Definition of 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)
