RATE ENHANCEMENT OF THE GASEOUS REDUCTION OF IRON OXIDE PELLETS BY PRESSURE CYCLING.

Abstract

When reduction is carried out at 800 degree C with pellets of 30% porosity, relatively moderate pressure cycling with an amplitude of 0. 5 atm and frequency of 0. 5 cps leads to 25% higher reduction within 20 min from the start. A three-fold improvement in the initial conversion rate can be obtained if higher amplitude and frequency of cycling are used. For pellets and naturally occurring hematite ore, viscous flow effects can be neglected.