Effects of Volatile Matter in Coal on Reduction Rate of Molten Iron Oxide

Abstract

Molten oxide containing iron oxide was reduced with coal, char as well as graphite at temperatures 1300, 1350 and 1400°C. It is revealed that volatile matter in coal accelerates reduction rate of the oxide. Apparent rate constants can be expressed empirically as follows :
for coal containing volatile matter :
In k₁ = -5.00 × 10³/T-4.08 (s^-1)
for char and graphite :
In k₃ = -11.0 × 10³/T -1.73 (s^-1)
When the surfaces of coal, char as well as graphite are surrounded with foam of the molten oxide, the reduction comes to a halt while carbonaceous material and molten iron oxide remain in the reaction system.