Development of Agglomeration Process to Utilize the Ferromanganese Fines in Steel Making Process

Abstract

An agglomeration process is developed to utilize FeMn fines of <3 mm in LD steel making process. Different types of binders (sodium silicate, bentonite, acrylic resin and phenolic resin) were tried and found that phenolic resin is most suitable binder. Mixture of binder and fines was compacted in a cylindrical die and cured at 150°C for 1 h. Briquettes of 30 mm diameter and 20 mm length were prepared and physical properties of the briquettes were tested. Tumbler index and shatter index of the briquettes were ~95% and >98%, respectively. Compressive strength was 55 MPa and density was 5200 kg/m³. Usability of FeMn briquettes along with the FeMn lumps was evaluated in lab as well as in the plant. The results of lab test revealed tha FeMn briquettes dissolved faster than lumps. Improvement in Mn recovery was also observed in case of FeMn briquettes. Preliminary cost analysis indicated significant saving in alloying cost in steel making by use of briquettes made of low cost fines.