The production of composite pellets and iron nuggets from Divrigi pellet concentrate

Recently the cold bonded pellets and reducer containing composite pellets have been developed instead of traditionally hardened pellets by sintering. The ironmaking technologies appicable to these kind of pellets continue to improve from pilot plant scale to the commercial scale. These new raw material and production technologies are capable of taking the place of blast furnace technology and using law grade raw materials. Furthermore, they have advantages like low operation costs, high production rates and high productivity The composite pellets produced by mixing solid reducer and some additives, can be used for pig iron like products at high temperatures (1350-1400°C) and in a short time (10-20 dk.) by reducing melting process. In this study, composite pellets are produced by mixing Divrigi magnetite iron ore concentrate, reducer (coke) and additives. These composte pellets are reduced and melt in various temperature and periods with different kinds and amounts of additives. As the result of experiments the iron nuggets with the similar compositon of pig iron, has been tried to be produced. According to the experiment results, temperature effects the proper iron nugget produciton and its quality. Basicity of the slag should be an optimum value. In the process of reducing melting, 1400°C as temperature, 15 min. as reducing time and 0,70 as (MgO+CaO)/(Al2O3+SiO2) basicity have been determined as the most appropriate process conditions. Keywords: Composite pelllet, iron nugget, iron oxide, reduction, basicity