When you think of construction you often think of steel and concrete. These are, no doubt, important elements that are integral to construction but what forms these elements? Little do most of us know that Iron Ore is an integral component in the formation of steel. 98% of Iron Ore produced globally is used as raw material in the construction of steel. What type of Iron Ore is used in the production of steel? Raw iron ore is rarely used in the production of steel, rather iron ore is treated and segmented into different subsidiary products. One such product is pellets.
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Importance of Iron Ore Pellets
Iron ore pellets are integral to the production of steel – a modern metal which is the backbone of growth and development. Everything we see around us from skyscrapers, bridges, modes of transportation, workplaces, homes and almost every structure is primarily built using steel. Without iron ore pellets, the production of steel would not be as stratified and accelerated as it is today. Steel production is a marker of growth and development for any country and iron ore pellets make this development possible.
How Are Iron Ore Pellets Made?
Here’s a quick introduction for you on how Pellets are made. Usually, Iron Ore is manufactured and converted into Pellets. These are oval lumps of iron ore that are hardened using fuel. This process of converting iron ore into pellets is known as Pelletization. Iron Ore Pellets are then used in the production of steel. Pellets are usually preferred instead of raw Iron Ore because it allows for maximum utilization of iron ore. This is important since iron ore reserves are depleting globally. So methods like pelletizing and sintering ensure that there is no waste of this precious resource.
Often Iron Ore is manufactured and converted into Pellets. These are oval lumps of iron ore which are hardened using fuel. Iron Ore Pellets are then used in the production of steel.
Pellets are usually preferred instead of raw Iron Ore because it allows for maximum utilisation of iron ore. This is important since iron ore reserves are depleting globally. So methods like pelletizing and sintering ensures that there is no waste of this precious resource.
What Is Iron Ore Pelletization Process
The process of pelletization begins with the use of finely powdered grains of iron ore. These grains are then converted into balls. This iron ore concentrate is next heated and dried over high temperatures. The next step involves grinding this dried residue, with the addition of Bentonite which is a binder chemical. This concentrate is then passed through a specialized machine, known as a disc pelletizer, that helps form standard-sized pellets. Once pellets are formed they are hardened under high temperature and then cooled, before being sent to storage houses.
It’s important to note that there different types of pelletization processes. The most common and widely used is the grate-kiln method. This method has many benefits, and the most important is the production of evenly sized pellets which then increase the mechanical properties of pellets.
Types of Iron Ore Pellets
Pellets are categorised into types based on the process involved at the time of production. It is also based on this process that quality grades are assigned to manufactured pellets. One of the key types of pellets used is DRI Pellets. DRI is an acronym for Direct Reduced Iron. Here the iron is directly reduced into lumps or pellets. These types of pellets are usually lighter since oxygen is removed from the ore at the start of the process.
Effective Uses of Iron Ore Pellets
Having understood the importance of these pellets, let’s see why they play an important role in the production of steel. These pellets act as substitutes for sinters or calibrate lumps in the blast furnace stage of steel production.
- High porosity ensures that the reduction process is accelerated.
- The unique shape of Pellets – spherical with open pores, ensures permeability. This aids in furnace operation.
- The inherent strength of Pellets ensures great resistance to disintegration.
- Uniform chemical composition of pellets ensures that the steel produced is of high quality.
Iron Ore manufacturers in India have recognized the high utility of pellets in steel production. With this recognition has come an acceleration of iron ore pellet production. More units and technology is dedicated to the production of these pellets. After all, anything that aids the production of steel – a metal we heavily rely on as a civilization, is welcome.
Conclusion
The importance and demand for steel is projected to grow in the coming years. Which is why Iron ore companies in India such as Sree Metaliks are increasing their ore production. We are a brand that is pioneering this growth with an advanced manufacturing plant in Anra, Keonjhar district. These pellets are then shipped to domestic and international markets. To export a product such as Iron Ore, high quality needs to be maintained. This standard of high quality is achieved by a controlled process. Sree Metaliks also ensures that extensive testing is carried out before these pellets are introduced to the market. This leads to high-quality products produced with utmost safety and precautions.
With brands like Sree Metaliks upping the standards of production, the quality of steel produced in India will invariably rise. This opens the market up for more investment and exports. As one of the most responsible and value-driven Iron ore companies in India, Sree Metaliks is aiding the flourishing of steel production in India.
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