Utilizing Carbonization Technology to Enhance Clean Production in Iron and Steel Industry
Abstract
The iron and steel industry is one of the largest energy consuming industries in the world and its energy complex faces numerous environmental issues due to its wide range of pollutant emissions. This paper aims to provide an overview of the technology of carbonization to enhance clean production in iron and steel industry. Carbonization involves decomposing the plastic waste into its basic elements, such as carbon and hydrogen, in a controlled environment, aided by catalysts. Outlined in this paper are the benefits of utilizing carbonization technology, including reducing potential hazardous plastic waste, producing a high-value product (carbon) as a by-product that can be used as a sponge to absorb pollutants, and improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the paper provides two case studies –a plastic waste pyrolysis plant in China and a municipal solid waste treatment system in Japan– to further demonstrate how carbonization technology can be effectively implemented in practice.
1 Introduction
The iron and steel industry requires an enormous amount of energy to power its multiple processes such as sintering, rolling, or steelmaking. Consequently, this industry is considered one of the largest energy-consuming industrial sectors worldwide, accounting for about 27% of the world’s total energy consumption. Furthermore, due to the multiple processes and the contact with different chemicals and raw materials, the iron and steel industry also produces large amounts of emissions in the form of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) (World Bank, 2018). Thus, it is necessary to come up with suitable technologies to reduce the pollutant emissions and to promote clean production in this industry.
The carbonization technology is a promising technology used to enhance clean production in the iron and steel industry. Different plastic waste products can be carbonized, such as polyethylene. Carbonization involves breaking up complex molecules of plastic waste into simpler components using catalysts and heat energy, which are then converted into a high-value product in the form of carbon black. This carbon black can be used as a sponge to capture pollutants in the atmosphere, and it can also be used to produce high-performance plastics. Additionally, carbonization can help reduce the amount of potential hazardous plastic waste, while also improving energy efficiency.
This paper aims to present a comprehensive discussion on the potential of carbonization technology to improve clean production in the iron and steel industry by outlining its definition and benefits, as well as providing two case studies to demonstrate how it can be used in practice.
2 Definition of Carbonization
Carbonization is the process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler components by applying thermal and catalytic energy. It involves a breaking of the carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds that keep the plastic components together. The process usually starts at around 300℃, which is known as pyrolysis. Any temperature beyond 300℃ is called carbonization. Carbonization results in the production of a high-value product, namely carbon black or “charcoal”.
3 Benefits of Carbonization
Carbonization has numerous benefits that makes it a promising technology for enhancing clean production in the iron and steel industry. First, it can help reduce the amount of potential hazardous plastic waste. Different plastic materials contain pollutants and contaminants, and if discarded or disposed of improperly it can lead to serious environmental issues. By carbonizing plastic, these hazardous materials are removed and the remaining carbon-based components are safe to handle.
Second, carbonization also produces a high-value product as a by-product. Carbon black, which is produced through carbonization, is a valuable product, as it can be used to produce heat-resistant polymers and as a sponge to capture pollutants in the atmosphere. Carbon black has also been used in medical research, to develop treatments for cancer and other medical-related issues.
Finally, the process of carbonization helps to improve energy efficiency. During the process, energy is released in the form of heat, which can then be harnessed to generate electricity or heat energy for industrial use.
4 Case Studies
There are many examples of carbonization technology being utilized in practice. The following two case studies demonstrate how this technology can be effectively implemented.
The first example is from China, where there is a plastic waste pyrolysis plant that was opened in 2008 in Fujian province. The plant produces energy from plastic waste using carbonization technology. The energy produced is then used by households to heat water and stove, reducing the amount of energy consumed by burning fossil fuels.
Second is the municipal solid waste treatment system in Japan. This system uses waste-to-energy technology, which consists of carbonization, thermal gasification, and wet oxidation processes, to efficiently treat municipal solid waste. The by-product of carbonization is a mixture of carbon black and pyrolytic oil, both of which are valuable products. The carbon black component is used to create high-temperature insulation material, while the pyrolytic oil is sold to pharmaceutical companies.
5 Conclusion
Carbonization is a promising technology to enhance clean production in the iron and steel industry. Its numerous benefits include reducing potential hazardous plastic waste, producing a high-value product (carbon) as a by-product, and improving energy efficiency. This paper outlines the definition of carbonization and its benefits, as well as providing two case studies to demonstrate its effectiveness in practice. Carbonization technology is an important component of a larger strategy for promoting clean production in the iron and steel industry, and its wider use should thus be encouraged.
References
World Bank Group (2018).Iron and Steel, Energy & Extractives. Retrieved from http://www.wbgu.de/en/topics/energy-extractives/iron-and-steel/
