Product Profile of Sponge Iron

Beekay, an iso 9001:2000 for the last 50 offers sponge iron which is a metallic product formed by the reduction of iron ore at temperature just below the fusion point of iron. This product has derived the name "sponge iron" due to its porous nature. It is also called as direct reduced iron [dri].
Sponge iron is a substitute of steel scrap for steel making through the secondary route i.E. Dr/ef route. This also replaces ferrous scrap as a coolant in ld converter. For better melting results, the criteria for selection of sponge iron are high total iron content, high degree of metallization, low gangue, sulphur and phosphorus contents. Following are the advantages of using sponge iron in electric arc / induction furnaces in the charge mix are:

• Dri permits automatic continuous or batch charging.

• It helps create a foamy slag - provides lower electricity consumption, faster melting time. Decreased electrode consumption, longer refractory life and enhanced steel quality.

• The chemical composition of dri is known exactly and is uniform

• It contains very low levels of undesirable metallic impurities.

• Use of dri permits dilution with low cost [more available] scrap.

• Less noise occurs during melt down with dri than scrap.

• It does not require de-sulphurising and de-phosphorising process in electric arc / induction furnaces