OBTAINING OF CARBON-FREE IRON POWDERS BY REDUCTION METHOD IN CONVEYOR FURNACES WITH RECIRCULATION AND REGENERATION OF "GREEN" HYDROGEN

The use of absolutely pure hydrogen to obtain carbon-free iron is justified. Such hydrogen can be obtained only by water electrolysis. According to modern trends it can be called "green" hydrogen". Some aspects of pure iron powders obtaining by the method of hydrogen reduction in a conveyor furnace are described. Thermodynamic analysis of the process has shown the expediency of reduction gas re-circulation for the full utilization of its chemical potential. The concept of hydrogen utilization factor is introduced and considered. The concept of hydrogen utilization factor is introduced and considered. It is ascertained that the realization of hydrogen recirculation is possible only in a gas-tight aggregate. Powder locks for sealing the end faces of conveyor furnaces for reduction and annealing of metal powders are developed. The basics of energy-efficient scheme for a reduction of iron with hydrogen recіrculation and regeneration have been developed and realized on practice. This innovation allows to reduce gas consumption almost to the stoichiometric index. Bibl. 15, Fig. 4, Tab. 2.