Reduction of Ilmenite by Carbon Monoxide

Abstract

AbstractAbstractThe kinetics of the reduction of iron oxide in ilmenite (FeTiO3) by carbon monoxide were investigated in the temperature range 500–1100°C. A thermogravimetric technique was employed to study the effects of reduction temperature, impurity additions, and sintering atmosphere and temperature on the reduction process. Both the rate and the degree of reduction increased linearly with increasing temperature up to approx. 1000°C.The addition of magnesium oxide, manganese oxide, calcium oxide or silicon dioxide lowered the reduction rate of the iron oxide. Preoxidation of the ilmenite in the temperature range 700–800°C yielded the highest reduction degree due to the formation of pseudo brookite (Fe2TiO5). When the ilmenite was sintered in argon, pseudobrookite was not present and there was a linear relationship between sintering temperature and reduction degree. The results obtained are explained in terms of the physical and chemical changes which occur during the sintering or reduction processes. Also, the factors affecting carbon deposition on the iron during reduction are described.