Effect of Flumag M Flux on Strength Properties of Iron Ore Pellets

Currently, the most common fluxing additive to pellets is dolomite CaCO₃ · MgCO₃, in which the magnesium oxide content can form from 17 to 22%. If the magnesium oxide in pellets increases, then it is necessary to increase the dolomite dosage. Thus, the iron content decreases, which entails a decrease in yield ratio at subsequent processing. One of the fluxes containing magnesium is brucite. Compared with dolomite, magnesium oxide content in pure brucite is more than 3 times higher. The basis of Flumag M flux is brucite. The magnesium oxide content in it is not less than 55%. The paper presents a series of laboratory studies on the Flumag M flux dosage effects on the pelletizing ability of the charge and such properties of iron ore pellets as compressive, impact and abrasion strength. We have made the tests on raw and fired pellets with Flumag M flux. The comparative analysis of strength properties of the pellets obtained with the use of Flumag M and limestone was performed. The binder content, bentonite and magnetite concentrate, for all experiments remained unchanged. The experiment results indicate that Flumag M does not interfere with charge pelletizing ability. The strength of raw pellets for discharge and compression with Flumag M flux has small deviations from the pellets with the addition of limestone. Roasted pellets with the addition of Flumag M flux have higher strength than ones with limestone. The higher difference in strength properties is observed at the flux content of 2%.