Authors: J. Cox, R. Gander, K. Scott
Abstract
The proliferation of processes and technologies for producing virgin iron units, combined with a better understanding of the performance of alternate materials in steelmaking, offer interesting, complex new choices for steelmakers. To produce a desired steel quality at the lowest cost, steelmakers must choose the appropriate mix of
purchased and manufactured (off- or on-site) iron units. For new or existing steel plants, operators face an array of technical and commercial issues related to their charge mix which impact on daily operations and longer term plans. Yet each steelmaker has specific conditions, process limitations, and operating practices which constrain available options and vary the economics of a particular charge material combination.
