Production of iron ore pellets by utilization of sunflower husks

Abstract

Steel production is the most dynamic industry and one of the key sectors for developing the global economy. The growing iron ore production increases its beneficiation and granulating for subsequent iron and steel production use. As a result, CO2emissions and harmful substances increase, negatively affecting society and the environment. In this regard, it is important to study the use of biomass for the production of iron ore pellets. Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable and sustainable source of heat and energy that can mitigate climate change. The influences of alternative fuel use on technological indicators of the process and quality ofiron ore pellets have been analyzed. The efficiency of using 40.4-60.7 vol.% of sunflower husks on the combined machine “straight grate -rotary kiln -annular cooler” to partially replace natural gas in iron ore pellets production under industrial conditions has been studied. It was found that the combustion of sunflower husks generates enough heat (19.31 MJ kg−1) to obtain iron ore pellets with good strength. After evaluating the parameters of the combined machine and the quality of the resulting pellets, it was determined that it would be rational to replace up to 48.3 vol.% of natural gas with crushed sunflower husks.