Doctoral Network on the adoption of Hydrogen mEtalLurgy In the climate-neutral production Of Steel - HELIOS

DC4: Future converter steelmaking based on hydrogen-reduced DRI

Project title: Future converter steelmaking based on hydrogen-reduced DRI (WP1)

Host Institution: TU Delft

Country: Netherlands

Supervisor: Yongxiang Yang (TUD) – Co-supervisors: Neslihan Dogan (TUD), Bapin Rout (TATA), Frank Schrama (TATA), Martin Kendall (HEEL)

Objectives: 

  • Determine the lower limit of carbon in the hot metal needed for converter refining of phosphorus and nitrogen;
  • Determine the impact of other elements (Si, P) in H-DRI hot metal on converter refining;
  • Engineer the converter slag to enable the refining of H-DRI hot metal;
 

Expected results: 

  • Correlation between carbon concentration in hot metal and dephosphorisation and denitrogenisation;
  • Engineered slag composition, including different flux additions;
  • Advise on converter process control with different future hot metal compositions;
 

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): TU Delft Graduate School 3mE

Planned secondments:

Host: TATA Steel; Supervisor: Bapin Rout, Frank Schrama; Timing: M30-35; Length: 6 months; Purpose: Training and use of Tata Steel’s in-house dynamic converter model Codycos for case studies, including validation with plant data analysis

Host: Heraeus; Supervisor: Martin Kendall; Timing: M25-27; Length: 3 months; Purpose: Training in in-situ sensing in converting process

Candidate requirements: 

  • You hold a master’s degree in metallurgical or materials engineering.
  • You have sound knowledge in pyrometallurgical fundamentals including thermodynamics and reaction kinetics as well as molten melts and slags, and are acquainted with steelmaking technologies.
  • You have good skills in materials sampling and knowledge in characterization with various analytical methods (XRF, XRD, ICP, SEM/EDS, EPMA etc.), and in particular for handling molten metal (steel) and slag.
  • You have laboratory experience in conducting high temperature experiments, and are familiar with using furnaces and reacting gases (involving molten metal and slag).
  • You have good communication skills in English, are proficient in report and paper writing, and can deliver good technical presentations.
  • You are independent but also a good team player, and are willing to cooperate closely with other researchers and the industry partner within the project.
  • You have a critical scientific attitude and have an awareness on sustainability.
  • You are enthusiastic and self-motivated, ready to participate in personal training, international exchanges and public awareness activities.
Apply now!