Production of Hydrogen used in Direct Reduction Iron

Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) or “sponge iron” is produced from direct reduction of iron ore in solid form by a reducing gas. The reducing gas is a mixture majority of Hydrogen (H2) and Carbon Monoxyde CO which acts as reducing agent.

The dihydrogen H2 and the Carbon monoxide CO are produced by steam reforming of natural gas CH4 (methane) according to the following reactions:

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2
CO + H2O → CO2 + H2

H2 and CO can also be produced from coal.

Sponge iron is the basis for wrought iron.