Process challenges and recent developments in iron ore granulation
Date
2016
Authors
Adam, M.
Addai Mensah, J.
Skinner, W.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Chemeca 2016: Chemical engineering - regeneration, recovery and reinvention, 2016, iss.3403848, pp.721-732
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Chemeca conference 2016 (25 Sep 2016 - 28 Sep 2016 : Adelaide, Australia)
Abstract
Granulation of fine iron oxide mineral particles into robust and porous feeds is a vital precursor to successful sintering and blast furnace operations in iron production. Iron ore or concentrate granule makers and consumers desire products that are sufficiently robust (dry and fired compressive strengths > 25 and 1500 N/granule, respectively) with low abrasion index (> 90% of granules > 6.3 mm) to withstand transportation and reduction processes without deformation or breakage. Good granule porosity (> 20%) and uniform size distribution (90% of granules of 9-12 mm size) are required to achieve high bed permeability and uniform airflow. Other desirable attributes include thermal shock (> 350 C), high reducibility (> 0.5%/min) and controlled basicity. These characteristics require appropriate ore mineralogy and chemical composition (50-70% hematite/goethite and 30-50% magnetite; iron content > 58%; with low silica, phosphorus and sulphur levels), low moisture content and right binder type/dosage. The ideal smelter feed is difficult to obtain due to variations in ore grade and composition, warranting the need for optimised ore beneficiation, blending and binder selection to produce suitable feed for subsequent sintering and smelting. Organic binders such as polyacrylamide, cellulose derivatives, amylose and amylopectin, guar gum, bitumen and fuel oil are used alternatively for some specific ores and their blends. In this paper, a review of the impacts of feed mineralogy and chemical composition, wettability and moisture content, ballability, particle size and binder type/dosage on granulation of iron ores, product quality and application to sintering/blast furnace processing is presented.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2016 Institution of Chemical Engineers