Isothermal kinetics of the first stage reduction of magnetite cold bond pellets with carbon monoxide

The reduction of Fe₃O₄ to Fe is accomplished in two stages. In order to understand the reduction mechanism of magnetite cold bond pellets during the first period of heating-up process, it is necessary to study the kinetics of the reaction. In this work, the first stage of reduction of magnetite cold bond pellets, that is the reduction from Fe₃O₄ to FeO, has been investigated using an isothermal thermogravimetric method. Isothermal experiments were carried out at 750°C, 800°C, 850°C and 900°C, respectively. The results showed that the reaction was controlled by chemical reaction below 800°C, whereas, at higher temperature, it was controlled by a mixed controlled mechanism of chemical reaction and Ginstling-Brounshtein diffusion as well. Project supported by the Nonferrous Metals Industrial Corporation of China Synopsis of the author Chen Qiyuan, professor, born in 1948. Major research fields: metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics.