ULCOS is a large European research project that aims to identify and develop technology that could enable a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions from ore-based steel production. The IRonMAking flowsheeting model (IRMA) has made a vital contribution to one of the ULCOS subprojects, as IRMA models were used to evaluate the economics and CO2 reduction potential of a large number of alternative ironmaking routes.
IRMA is a software tool that allows for the use of thermodynamic data relevant to iron- and steelmaking in a flowsheeting environment. It was developed by Corus to serve as a dedicated, flexible and accessible tool to evaluate and compare a wide range of ironmaking routes.
IRMA can be used to calculate consumption figures, product quality and the occurrence and significance of emissions. IRMA can do this for a wide range of operating conditions and raw material compositions.
IRMA is currently being used for benchmarking, design and pilot plant development of the ISARNA process, which was developed in the context of the ULCOS project. ISARNA is one of the four process routes that have been selected for further development within ULCOS.