Contraction and meltdown behaviour of olivine iron ore pellets under simulated blast furnace conditions

In the present study the contraction behaviour of the olivine iron ore pell et MPBO during reduction under load has been investigated. Three different programmes of reducing conditions have been used, corresponding to three di fferent radial positions of the blast furnace. The reducing programmes have included different temperature profiles, reducing atmospheres, and mechani cal loads applied to the specimen bed. The results of reduction under load experiments have shown that contraction has roughly three different stages: initial expansion, followed by contraction at a certain rate, and eventual ly a third stage with contraction at a higher rate. The process of contract ion is comprehensively discussed. The influence of the different reducing c onditions is outlined. I&S/1393.