Subtask A schematic

Hydrogen ironmaking route atlas

A comparative schematic of hydrogen-enabled routes from ore feed to steelmaking, aligned to the Task 52 technology mapping and readiness assessment.

Editable JavaScript/SVG figure designed for manuscript, presentation, and Illustrator workflows.

Core hydrogen-based routes are compared on a common system boundary from ore feed to crude steel. Electrolysis and BF hydrogen enrichment are separated as adjacent and transition pathways. Fe envelopes are indicative feed-grade references, not acceptance limits; mineralogy and gangue chemistry remain process-specific.

Routes shown

  • DR-grade pellets or lump to H₂ shaft reduction, pellet/lump DRI or compacted HBI, and EAF steelmaking.
  • Ore fines to fluidized-bed H₂ reduction, hot DRI and ESF hot-metal production; BOF/LD is the reference refining integration and EAF is an alternative.
  • Lower-grade pellets or lump to shaft pre-reduction and ESF slag separation; hot metal can enter BOF/LD or a configured EAF route.
  • Fines or residues to single-vessel H₂ plasma smelting reduction and steel refining.
  • Fine concentrate to Calix ZESTY flash reduction, DRI fines with optional hot briquetting to HBI, and either direct EAF melting or ESF hot-metal integration depending on product quality.
  • Adjacent pathways: electrolytic ironmaking and BF hydrogen enrichment.

Evidence anchors