Anthracite has a very high energy content and is essential to many industries. As an example, the use of anthracite in power generation is a stable source and reduces dependence on coal. In the metallurgical field, it is used as a reducer in blast furnaces to improve steelmaking efficiency. The increasing concern for climate change has led these industries to look for alternative solutions. Anthracite can be a good alternative to coke, due to its low carbon content and low amount of ash.
In a full size cupola made out of anthracite waste fines, zerovalent silicon bricks successfully replaced some foundry coke. The anthracite-based substitute had similar thermal and physical properties as coke and significantly reduced sintering and burning losses.
In order to assess the potential of using anthracite in place of coke during the sintering procedure, several tests were performed. They included TGA test conditions, sintering indicators and combustion characteristics. The results showed anthracite was able to replace part of the coal in sintering. This had minimal effects on the granules size distribution or sintering index. The anthracite-based coke replacement was also characterized by its superior hot crushing strength and lower energy consumption.
The TGA experiment conditions were different from real sintering, but provided a good way to compare the combustion behavior of coke and anthracite. The results indicate that anthracite is more reactive than coke breeze. Anthracite's higher combustion reactivity is due to its higher fixed carbon and lower sulfur contents.
Anthracite increased in combustion reactivity as the substitution level was increased. This suggests that anthracite is a suitable alternative to coke when sintering. The levels of substitution were 0%, 20 % and 40 %. The results indicate that anthracite can be used as a coke replacement up to a 40% level without significant effects on the sintering process or the sintering indexes.
Anthracite is widely used in metallurgical industries for its low ash content and high carbon concentration. It's a great replacement for coke, increasing steelmaking efficiency while reducing the use of conventional coking coal. The high heat value of this fuel and its low sulfur contents make it a popular choice for electric furnaces. It can also be used for residential and commercial heating. Asia-Pacific has the most anthracite producers and consumers, due in part to its strong industrial sector and dependence on coal for electricity generation. The shift to cleaner energy sources will likely affect the demand for anthracite as these countries strive to reduce their reliance on coal-fired power plants. However, anthracite is still used in the metallurgical field because of its superior properties.
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