HBI production
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is a premium form of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) that has been compacted at a temperature greater than 650° C at time of compaction. DRI is discharged hot from the reduction furnace and screw-fed into the nip between two counter rotating rollers.
HBI briquetting process
Direct Reduced Iron is discharged hot from the reduction furnace and screw-fed into the nip between two counter rotating rollers.
Pockets in the synchronously rotating rollers form the briquettes. This process occurs at high temperatures (typically approx. 700 °C) and high pressing forces. The continuous string of briquettes leaving the rollers is guided by a heavy chute and is separated into mostly single briquettes, for example, by a rotor with impact bars.
Briquettes from fine material, produced in fluidised bed processes, may also be separated in a rotating tumbling drum.
HBI production plant
The HBI production plant typically consists of the following sections:
- Briquetting press with screw feeder and material supply
- Briquette string separator (impact separator or tumbling drum)
- Hot screen for the elimination of fines which occur during briquetting and separation
- Product cooler
- Bucket elevator for the recirculation of hot fines to the briquetting press
- Chutes and accessories
The key component in hot briquetting is a specially designed roller press.
Briquetting line for pellet/lump-based HBI (left). Fines-based HBI with separating drum (right).
The layout of the hot briquetting plant, which usually includes several lines to suit volume requirements, is designed to maximise plant availability, for example during scheduled maintenance on the machines and the system. Innovation and development are key to optimum production of HBI: for example, alternative concepts for briquette cooling are under consideration and larger machines are being designed for more effective handling of the higher output of future direct reduction plants.
The assembly bay of Maschinenfabrik KÖPPERN (IIMA member) featuring modern machines for the production of HBI.
More information on HBI
For further information about HBI see our HBI page or our HBI Factsheet Resources via the buttons below,
For answers to the most common technical questions on OBMs and their use and effects in different furnaces, see our OBM FAQs.
OBM production
Find out more information on how OBMs are produced.
Fact sheets on ore-based metallics
What are Ore-Based Metallics?
An overview of Ore-Based Metallics (OBMs), types, typical benefits in use and general specifications.
Use and Benefits of Ore-Based Metallics
A more detailed coverage of the benefits of using OBMs in EAF steelmaking.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of HBI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of HBI in the BOF and general characteristics.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Blast Furnace (BF) for Hot Metal Production
Background to and reasons for use of HBI in the blast furnace and general characteristics.
Use of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of DRI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Basic Pig Iron in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of pig iron in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Granulated Pig Iron (GPI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of GPI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of High Purity Pig Iron for Foundries Producing Ductile Iron Castings
Background to and benefits of using HPPI in production of ductile iron castings and general characteristics.
Use of Foundry Pig Iron in Grey Iron Castings
Background to and benefits of using Foundry Pig Iron in production of grey iron castings and general characteristics.
Relevance of Iron Ore to OBMs
Basic information about iron ore and its relevance to production of ore-based metallics.
Value-in-Use of Ore Based Metallics (OBMs) in EAF Steelmaking
An overview of the value-in-use concept and IIMA's model
Types of OBMs
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
DRI is the product of the direct reduction of iron ore in the solid state by carbon monoxide and hydrogen derived from natural gas or coal.
More about DRIHot Briquetted Iron (HBI)
HBI is a premium form of DRI that has been compacted at high temperature making it less reactive.
More about HBIPig Iron
Pig iron is the product of smelting iron ore (also ilmenite) with a high-carbon fuel and reductant such as coke, usually with limestone as a flux.
More about Pig IronGranulated Pig Iron (GPI)
Granulating excess pig iron produces a product GPI which can be used as BOF coolant or as feedstock for electric arc furnaces, cupolas and induction furnaces.
More about GPI