The current need for cost cutting and more efficient use of resources makes it desirable to attain a higher rate of ore injection from the blast furnace tuyeres. One area to be researched is the microscopic reduction behavior of fine iron ore in hot reducing gas flow, to ascertain the optimum conditions for smelting reduction. Microanalysis of injected ore revealed the complete spheroidization of the reduced ore particles. In addition, a peculiar morphology resulted: iron produced on the surface of the melted wustite droplets was immediately engulfed by liquid wustite. This morphology suggests the importance of frequent contact between the ore particles and the reducing agents. Of the possible reducing agents, carbon coating seems the most desirable for promoting the "in-flight" smelting reduction.
展开▼
