Test methods for the laboratory evaluation of iron burdens for gaseous direct reduction processes: current practice and recommendations for future standards

The current trend in steelmaking which sees an increasing move toward steel production via the directly reduced iron (DRI)/electric arc furnace route, has encouraged both suppliers and customers of DRI to re-examine the properties of both the DRI and the iron oxides from which it is produced. This paper surveys the methods currently being used to assess the suitability of iron ores and pellets for use in particular direct reduction (DR) processes. Evaluations are made of the DR test methods used by some 12 organizations. Based on this evaluation, a series of generalized test methods involving the measurement of reducibility, reduction properties, sticking characteristics and reduction strength of DR pellet burdens is recommended.