Effect of Different PCI Practice on the Texture Obtained during Reduction of Iron Oxide Pellets

Abstract

In modern blast furnace ironmaking, producers continuously strive to reduce coke consumption by replacing coke with e.g., an increased amount of injected pulverized coal. A change in pulverized coal injection rate (PCR) and injection coal type will influence the in-furnace conditions and thus the reduction of iron oxides. In the present study, the reduction behaviour of olivine pellets and textures formed were investigated in the LKAB Experimental Blast Furnace (EBF) and in laboratory scale. In the EBF, effects of injection of an low-volatile (LV) and an high-volatile (HV) coal type at different PCR while two types of oxygen supply methods were employed were investigated. The choice of injection coal type was conclusive for the Fe_met texture formed during reduction, extent of Fe_met carburization and K distribution in the pellets. The amount of volatile matters in the coal type had a greater effect on the reduction properties than the PCR and oxygen supply method. Laboratory experiments simulating PCR, based on measurements in the EBF, showed that the initial reduction conditions, in terms of temperature level and reduction gas composition, determined the pellet texture up to a reduction degree of at least 60%. The tests carried out in the EBF showed that the pellets were well suited for blast furnace reduction under all the investigated process conditions. The laboratory tests supported this conclusion.