Three Dimensional Characterization of Iron Ore Pellets
Production of iron ore pellets is a key process at LKAB External link.. Green pellets are first produced and subsequently oxidized and sintered to iron ore pellets. The green pellets contain iron ore concentrate, binders, additives, traces of flotation reagents and water etc.
The strength of the green pellets depends on capillary forces. The three dimensional distribution of binders, pores, water, additives etc in the green pellets is also affecting the strength and must be investigated further. In this project, this distribution will be determined using advanced techniques such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and tomography. This opens up for a deeper understanding of the green pellet strength and future process and product development at LKAB.
The project is a part of the Agricola Research Centre-Multi-component Mineral Systems programme.
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