Currently, the vast majority of domestic steel mills choose to process solid wastes such as iron oxide scale and iron-containing dust generated during the production process into briquettes (or blocks), which are then returned to the converter for recycling. This utilization method not only effectively recovers iron from solid waste resources but also imparts certain metallurgical functions to these cold-pressed briquettes (blocks), such as slag formation during smelting, slag splashing for furnace protection, and cooling.
The briquetting process for treating solid wastes like iron oxide scale and iron-containing dust primarily follows two major directions: one is the baking and drying process after briquetting, and the other is the natural drying process after briquetting. In both processes, the key factor determining the formation and strength of the pellets is the pellet-forming binder. Its main function is to create viscosity when mixed with raw materials, binder, and water, enabling cold-pressing into shape via a briquetting machine. The binder's adhesive strength after drying ensures the pellets' long-term durability. Currently, both cold-pressed pellet processes have their pros and cons. The baking and drying process involves baking and drying the pellets after formation, which effectively ensures the binder fully exerts its adhesive function, rapidly enhancing pellet strength. However, this process consumes significant energy such as coal, coke, and gas, resulting in higher production costs and certain environmental pollution. In contrast, the natural drying process requires no energy consumption, but the slower drying rate leads to inadequate performance of the binder, slow strength improvement, and ineffective reduction of moisture content in the pellets, greatly diminishing the product's metallurgical effectiveness. Additionally, it demands a larger natural drying area.
This iron oxide scale cold-pressed pellet binder overcomes the shortcomings of existing pellet-forming binders, such as the need for prolonged rapid drying that results in poor pellet stability. It is a fast-drying binder that enables rapid formation and drying of cold-pressed pellets made from iron oxide scale and iron-containing dust.