Mechanism of iron oxide reduction by simulated volatiles

In ironmaking processes using coal-ore pellets or mixtures, it is possible that volatiles can contribute to reduction. In particular with deep beds or multiple pellet layers that has high temperature gradients from the top to lower layers, the lower material will release their volatiles when the upper level is at temperatures where reduction can occur. Therefore, as part of understanding the fundamental mechanisms associated with volatile reduction, the rate of iron ore reduction by hydrogen at lower temperatures was studied. Results have shown hydrogen reduction to be significant above 500°C and indicate a mixed control mechanism of nucleation, mass transfer and chemical kinetics.