Abstract
In 2001, the Minntac Division of US-Steel retrofitted one of their grate-kiln iron ore pelletizing lines with a ported-kiln air-injection system (PKAIS), the first of its kind in the world for oxide pellets. The ported kiln system injects air under the bed of pellets in the rotary kiln, causing rapid oxidation of the magnetite pellets. This rapid oxidation allows for lower kiln temperatures, which reduces fuel demand; allows for less heat load on the annular cooler; and produces higher pellet quality. Both the process and the equipment are patented developments by Metso Minerals. This paper discusses the process, the key equipment and the benefits to both the pellet plant and the downstream blast furnace operations.
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Preprint number 04-027, presented at the SME Annual Meeting, Feb. 25–27, 2004, Denver, Colorado. Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted to SME Publications Dept. prior to May 31, 2005.
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Trescot, J., Connor, D., Faulkner, B. et al. Application of ported kiln technology to the Grate-Kiln Process at Minntac. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 21, 209–213 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403187
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403187