Iron Pellets – Description:

Iron pellets are small, spherical balls of iron ore that are used primarily in steelmaking. They are produced from finely ground iron ore concentrate, which is agglomerated and then hardened through a process called induration (heating in a furnace). Pellets typically measure between 8 and 18 mm in diameter and are uniform in size and shape.

Key Characteristics:

Composition: Mainly iron oxide (Fe₂O₃ or Fe₃O₄), with minor additives like limestone or bentonite as binders.

Shape: Round or oval pellets for better flow and consistent quality.

Size: Uniform size (~8–18 mm) enhances furnace efficiency.

Porosity: Controlled to allow good gas flow during reduction in blast furnaces or direct reduction plants.

Types of Iron Pellets:

Blast Furnace (BF) Pellets:

Used in traditional blast furnaces.

Require high mechanical strength.

Often fluxed to reduce slag volume.

Direct Reduction (DR) Pellets:

Used in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plants (like Midrex or HYL).

Must have higher iron content and lower impurities.

Advantages of Using Iron Pellets:

Higher iron content compared to lump ore or sinter.

More environmentally friendly, generating less dust and waste.

Consistent size and composition improve efficiency in steel production.

Reduced energy consumption in processing due to better reactivity.

Applications:

Steelmaking: Used as a raw material in blast furnaces or direct reduction furnaces.

Foundries: In smaller-scale metal casting processes.

Metallurgical industries: For alloy production or as feedstock in electric arc furnaces.