Improved High-Temperature Iron Oxide Pellet Properties - Objective

Develop methods of enhancing and measuring the high-temperature softening and melting properties of iron oxide pellets reduced under simulated blast furnace smelting conditions. Approach Add dolomite and Limestone flux and a low-cost organic binder, such as starch, carboxyl methylcellose (CMC), or waste papermill sludge, to the iron oxide concentrate to produce hematite (ferric oxide) pellets with superior high-temperature metallurgical properties. Simultaneous increases in softening temperature, gas permeability, and enhanced metallization rates are sought to improve blast furnace productivity and energy efficiency. Background In the past, bentonite, an inorganic binder, was the only additive (binder) used in the production of pellets made from iron ore concentrate. Research has shown that the reducibility of conventional (acid) pellets can be increased by the addition of flux or an organic binder. The increase in pellet reducibility results in less wustite in the center of the pellet at high temperatures, such as those obtained in the cohesive zone of the blast furnace.