ABSTRACT
In the production of the pellets, phase identification for specific sintering condition is of prime importance in understanding the basis for the production and the required properties. The application of a methodology involving optical and scanning electron microscope equipped with an EBSD opened a broad possibility to establish a base for the relationship between heat-treated pellet microstructural features and cold crushing strength. The first results from the conjoined application of these techniques show that the cold crushing strength of the pellet increase with the decrease of porosity, the appearance of the fayalite, as well as the presence of magnetite-unoxidized.
Acknowledgments
We are thankful to the Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis (MICROLAB), to the Vale pilot plant (Tubarão Complex).
Funding
The financial support of the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG-APQ-01054) and Vale S.A. is gratefully acknowledged.
List of abbreviations
Abbreviations | = | Names |
2CF | = | dicalcium ferrites |
B2 | = | basicity (CaO/SiO2) |
Ca2Si2O6 | = | dicalcium silicate |
CaMgSi2O6 | = | calcium-magnesium silicate |
CCS | = | cold crushing strength |
CF | = | calcium ferrites |
CO | = | core |
DR | = | direct reduction process |
EBSD | = | electron backscatter diffraction |
EBSP | = | electron backscatter diffraction patterns |
Fa | = | fayalite |
Hem | = | hematite |
HPGR | = | High Pressure Grinding Rolls |
IN | = | inner mantle |
Mag | = | magnetite |
Mag unoxidized | = | magnetite-unoxidized |
Mfr | = | magnesioferrite |
OM | = | outer mantle |
pO2 | = | oxygen partial pressure |
Qz | = | quartz |
SEM | = | scanning electron microscope |
SFCA | = | silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum |
SH | = | shell |
Wus | = | wüstite |