<p>The hydrogen-enriched direct reduction shaft furnace addresses the high CO₂ emissions associated with the blast furnace process. A discrete element method (DEM) model was introduced to explore how the structure of the diversion cone affects particle descent behavior in a hydrogen-enriched shaft furnace. The results indicated that in the absence of a diversion cone, the descending velocity near the furnace wall zone is significantly lower than that at its center, resulting in a ‘V’-shaped burden flow pattern. The discharge velocity has a minor impact on the flow pattern in the shaft furnace. Upon installation of a diversion cone, burden descending velocity becomes more uniform, leading to a ‘−’-shaped burden flow pattern. As the bottom of the diversion cone ascends (i.e., the lower end of the diversion cone is progressively closer to the top), there is an increase in the volume fraction of the dead zone within the shaft furnace. This is particularly evident in the formation of a triangular dead zone at the base of the diversion cone. It is suggested that the lower cone of the bi-conical diversion cone should maintain a sufficient height.</p>