Methods for Siderite Ore Preparation and Use in Metallurgical Processes

The advantages and disadvantages of methods for using siderite ore are considered. The reasons restricting the use of the ore, despite its large reserves, are revealed. The disadvantages of unroasted ore are associated with a large consumption of heat and, consequently, fuel for the decomposition of carbonates, as well as with a negative effect exerted on the indirect reduction of carbon dioxide in a blast furnace. The use of roasted ore, the softening of lumps, as well as the formation of a significant amount of fines, leads to an increase in the hydraulic resistance of the layer and deterioration in the performance of blast furnace smelting. At the same time, the lumpiness and high porosity of the agglomerate exert a rather positive effect on the course of blast furnace smelting, which favors an increase in its use. It has been noted that the greatest economic effect can be achieved when using the reducing roasting of these ores. The analysis of the design of methods for reducing roasting is carried out. Of interest is the pilot plant with a shaft furnace constructed at the enrichment plant of the Bakalsk Mining Administration, the implementation of which on an industrial scale could provide a significant increase in the volume of siderite ore utilization and improve the main characteristics of the metallization process. The issue of the advisability in adopting a particular method of preparing siderite ores for smelting (or several methods) as a final variant can be resolved only through assessing the capabilities and disadvantages of each method via conducting blast furnace smelting with the use of a charge mixture that includes unroasted, roasted and reduced siderite ores, as well as agglomerates with a large amount of siderite ores added.