Inhibition of Reoxidation of Direct Reduced Iron ( DRI) or Sponge Iron

Abstract

A method of inhibiting degeneration of direct reduced iron by immersing the iron ore, after it has been reduced, in molten wax for a period of time sufficient for the wax to cover completely the surface of the iron and to enter the pores in the surface of the iron. The iron is preferably in the form of pellets which are conveyed in mesh baskets which are themselves immersed in the wax. The wax is preferably paraffin wax at a temperature of between 110° and 120°C.