Apart from the
removal of oxygen, no other major chemical change
takes place in direct reduction. The guage material in
sponge iron, originating from iron ore, namely silica
and alumina and the sulphur and phosphorus contents adversely
affect the economics in subsequent steel making operation therefore
the ore should be high in iron content and low in guage.
Chemical
Compositin
Percentage
Fe (Total)
65% (Minimum)
SiO2
+ Al2O3
5% (Maximum)
Sulphur
0.01% (Maximum)
Phosphorus
0.06% (Maximum)
Moisture
2% (Maximum)
Size
5 - 18 mm.
COAL
Non-Cooking coal
is generally used as reductant in the rotary kiln process. Other reductants
such as authracite and lignite can be used.