Pelletizing is a process used to agglomerate ore fines into largesized, spherical particles, called pellets. The pellets are then processed in a blast furnace or other related metallurgical process in order to create lead from the ore. Pelletizing is a crucial part of the steelmaking process.
Iron ore pellets are made from finely ground iron ore that is heated, compressed, and formed into pellets. The process involves mixing the iron ore, a binder such as bentonite, and additives such as limestone before the mixture is fed through a pelletizing disk or die. The pellets are then fed through a sintering machine to heat and hold the pellets together. The heat from the sintering machine will cause the pellets to fuse, forming a strong solid pellet. The pellets then go on to become part of the steelmaking process.
The pelletizing process is an important part of the steelmaking industry, as it helps create ore pellets that are easier to transport, store and use effectively. There are two types of pelletizing techniques: wet and dry pelletizing.
Wet pelletizing involves mixing the ore with a binder in a slight amount of water, creating a slurry which is then placed in a rotating drum. As the drum turns, the mixture is subjected to high pressure, forming pellets which are then dried before packaging.
In contrast, dry pelletizing involves mixing the ore with a binder and additives, before being pressed into pellets. The pellets must then be heated to fuse the binder and form a strong pellet.
The benefits of pellets are clear – they are easier to transport, require less energy to be produced, and help in improving the overall efficiency of steel production. Due to these benefits, the pelletizing process has become a crucial part of the steelmaking industry, which relies on pellets to produce the steel it needs.
