Preparation of Direct Reduction Sponge Iron (DRI) Using Pyrite Cinder Containing Nonferrous Metals

Abstract

Pyrite cinder is a solid waste generated by the sulfuric acid industry and is considered environmentally hazardous. It contains abundant iron, such as Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, and nonferrous metals, such as zinc, lead and copper. In order to try and recycle this material as a source of Fe units, preparation of direct reduction iron (DRI) using pyrite cinder was investigated by coal-based grate rotary kiln process. This process includes chloridizing and reduction roasting. The results show that 97 % lead was removed after the chloridizing process. Copper was only detached in chloridizing process with the removal rate of 78.49 %. Furthermore, the removal of zinc was carried out in both chloridizing and reduction process, and the removal rate of 96.76 % was achieved after reduction roasting. The final product representing a metallization degree of 93.36 % with compressive strength of 1,198 N/pellet was obtained after the oxidized pellets were reduced at 1,050 °C for 80 min.