Desing System
Optimize steelmaking with Niobium: lower emissions and higher efficiency through TCO
• Energy consumption;
• Refractory and electrode wear;
• Metallic yield;
• CO2 emissions.
• Use hot metal from blast furnaces and refine it by blowing oxygen to remove impurities;
• Typically requires higher tapping temperatures and has higher thermal demands;
• Niobium reduces thermal load and improves control.• Melt scrap using electric arcs;
• More flexible and lower CO2 emissions;
• Niobium optimizes melting and consistency without additional complexity.reducing emissions with Niobium
• Lower global warming potential (GWP);
• Reduced Scope 3 emissions due to high alloying efficiency;
• Requires 30–50 times less material than Ferromanganese (FeMn) for equivalent performance.
Example comparison:
• In 1 million tonnes of steel, replacing 0.4% Mn with 0.01% Nb avoids the emission of approximately 46 million kg of CO₂e.
• Elimination of vacuum degassing in secondary metallurgy;
• Greater process stability and lower variability;• Energy savings in ladle furnace operations;
• Improved product quality and cost reduction per ton.
(TCO) with Niobium
What is the Total Cost of Operation (TCO) in steelmaking?
TCO is a methodology that considers all direct and indirect costs across the steel production chain — including alloying materials, energy use, refractory and electrode consumption, yield, and emissions. It enables producers to balance performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
How does Niobium contribute to TCO reduction?
Small additions of Niobium (around 0.010%) can replace part of the manganese content in steel, enabling lower tapping temperatures and reducing energy demand, electrode wear, and refractory consumption. These factors directly contribute to operational savings and improved yield.
Can both BOF and EAF steelmaking benefit from Niobium strategies?
Yes. Although BOF and EAF have different production characteristics, both can benefit from Niobium microalloying through lower thermal requirements, enhanced process control, and reduced emissions.
What are the environmental benefits of using Niobium?
Niobium offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional alloying elements. For equivalent strengthening performance, it requires 30–50 times less material than FeMn, contributing to lower Scope 3 emissions and reduced environmental impact.
Is the Niobium-based TCO approach validated at an industrial scale?
Yes. Industrial trials have demonstrated energy savings, improved process consistency, and even the elimination of steps like vacuum degassing. These outcomes validate the technical and economic advantages of Niobium alloy design in real production settings.
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