Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets

1. Product Overview

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets are a high-purity, solid-state metallic iron feedstock produced through the reduction of iron ore without melting, offering a superior alternative to scrap and pig iron in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Primary industrial use is as a premium charge material for EAFs, blast furnaces, and basic oxygen furnaces to dilute residual elements, increase steel yield, and enable production of advanced high-strength steel grades. The key value proposition is consistent chemistry with low gangue, minimized tramp elements, and a stable metallization rate, which reduces energy consumption, shortens tap-to-tap times, and increases overall melt shop productivity. Strategically, DRI is critical for decarbonizing the steel industry, enabling low-CO₂ steel production when paired with green hydrogen, and mitigating scrap volatility in global markets.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition (typical, wt%):

  • Total Iron (Fe total): 90–94%

  • Metallic Iron (Fe metallic): 82–88%

  • Metallization Degree: ≥ 92%

  • Carbon (C): 1.5–2.5% (controlled for EAF foaming slag practice)

  • Gangue (SiO₂ + Al₂O₃): ≤ 4%

  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.020%

  • Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.008%

  • Residual elements (Cu, Cr, Ni, Mo): < 0.1% each

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Form: Irregular spherical pellets

  • Color: Dark grey to black metallic luster

  • Pellet size range: 6 – 18 mm ( >90% within range)

  • Bulk density: 1.6 – 1.9 t/m³

  • Apparent density: 3.4 – 3.8 g/cm³

  • Cold crushing strength: ≥ 350 kg/pellet

  • Moisture content (as shipped): < 1.5%

• Packaging Options:

  • Bulk open-top containers (20–25 MT per container)

  • Shrink-wrapped flat racks

  • Covered hopper barges / vessels for bulk ocean shipment

  • Anti-dust coating optional upon request

• Shelf Life (in dry, covered storage):

  • Up to 3 months for standard grade

  • Up to 6 months with passivation treatment (reduced reoxidation risk)

  • Note: Exposure to moisture or salt-laden air accelerates reoxidation and heat generation – requires controlled logistics.

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary Industry: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking – minimills and integrated mills with DRI shaft furnace linkages.

• Specific Use Cases:

  • Dilution of copper, tin, and zinc in scrap-based EAF feeds to produce high-grade flat steel (automotive, electrical steel).

  • Residual-free furnace charge for wire rod, rope-grade, and bearing steel production.

  • Foamy slag practice – carbon content in DRI generates CO bubbles, improving arc stability and refractory life.

  • Direct blast furnace injection (less common, but growing) to reduce coke consumption.

• Why DRI outperforms alternatives:

  • vs. Scrap: No tramp element accumulation; consistent chemistry batch-to-batch; higher bulk density.

  • vs. Pig iron: Lower energy to melt (no carburization step required); no molten handling hazards; lower sulfur.

  • vs. HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron): Faster melting kinetics due to higher porosity; lower cost per Fe unit in many regions.

• Efficiency/Cost Advantages:

  • Reduces tap-to-tap time by 8–12% compared to scrap-only charges.

  • Lowers electrical energy consumption by 50–70 kWh per tonne of liquid steel.

  • Increases metallic yield by 3–5% due to minimal oxidation losses.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Sourced from vertically integrated DRI modules with ISO 9001:2024 certified process control. Every shipment includes a certified mill analysis and metallization report.

• Supply Reliability: Long-term off-take agreements with multiple DR-grade pellet suppliers (Brazil, MENA, CIS). Buffer inventory warehoused at Rotterdam, Houston, and Singapore hubs.

• Logistics Capability: Dedicated weather-protected container liners and coated vessels minimize moisture ingress. Real-time GPS tracking and temperature monitoring for reoxidation risk management.

• Price Competitiveness: Direct mill-to-buyer contracting removes trader markups. Index-linked pricing to Platts DRI/HBI FOB or fixed quarterly bids available.

• Sustainability: When paired with green H₂ reduction, this DRI achieves < 300 kg CO₂ per tonne of steel – compliant with EU CBAM and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Mass-balance certified low-carbon product available.

• Technical Support: Free melt optimization model – our metallurgists will simulate your charge mix, carbon adjustment, and slag regime prior to first shipment. Full SDS, handling procedures, and safety training video library included.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
  20 metric tons (MT) – one bulk container equivalent, suitable for trials and alloy steel batches.

• Loading Capacity per Container:

  • Standard 20-ft open-top container: 20–22 MT

  • Standard 40-ft flat rack: 25 MT

  • Bulk vessel (handysize): 5,000 – 15,000 MT per shipment

• Lead Time (ex-works or FOB port):

  • Container lots (20–25 MT): 5–7 working days

  • Full vessel lots: 20–30 days upon L/C confirmation

• Incoterms 2024 offered: FOB, CFR, CIF (selected ports only), EXW

• Payment terms: L/C at sight for first order; open account for qualified buyers after 3 shipments or audited financials.