Iron Pellet

What is Iron Pellet?

Iron pellet is a product made by processing and compressing iron ore concentrate into small spherical balls (typically 6 to 16 mm in diameter). Pellets have high mechanical strength and can be easily used in direct reduction furnaces or blast furnaces.

Production Stages of Iron Pellets

1. Preparation of raw materials
   • Using iron ore concentrate
   • Adding additives such as bentonite (as a binder) and limestone

1. Formation of green pellets

1. • Shaping the iron powder with added water in rotating discs or drums

1. Induration (firing and hardening)

1. • Green pellets are fired at about 1300–1350 °C
   • This process increases the strength and thermal resistance of the pellets

1. Cooling and storage

1. • Hardened pellets are cooled and made ready for transport or steelmaking use

Characteristics of Iron Pellets

• Uniform size (6–16 mm)
• High mechanical and thermal strength
• High iron content (around 65–68%)
• Proper porosity for gas flow inside furnaces

Applications of Iron Pellets

• Main feedstock for direct reduction furnaces (DRI) in Iran
• Used in blast furnaces to produce pig iron
• Improves efficiency and quality of the steelmaking process

Advantages

• Higher furnace efficiency due to uniform size and quality
• Lower environmental pollution compared to using raw iron ore directly
• Reduced steel production costs

Iron Pellet Production in Iran

With large iron ore reserves and high concentrate production capacity, Iran is one of the key pellet producers in the region.