Multi-material injection system to foster circularity: Valorization of recycled polymers from waste plastics in electric arc furnace

IF 5.1 3区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI:10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103497

Mattia Bissoli , Enrico Malfa , Elisa Marchesan , Loredana Di Sante , Marcello Casa , Piero Frittella , Luz Salas

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Alternative materials able to replace fossil carbon sources is a topic of great interest among European steel mills. The OnlyPlastic project, funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), aims to demonstrate the feasibility of substituting fossil carbon in EAF-based steel production with a new SRA derived from plastic residues, compliant with UNI 10667–17 and produced by I.BLU. Such approach avoids landfill disposal of hard-to-recycle plastic residues, promoting synergistic approached between industrial sectors.

Industrial trials at the Feralpi Lonato site confirmed the feasibility of SRA use in EAF without adverse effects on process performance, EAF stability, slag quality, or pollutant emissions. Notable reductions in VOCs (−41%), dioxins and furans emissions (−56%) are observed. The injection system is based on new development made by Tenova, specifically designed to promote iron oxide reduction and slag foaming processes with low-density materials.

LCA studies support the use of SRA like BLUAIR® as an alternative to coal in steel making processes, with a 16% reduction in the total (direct and indirect) CO₂ emissions (kg equivalent). A geographical analysis indicates that the creation of an SRA value chain is feasible in various European countries, promoting the development of a new supply chain where steel manufacturer and plastic recycling centers are present on the same territory.

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来源期刊

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Chemical Engineering-Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

10.40%

发文量

327

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP) publishes original, high-quality research articles that span activities ranging from fundamental scientific research and discussion of the more controversial thermodynamic theories, to developments in thermal engineering that are in many instances examples of the way scientists and engineers are addressing the challenges facing a growing population – smart cities and global warming – maximising thermodynamic efficiencies and minimising all heat losses. It is intended that these will be of current relevance and interest to industry, academia and other practitioners. It is evident that many specialised journals in thermal and, to some extent, in fluid disciplines tend to focus on topics that can be classified as fundamental in nature, or are ‘applied’ and near-market. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress will bridge the gap between these two areas, allowing authors to make an easy choice, should they or a journal editor feel that their papers are ‘out of scope’ when considering other journals. The range of topics covered by Thermal Science and Engineering Progress addresses the rapid rate of development being made in thermal transfer processes as they affect traditional fields, and important growth in the topical research areas of aerospace, thermal biological and medical systems, electronics and nano-technologies, renewable energy systems, food production (including agriculture), and the need to minimise man-made thermal impacts on climate change. Review articles on appropriate topics for TSEP are encouraged, although until TSEP is fully established, these will be limited in number. Before submitting such articles, please contact one of the Editors, or a member of the Editorial Advisory Board with an outline of your proposal and your expertise in the area of your review.