Recent studies from many different points of view have remarkably improved ironmaking technology. Fundamental studies on the solid flow, behavior of powders, heat exchange between gas and particles in a packed bed clarified substantially the essential mechanisms of the phenomena. These studies contributed to the correct estimation of internal state of a blast furnace, specifically to high injection of pulverized coal. Comprehensive investigations on the oxygen blast furnace process and the SC process showed capability to develop new processes for ironmaking. Studies on mathematical models and artificial intelligence increased the reliability for the estimation of internal state and the control method. The development of a sideway tuyere probe proved the phenomena occurring in and around the raceway. Exergy analysis elucidated the way for the energy savings and compared different ironmaking systems from the energy efficiency.
This review outlines such excellent papers recently reported in Japan for further progress of ironmaking technology.