Beijing (Agencies): Chinese researchers have developed a groundbreaking iron-making technology that promises to revolutionize the global steel industry. Known as flash iron-making, this method can complete the iron-making process in just three to six seconds, compared to the five to six hours required by traditional blast furnaces. This represents a staggering 3,600-fold increase in productivity.
The new method involves injecting finely ground iron ore powder into an extremely hot furnace, triggering an “explosive chemical reaction” that produces high-purity iron droplets. This technology not only enhances productivity but also significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, as it eliminates the need for coal.
Professor Zhang Wenhai, who led the research team, stated that the new method works exceptionally well with low or medium-yield ores, which are abundant in China. This could reduce China’s reliance on high-yield ores imported from countries like Australia, Brazil, and Africa, leading to massive cost savings.
The breakthrough has raised concerns in the United States, where industry experts fear that the US steel industry may struggle to keep up with China’s advancements. The increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness of China’s new technology could potentially devastate America’s already deindustrialized economy.
The Chinese government has announced plans to scale up the technology for commercial production, with reactors equipped with vortex lances capable of producing 7.11 million tonnes of iron annually. This development is expected to give China a significant edge in key industries such as high-speed rail, shipbuilding, and car manufacturing.