What is the outstanding feature of POSCO's HyREX?

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  01 Possible to use low-grade fine iron ore

  In a fluidized bed furnace, high-temperature hydrogen is introduced uniformly through a distributer with multiple holes. The hydrogen makes the iron ore particles to become fluidized and thoroughly mixed enabling highly efficient reduction reactions to take place. The unique characteristic of fluidized bed technology is its ability to utilize fine iron ore directly.

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  02 No pellet processing process required

  Since HyREX does not require a pelletization process, it can reduce ore processing costs and eliminate carbon dioxide emissions during raw material processing. The direct use of fine iron ore of relatively low grade makes HyREX a more economical process.

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  03 Advantageous in heat supply required for reduction

  From the perspective of endothermic hydrogen reduction reaction, additional heat supply from an external source may be necessary when there is insufficient heat to sustain the reaction. HyREX fluidized bed reactors are divided into multiple stages, allowing for easy temperature control in each reaction step.

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  04 Possible to produce high-grade steel by connecting with the existing steelmaking process

  Electric smelting furnaces can be integrated into existing steelmaking processes even when using direct reduced iron from low-grade fine iron This enables the production of high-grade steel such as automobile exterior steel, giga steel, and electrical steel sheets, items that may be challenging to manufacture using conventional electric furnaces.

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  05 Slag can be used as a raw material for cement

  In addition, slag generated in the process of melting direct reduced iron in an electric smelting furnace can be recycled as a carbon-reducing raw material in the cement industry.