Development of biocarbon as a coke substitute for submerged arc furnace
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Topic of the dissertation
Development of biocarbon as a coke substitute for submerged arc furnace
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Mika Pahnila
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Process Metallurgy Research Unit
Subject of study
Process Engineering
Opponent
Professor Daniel Lindberg, University of Turku
Custos
Professor Timo Fabritius, University of Oulu
Biocarbon briquettes could reduce the use of fossil coke in the steel industry
The carbon dioxide emissions of the steel industry can be reduced by replacing fossil coke with biocarbon briquettes produced from renewable raw materials. This doctoral dissertation demonstrates that both the choice of raw material and the production method play a crucial role in determining the suitability of biocarbon briquettes for ferrochrome production. Among the materials studied, lignin-based biocarbon briquettes showed the most promising overall performance.
The study produced biocarbon briquettes from several renewable feedstocks, including lignin, waste wood, and garden waste. Their mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and porosity were characterized under laboratory conditions. In addition, their behavior was evaluated under high-temperature conditions representative of ferrochrome production. The results showed that lignin-based biocarbon briquettes exhibited high mechanical strength and the lowest carbon conversion rate among the materials studied. Furthermore, the biocarbon production method was found to have a significant influence on the properties of the briquettes and their suitability for metallurgical applications.
The research improves our understanding of how biocarbon briquettes produced from renewable raw materials can be utilized in the metallurgical industry. The findings provide new knowledge for the development of advanced biocarbon materials and support the adoption of lower-carbon solutions in ferrochrome and steel production.
The study produced biocarbon briquettes from several renewable feedstocks, including lignin, waste wood, and garden waste. Their mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and porosity were characterized under laboratory conditions. In addition, their behavior was evaluated under high-temperature conditions representative of ferrochrome production. The results showed that lignin-based biocarbon briquettes exhibited high mechanical strength and the lowest carbon conversion rate among the materials studied. Furthermore, the biocarbon production method was found to have a significant influence on the properties of the briquettes and their suitability for metallurgical applications.
The research improves our understanding of how biocarbon briquettes produced from renewable raw materials can be utilized in the metallurgical industry. The findings provide new knowledge for the development of advanced biocarbon materials and support the adoption of lower-carbon solutions in ferrochrome and steel production.
Created 5.8.2026 | Updated 5.8.2026