and testing ideas in pilot scale in order to evaluate possible routes for a more environmentally friendly production. Also individual customer support projects has been conducted where detailed analysis of burdening materials from blast furnace atmosphere has been sampled and evaluated For the future, the EBF will hopefully continue to be a part in the strive to minimize environmental impact and increase energy efficiency within the field of ironmaking. It will also continue to be a vital part in the development of LKAB high grade products, ensuring that every new product or development is thoroughly tested before being introduced to customers.