Abstract
Direct Reduction processes use gases (CO and H2) for iron reduction and production of sponge iron or
direct reduced iron (DRI). The generation of this gas occurs through methane reforming, which can be
done in a reformer or inside the reduction shaft with the sponge iron as a catalyst. The latter occurs in
the auto-reforming processes. The kinetics of steam reforming of methane catalyzed by sponge iron was
studied at temperatures between 875°C and 1 050°C. Results showed that sponge iron acts as a catalyst
and methane conversion is increased in higher temperatures and with higher H2/H2O ratio in the inlet gas.
The inlet gas composition like one of the industrial auto-reforming processes led to intense carburization
and hindered the catalytic reforming reaction.
direct reduced iron (DRI). The generation of this gas occurs through methane reforming, which can be
done in a reformer or inside the reduction shaft with the sponge iron as a catalyst. The latter occurs in
the auto-reforming processes. The kinetics of steam reforming of methane catalyzed by sponge iron was
studied at temperatures between 875°C and 1 050°C. Results showed that sponge iron acts as a catalyst
and methane conversion is increased in higher temperatures and with higher H2/H2O ratio in the inlet gas.
The inlet gas composition like one of the industrial auto-reforming processes led to intense carburization
and hindered the catalytic reforming reaction.
