Original Articles: 2014 Vol: 6 Issue: 7
Effect of particle size on reduction behavior in iron ore-coal composite pellets
Abstract
The reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets was carried out in the temperature range of 500~ 1200°C by thermogravimetry. This study aims to investigate the effect of particle size of iron ore on reduction behavior. Three samples of different particle size were selected: 25~48μm, 75~106μm and 150~180μm. The reaction kinetic parameters were estimated based on the thermogravimetric data. The characterization of the heated residues was identified by X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscope. The experimental results indicated that the selected iron ore with particle size 25~48μm was appropriate for the reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets in the experimental conditions, and particle size 75~106μm and 150~180μm were insufficient to complete the reduction. With the increase of particle size, the activation energy increased from 53.04kJ/mol to 131.72kJ/mol. Particle size 25 ~48μm had the faster reduction which may be ascribed to more developed surface.