A major breakthrough has been achieved in the field of low-calorific-value gas utilization within the steel industry. Recently, the China Iron and Steel Association convened an evaluation meeting for the scientific and technological achievement titled “Research and Application of Ultra-Supercritical Power Generation Technology Using Steel Low-Calorific-Value Gas” from Lianyuan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Lianyuan Steel). After thorough inquiry and discussion, the expert committee unanimously assessed that this achievement has reached an overall internationally advanced level.
This pioneering project specifically addresses industry-wide challenges associated with steel plant gases, such as high moisture content, low calorific value, and strong fluctuations. It focuses on key technological breakthroughs, including deep staged combustion technology for high-humidity, low-calorific-value gas, optimized steam-water processes, and hydrodynamic technology for small-capacity ultra-supercritical boilers. Furthermore, it integrates Lianyuan Steel’s independently developed ultra-acid-resistant steel flue gas low-temperature waste heat recovery system. This integrated approach has, for the first time in the industry, enabled the efficient and reliable recovery of low-grade waste heat from gas boiler flue gas below 130°C. The system successfully resolves issues caused by significant fluctuations in gas calorific value and flow rate, achieving a coordinated breakthrough in intelligent equipment operation, high-efficiency power generation, and ultra-low emissions.
The project has yielded substantial intellectual property, including 16 authorized invention patents, 2 software copyrights, participation in the formulation of 2 national standards and 4 industry standards, and the publication of 31 high-level academic papers. Compared to a traditional subcritical unit, a single 150MW unit utilizing this ultra-supercritical gas power generation technology saves approximately 32,000 tons of standard coal and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by over 85,000 tons annually. This translates into significant economic and environmental benefits.
This achievement by Lianyuan Steel provides crucial technological support and a clear development pathway for the entire steel industry to actively implement China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy. It demonstrates how innovation can turn a by-product into a reliable green energy source, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to sustainable development. The successful application of this ultra-supercritical gas power generation technology marks a significant step forward in industrial energy efficiency and sets a new green benchmark for global steelmaking.
