Abstract
We present an experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanical strength of crude iron ore (Hematite) granules in which capillary bonds between primary particles are the source of internal cohesion. The strength is measured by subjecting the granules to vertical compression between two plates. We show that the behavior of the granules is ductile with a well-defined plastic threshold which increases with the amount of water. It is found that the compressive strength scales with capillary cohesion with a pre-factor that is nearly independent of size polydispersity for the investigated range of parameters but increases with friction coefficient between primary particles. This weak dependence may be attributed to the class of fine particles which, due to their large number, behaves as a cohesive matrix that controls the strength of the granule.
Highlights
Since thirty years, iron ores dedicated to sinter plant show a downward trend of their quality
The granulation process is carried out in continuous drum granulators where water is used as binder [2]
The present study aims at developing a better understanding of the physical mechanisms involved in the agglomeration process in view of quantifying and predicting the mechanical strength of the granules
Summary
Iron ores dedicated to sinter plant show a downward trend of their quality (finer particles, broader size distributions, lower grades and larger fluctuations of properties [1]) This trend leads to a significant increase of the input rate of very fine particles in the sinter plants causing productivity (and sometimes sinter quality) drops. The present study aims at developing a better understanding of the physical mechanisms involved in the agglomeration process in view of quantifying and predicting the mechanical strength of the granules. To isolate those mechanisms, we study a laboratory model of granules. Our goal is to establish a clear relationship between grain-scale cohesion and texture, on one hand, and the granule macroscopic strength, on the other hand
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