Evaluation of spent pot lining (SPL) as an alternative carbonaceous material in ironmaking processes

Integrated ironmaking plants equipped with blast furnaces utilize several types of carbonaceous materials for hot metal production. Among them, coal is used for cokemaking and PCI, being the most expensive raw material for primary iron production. Due to high costs, ironmaking plants are constantly searching for alternative carbonaceous materials. Spent pot lining (SPL) is a carbonaceous waste from primary aluminum production which could potentially participate in the ironmaking with consolidated raw materials. With that in mind, a SPL first cut sample was characterized aiming its application in the ironmaking industry. Proximate, sulfur and calorific value determinations were carried out, as well as ash chemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD) compositions. In addition, the material's density, HGI, cold mechanical strength (breakage, abrasion and compression), reactivity and hot mechanical strength were assessed. The results obtained were compared with ironmaking most common carbonaceous materials and its potential and difficulties were discussed.