Advancements in oxygen blast furnace technology and its application in the smelting of vanadium-titanium magnetite: A comprehensive review

Climate change poses a shared global challenge. Given its substantial contribution to CO₂ emissions, the steel industry must shoulder a significant responsibility for the carbon neutrality goal. Achieving carbon neutrality in the iron and steel industry is a complex and gradual endeavor, requiring sustained efforts rather than offering a swift resolution in practical terms. Despite the ambitious development of numerous non-blast furnace processes, the traditional blast furnace (TBF) is poised to persist as the dominant ironmaking process in the upcoming decades. Conversely, the oxygen blast furnace (OBF) process, distinguished by its exceptional emission reduction potential and low retrofit costs, emerges as one of the most promising ironmaking technologies for the future. Therefore, this review comprehensively explores the origin and evolution of the OBF process, elucidating technological advancements across various historical periods. Furthermore, the review puts forth a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of employing the OBF process for smelting vanadium-titanium magnetite (VTM), considering the benefits of the OBF and the challenges it encounters. Looking ahead, the advancement of the OBF should concentrate on pivotal domains like enhancing furnace condition control technology, exploring and innovating coke substitutes, and developing new materials with high-temperature and oxidation resistance. Concurrently, the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies are vigorously developed to further enhance the carbon reduction potential of OBF. This review aims to ignite readers’ research curiosity regarding the OBF process and its application in smelting VTM. It also endeavors to propel the industrialization process and foster the sustainable development of the OBF.