Reduction of Molten Iron Ore with Solid Carbon

Abstract

The reduction processes of molten iron ore with solid carbon have been studied. The reduction rates of iron oxide pellets with graphite crucible have been obtained by measuring CO gas volume-rate under the atmosphere. The experimental temperature was in the range of 1330 to 1570°C.
The following results were obtained.
(1) At the temperature of 1330°C, it was observed that the reduction process of iron oxide pellets proceeded in semi-liquid state.
(2) Above the temperature of 1400°C, it was observed that the reduction processes were two steps; first step was gaseous reduction from hematite to wustite and second step was direct reduction of molten wustite by solid carbon.
(3) The reduction rates in liquid state were independent on the oxygen concentration in molten iron ore. The apparent activation energy of reduction rates in liquid state was obtained about 56 kcal/mol.