Iron ore pellets
2601
Pellet
In the mining and steel industries, a Pellet refers to hard, spherical pellets produced from iron ore fines. These pellets typically have a diameter between 9 and 16 mm and are used as feed for direct reduction furnaces or some blast furnaces.
How are pellets produced?
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Grinding and crushing iron ore → Conversion into fines (powder)
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Adding additives such as bentonite (binder) and water
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Ball formation in disc or drum pelletizers
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Induration (hardening) at high temperatures to strengthen and harden the pellets
Why is pelletizing important?
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High mechanical strength for transportation
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Suitable porosity for better reduction in the sponge iron production process
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Uniform size, which leads to stable furnace operation
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Improved productivity and reduced energy consumption in furnaces
