Reduction of iron ore in ore/coal mixtures

摘要

A process of reduction of iron ore and/or waste oxides in the form of agglomerate containing carbonaceous reductant on the hearth of a furnace includes providing a bed of agglomerates on the hearth of a furnace, the bed having a height of at least about 40 mm and having at least four layers of agglomerates. The carbonaceous reductant contains sufficient volatile matter, the volatile matter having a weight of at least about 10% of the weight of the reductant. The bed of agglomerates is heated with a radiant heat source having a temperature of at least about 1450 C. to cause the top of the bed to reach a temperature in the range of 1350 C. to 1530 C. to 1500 C. to reduce iron oxides in the iron ore and/or waste oxides to metallic iron.