Abstract
Cluster formation of iron ore pellets causes serious trouble in the operation of direct reduction furnaces. In this study, the clustering behavior of iron ore pellets in a shaft furnace was considered, and the functions of the burden feeder which prevents cluster formation were experimentally analyzed. Namely, the gravity flow of ore pellets in a shaft furnace was visually observed by using a two dimensional model furnace. The powder pressure was also measured by using a three dimensional model furnace. Then, it was suggested that insertion of a grizzly type burden feeder would be effective to avoid cluster formation by reducing the plug flow region and to avoid cluster strengthening by decreasing the powder pressure.
