Which of the following can be used as an alternative for the blast furnace in the steel manufacturing industry for energy saving?

Pulverised Coal Injection (PCI):

• Definition: Pulverised Coal Injection (PCI) is a technique used in the steel manufacturing industry where pulverized coal is injected directly into the blast furnace.
• Energy Saving: PCI serves as an alternative fuel source to coke, which is traditionally used in blast furnaces. By injecting finely ground coal into the blast furnace, the demand for coke is reduced, leading to significant energy savings and cost reductions.
• Efficiency: The injection of pulverized coal improves the efficiency of the blast furnace operation. It allows for better control of the furnace temperature and reduces the overall fuel consumption required to produce molten iron.
• Environmental Impact: By reducing the reliance on coke, PCI helps to lower the carbon footprint of steel production. The process emits less CO₂ compared to the traditional blast furnace methods that primarily rely on coke.
• Cost-Effective: Coal is generally cheaper and more abundantly available than coke. The use of PCI can thus result in cost savings for steel manufacturers while also providing flexibility in the choice of fuel sources.