Particle size distribution of metallic iron during coal-based reduction of an oolitic iron ore

Minerals & Metallurgical Processing , 2014, Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 169-174

Han, Yuexin; Sun, Yongsheng; Gao, Peng; Li, Yanjun; Mu, Yufan

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduction temperature, reduction time and binary basicity
on the size of metallic iron particles in coal-based reduction products of an oolitic iron ore. The particle
size distribution behavior (i.e., cumulative passing percentage and mean size of metallic iron particles) during
reduction was investigated in detail. Results showed that the particle size distribution of metallic iron particles
was strongly influenced by reduction temperature, reduction time and binary basicity. The cumulative passing
percentage and mean size significantly increased with reduction temperature and time in the entire range of the
experiments. All curves of cumulative passing percentage versus particle size under different conditions demonstrated
a similar trend (continuous increase). The size distribution parameters and mean size slightly increased
with increasing binary basicity and significantly decreased when the binary basicity exceeded 1.0. The size of
metallic iron particles could be controlled by adjusting the reduction conditions during coal-based reduction.