Midrex to build largest direct reduction plant

Archiv – Midrex Technologies of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, is set to embark on a landmark project for Hadeed in Saudi Arabia to build the largest MIDREX direct reduction plant. It will have a guaranteed rated capacity of 1.76 million tonnes a year of hot DRI (direct reduced iron) for continuous charging at more than 600 degC to an adjacent melt shop.Midrex Technologies of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, is set to embark on a landmark project for Hadeed in Saudi Arabia to build the largest MIDREX direct reduction plant. It will have a guaranteed rated capacity of 1.76 million tonnes a year of hot DRI (direct reduced iron) for continuous charging at more than 600 degC to an adjacent melt shop. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) has signed deals with Midrex Technologies and Voest Alpine (VAI) to construct the plant. According to SABIC, this forms part of its plan to raise output of long and flat steel products by over 40% to 5.5 million tonnes by 2006. Midrex Technologies is principally known for the MIDREX direct reduction process which converts iron ore into high-purity direct reduced iron for use in steelmaking, ironmaking and foundry applications. The plants produce over two thirds of the world’s DRI. Fuelled by natural gas, the MIDREX process has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and is also the most energy efficient technology available to convert iron ore to DRI, the company says. As a leading innovator and technology supplier, it continues to enhance the process to increase productivity, improve product quality and lower costs.