Direct Reduced Iron*
Definition: DRI
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) is a metallic material of a manufacturing process formed by the reduction (removal of oxygen) of iron oxide (iron ore) at temperatures below the fusion point of iron. Cold-molded briquettes should be defined as those which have been molded at a temperature of under 650°C or which have a density of less than 5.0 g/cm3.
Definition: HBI
(Listed in IMO as: Briquettes, hot-molded)*
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) is a metallic material of a manufacturing process formed by the reduction (removal of oxygen) of iron oxide (iron ore) at temperatures below the fusion point of iron. HBI is a material emanating from a densification process whereby the direct reduced iron (DRI) feed material is at a temperature greater than 650°C at time of molding (Hot Briquetting) and has a density greater than 5.0 g/cm3.
| BC No. |
IMO Class |
MFAG Table No. |
Approximate Stowage
Factor (m3/t)
|
EmS No. |
| 016 |
MHB |
None |
0.35 |
B15 |
Additional description and use of HBI:
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is a premium steelmaking raw material that contains 91% to 94% total iron (Fe) in a nearly pure form that is useful in the iron blast furnace (BF), the basic oxygen steelmaking converter (BOF or BOS), and the electric arc furnace (EAF). It has advantages over steel scrap due to its high bulk density of about 180 lb/ft3 or 2.88 tonnes/m3, and the very low content of undesirable chemical elements such as Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Sn, and S. The high specific density of >5.0 g/cc results in a metallic structure that resists breakage and the HBI is also very resistant to degradation due to the effects of weathering. HBI is free flowing in bulk materials handling equipment that facilitates its shipping, storage and feeding from bins.
Typical specifications for HBI are:
| Fe |
93% |
| C |
0.8 – 2.0% |
| Mn |
0.2% |
| Si |
0 |
| P |
0 |
| P2O5 |
0.02 – 0.21% |
| S |
0.02% |
| Gangue** |
3 – 7% |
**Gangue is the term for the oxide minerals that remain in the HBI and that are removed in the iron or steelmaking process, i.e. CaO, Al2O3, SiO2, MgO.
Please also refer to the Technical Library in the “Technical” section of this website for relevant technical papers regarding HBI.
