KTP agreement aims for steelmaking solutions

With support from Innovate UK, the KTP will see Teesside University’s Dr Venkatesan Krishnan work with Binding Solutions Ltd (BSL) to develop a cold agglomerated pellet (CAP) that can be deployed in direct reduction (DRI) and hydrogen reduction (HDR) furnace steelmaking processes.

Iron ore pellets are used in steel production as a substitute for sinters or lump ore in blast furnaces. Compared to sintering or induration, BSL’s patented CAP uses minimal heat and minimal energy. To make its product, BSL takes fine materials produced at mines and agglomerates them, or forms them into pellets.

“We formulate the binder formulations to be compatible with the client specification in relation to the Iron production plant,” said Richard Joyce, BSL’s head of Research & Development. “For example, we avoid any elements that can interfere with the ironmaking plant process or increase operational costs downstream to the steel smelter. We utilise iron ore concentrates from around the world which have been produced to meet the technical requirements of the Direct Reduction Process.”