Gas Suspension Reduction Systems

Processing of various ores and materials in a reducing atmosphere has been done for many years. However, the typical device currently used is a large, often high maintenance, expensive piece of equipment; the rotary kiln. While it is a very reliable and a proven technology, the rotary kiln also has its limitations. It is limited by its ability to process very fine materials without creating a huge dust loss to the air pollution control equipment. This leads us towards the development of an alternate technology; the Gas Suspension System. Gas suspension preheating of various materials has been in commercial use since the early 1950's, but recently has been expanded to include Gas Suspension Reduction. Laboratory experience has proven successful on several materials; Nickel Laterite Fines, Iron Ore Fines, Fluorspar, and Clays. The gas suspension reduction system has many advantages over the conventional reduction kiln when processing fines. They are; lower cost, more fuel efficient, able to process fines, less real estate required, etc.