Mathematical Modelling of Reactions in Iron Ore/Coal Composites

In order to avoid iron ore agglomerat in and cokemaking in blast furnace ironmaking processes, direct reduction of iron ore concentrate with pulverized coal is desired for its potential environmental and cost advantages. A non-isothermal mathematical model has been developed based on experimental results.1) This model includes chemical kinetic expressions for heterogeneous reactions and equations of heat and mass transfer in porous medium. It has been found that heat transfer within the mixture is the dominant rate limiting step for overall reactions, and that the flow of gaseous products plays a significant role in convective heat and mass transfer.