Extended testing of a simple granulation model

Abstract

AbstractA mathematical model for predicting the size distributions of iron ore granules after granulation was developed by Litster et al. (1986). This model was initially tested using a limited range of iron ores, as well as on simple mixtures of the iron ores and for moisture contents not exceeding 5.4% (by weight). However, since the development and testing of the model, a much wider range of iron ores has become available. Granulation experiments have been carried out at different moisture contents for this wider range of iron ores, as well as for three simple and four complex blends made from the ores and added fluxes. Granulation experiments were also carried out on two of the four complex blends with Ores N and Y replaced with Ore W. The Sauter mean diameters and size distributions of the granules formed were compared with the values predicted by the mathematical model. In all the cases where there was sufficient moisture for granulation, the agreement between the Sauter mean diameters predicted by the model and those obtained from experimental results was within ± 10%. There was also good correlation between the model‐predicted and experimentally determined granule size distributions. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.