The Effect of Reducing Conditions on the Pore Structure of Metallized Iron Ore Pellets

Abstract-Changes in the pore structure of hematite pellets during reduction to iron were investigated under a variety of experimental conditions. Pore structures were determined by a mercury penetration technique. The reduction temperature was found to be the major influence on structure, the pore system being bimodal below 750°C and unimodal above 900°C. Pore sizes ranging from 0.04 to 20 [um] were observed in completely metallized pellets produced over the temperature range 650-1050°C. Gas composition and reduction rates also influenced the pore structure of the metallized pellets, although to a lesser extent than the reduction temperature. An apparent activation energy of 24 kcal/mole was derived for the pore formation ptocess.