Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Water Gas Shift Reaction on Flash Reduction Behavior of Hematite with Syngas

Abstract

The water gas shift reaction (WGSR) is the most important side reaction in direct iron reduction processes in syngas. In this study, an Euler-Lagrange model has been developed to simulate the flash reduction behavior of hematite with syngas in a drop tube reactor. Based on model validation, the effect of WGSR on the flash reduction is investigated by comparing results predicted by models with and without WGSR. Results indicate that the WGSR has a minor effect in CO–H₂ system while a major effect in H₂–CO–CO₂–H₂O system. The difference of gas composition caused by WGSR leads to a difference of gas reduction capacity, which results in different reduction behavior. The relationship between the composition of gas mixture and the equilibrium constant of WGSR determines the direction of WGSR and thus determines the positive or negative effect of WGSR on the reduction process. The higher oxygen partial pressure and temperature, the stronger influence of WGSR can be considered to have.