Effect of HDPE addition on the Pre-reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO by Metallurgical Coke

Abstract

Abstract The effect of high density polyethylene (HDPE) addition on the pre-reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO by metallurgical coke (Coke) has been investigated through experiments conducted in a laboratory horizontal tube furnace coupled with off-gas analysis through an infrared (IR) gas analyser. Composite pellets of Mn3O4 with Coke, HDPE and blends of Coke with HDPE (in three different proportions) were rapidly heated at 1150 °C under pure argon gas and the off gas was analysed continuously for CO, CO2 and CH4. The extent of pre-reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO was then calculated by mass balance for removable oxygen. The results showed improvements in the extent of pre-reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO when coke is blended with HDPE. The time for complete pre-reduction was found to decrease with an increase in the amount of HDPE that was blended with coke. A decrease in CO2 emissions was observed with HDPE addition.