Thermodynamic Analysis of the Selective Solid-State Reduction of Electric Arc Furnace Dust by Methane

This chapter delves into the thermodynamic analysis of using methane for the selective reduction of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, a byproduct of steel production rich in valuable metals like zinc, iron, and lead. The study highlights methane's potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 50% compared to traditional carbon-based reductants. Key reactions and thermodynamic modeling are explored, showing that EAF dust reduction occurs between 900 to 1600°C, with methane lowering the reduction temperature by generating CO and H₂, which enhances reaction kinetics. The chapter presents detailed equilibrium composition calculations, illustrating the transformation of key compounds like ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄, and PbO during reduction. It also examines the influence of temperature and methane addition on the recovery of zinc and lead, providing insights into optimizing these parameters for efficient metal recovery. The study concludes that methane offers a promising, lower-emission pathway for cleaner metallurgical processes, with potential applications in green hydrogen-based reduction methods.