Characterization of Iron Ore Sinter Samples by Automated SEM

This paper presents a new mineralogical and textural characterization solution for iron ore sinter samples using an automated single scanning electron microscope. It employs a motorized and computer-controlled multiple sample stage. Mosaic images covering large areas of polished sections are acquired to measure the volume/weight fraction of mineral compositions (phase fraction calculation is based on user-defined density per phase). Different classifiers discriminate hematite, calcium ferrite, calcium silico-ferrite, magnesioferrite, calcium silicate and glasses. The entire process is automatic and produces a full pdf report containing typical images and the quantification of mineral phases and grain size. This study represents a convenient method for analyzing mineral phase and grain size in iron ore sinter samples that can allow for quicker results in sintering process control and optimization.