Used Tires for Insulation in EAF

Coke or anthracite is used in EAF to insulate molten steel and thus minimizing energy use. University of New South Wales has demonstrated that polymers such as rubber from tyres can replace some of the coke in EAF. Therefore used rubber tyres are utilized in EAF instead of disposing them in to landfill. This has resulted in coke savings.

This measure is regarded to have low application potential in countries like China or India where polymer availability can be an issue and such polymers may have competing uses. The measure is considered to have higher application potential in the US and Western Europe.  

Development Status Products
Demonstration
steel

Used Tires for Insulation in EAFCosts & Benefits

Parent Process: Electric Arc Furnace
Energy Savings Potential

Electrical energy consumption to produce one tonne of billet was reduced from 424 kWh to 412 kWh.
CO2 Emission Reduction Potential

CO2 savings were equivalent to the removal of approximately 4,000 cars from the road.
Costs

Using rubber tyres, steelmaking costs are 80% of what they were when using coking coal.

Used Tires for Insulation in EAF Resources

OneSteel Runs with Tyres Idea

Date: 

May
2012

This case study provides further information on how OneSteel, based in Australia, has managed to reduce coke consumption and CO2 emissions by using used tyres and waste plastics in making steel in electric arc furnaces.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/onesteel-runs-with-tyres-idea/story...