What is HBI?
 Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is a premium form of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)* that has been compacted at a temperature greater than 650° C at time of compaction and has a density greater than 5000 kilograms per cubic meter (5000 kg/m3).
*DRI is a metallic material produced from iron oxide fines or iron oxide pellets and/or lump ores that have been reduced (oxygen removed) without reaching the melting point of iron.
Listed by IMO as: Direct Reduced Iron (A) Briquettes, hot-moulded
BC No. |
IMO Class |
MFAG Table No. |
Approx Stowage Factor |
EmS No. |
016 |
MHB |
None |
0.3-0.4 m3/t |
B15 |
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which on 1 January 2011 supersedes the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code), 1994 Edition
Description of HBI:
HBI is a premium quality, high density steel industry raw material containing 90-94% total iron (Fe) in a nearly pure form, which is used in electric arc furnace (EAF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steelmaking, blast furnace (BF) ironmaking, and foundry applications.
HBI Advantages:
- High bulk density of 2500-3300 kg/m3 (156-206 lbs/ft3).
- Known, consistent chemistry certified by the producer.
- Minimal (trace) amounts of undesirable chemical elements (Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Sn, Pb, and V).
- High thermal and electrical conductivity
- Low reactivity with fresh and saltwater (reoxidation).
- Resistant to degradation due to handling and weathering.
- Compatible with all bulk materials handling equipment.
- Safe, easy to store in all types of weather.
HBI Physical Characteristics:
Weight:
Apparent Density:
Bulk Density:
Length:
Width:
Thickness:
Fines: |
0.2-3.0 kg (0.5-6.6 lbs)
> 5000 kg/m3 (> 312 lbs/ft3)
2500-330 kg m3 (156-206 lbs/ft3)
50-140 mm (1.97-5.5 in)
40-100 mm (1.6-3.9 in)
20-50 mm (0.79-1.97 in)
(under 6.35 mm) not to exceed 5% |
HBI Chemical Characteristics (ranges % by wt.):
Fe (total) |
90 - 94% |
Fe (metallic) |
83 - 88% |
C |
0.8 – 1.7% |
P |
0.02 – 0.11% |
S |
0.003 – 0.03% |
Gangue† |
1.95 – 5.1% |
Residuals‡ |
Minimal (trace) |
† Gangue is oxides not in metallic form (i.e., SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, and MnO) that remain in the HBI and are removed in the iron or steelmaking process.
‡ Residuals are undesirable chemical elements for steelmaking (i.e., Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Sn, Pb, and V)
How HBI Is Made
HBI is produced by any of several commercially proven direct reduction processes. The direct reduced iron (DRI) is compacted while hot but in a solid state in specially designed roller presses to create a dense, pillow-shaped metallic iron briquette. Click on the link below for a description of the various HBI production routes based on the Direct Reduction Fundamentals and Applications – Short Course presented by Roy Whipp, President of Whipp Technology, Inc.
How HBI Is Made
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