Agglomeration/defluidization in a fluidized bed reduction of Fe2O3 particles by CO: Influences of iron precipitation on particle cohesiveness

New methods of the controlled defluidization tests and thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) were employed to detect real-time agglomeration tendency and particle cohesiveness. The results showed that particle cohesiveness and defluidization potential increased as metallization degree increased. The precipitation of metallic iron significantly reduced the sintering temperature and surface viscosity of Fe2O3 particles, resulting in an increase of adhesive force between particles. Thus, the fluidization behavior of Fe2O3 particles evolved from cohesiveless to sticky.