Per: LEANDRO SEIXAS BICALHO (Clariant), Raphael Alcantara da Costa (Clariant), João Paulo Ribeiro (Clariant), Pierre Azevedo Fernandes (Clariant), Cassiano José de Oliveira (Clariant), Vinícius Domenis Isaka (Clariant), Ary Carlos Leal Nogueira (VALE), Luiz Cláudio von Sperling Cotta (VALE), Anderson D. Thomazini (VALE), Eduardo Poltronieri Trés (VALE)
Abstract:
The pelletizing process requires the use of binders. Bentonite is the most common binder used in pelletizing processes. It is an inorganic aluminum silicate-based binder with good water absorption property. Organic binders may also be used targeting the waste content reduction in fired pellets. The present work analyzed pelletizing at a laboratory scale using pellet feed fines from VALE Vargem Grande and tested two different binders. National bentonite was used as the default binder. FLOTICOR PA 9500, a composition based on bentonite and organic additives, was used as a high-performance binder. Results indicated potential for dosage reduction, from 5 kg/t to 2 kg/t using of FLOTICOR PA 9500 and reaching similar compression strength of the pellets. When used at 5 kg/t dosage, the binder has provided superior physical strength values, thus confirming its better performance in iron ore pelletizing.