Research for Industrial Application of Bentonite-Polymer Material in Ferrous Metallurgy

Abstract

Ferrous metallurgy, in particular the process of pelletizing iron ore concentrates, is one of the main consumers of bentonite clays. The problem with the bentonite binder is well known, and is the increase in silica content (the main harmful impurity) in the roasted pellets as a result of its use. This predetermines long-term interest in the development of new binders that have lower consumption, or do not contain silicon dioxide at all. Increasing the quality characteristics of the binder makes it possible to reduce its consumption, thereby optimizing the chemical composition of the roasted pellets. The results of experimental studies on the palletization of magnetite concentrate from several iron ore plants, different enrichment depths (Fe content = 65–71%), and basicity (CaO)/(SiO2) = 0.3–1.0 are presented. It has been shown that using the effect of mixing bentonite and a polymer additive on the binding properties of their compound makes it possible to increase the strength characteristics of pellets relative to those in current production (without polymer) and more significantly than when excluding bentonite in the case of its complete replacement with an organic binder. Much attention is paid to studying the influence of the use BPC (Bentonite Polymer Composition) on the metallurgical properties of finished pellets.