Study on the Reduction of Oolitic Hematite Ores in N<sub>2</sub>-CO Atmosphere

Abstract

The oolitic hematite will be a potential source of raw iron ore for the Chinese iron and steel industry. Up to now, the oolitic hematite have hardly been utilized effectively by any single traditional technology. The direct reduction may be a practical technology for the exploitation of oolitic hematite. The results show that the metallization rate of the HeZhang oolitic hematite increases with both the partial pressure of CO increase and the reduction time lasted, and the maximum value of the metallization rate is obtained at 35% carbon monoxide in the N2-CO atmosphere and 4h reduction time at 1050°C with 10% calcium oxide in the oolitic hematite. The diffusion may be the primary factor controlled the metallization rate in the later stage of reduction.