Briquetting Pressure Roles in Selective Reduction Process of Limonitic Nickel Laterite

Abstract

Direct reduction is one of the methods used in nickel extraction from limonitic nickel laterite. Briquettes become an essential part of the direct reduction. This research examines the appropriate com-paction pressure of briquettes to achieve the optimum concentration, recovery of Ni and Fe, and selectivity factors also analyze the com-pounds formed. The briquettes were made at a pressure of 20 Kgf/cm2, 30 Kgf/cm2, 40 Kgf/cm2, and 50 Kgf/cm2. This study was performed out by mixing the prepared materials and then compact-ing them to form briquettes. Then, it was put into a crucible, and the coal-limestone bed mixture is added and put into the muffle fur-nace. Then, the direct reduction was started by heating at 700°C for 2 hours and continued at 1400°C for 6 hours. Next, it was continued with magnetic separation and weighing of the reduction products. The products were tested with SEM-EDX to determine the content. The products were tested with XRD to determine the compounds formed. The optimal results were obtained at variations of 30 Kgf/cm2 with a Ni content of 5.00% and Recovery of 86.76%.