ABSTRACT
The agglomeration processes require raw materials of specific physical-chemical properties that are categorized and mentioned in the Chapter. Iron ore, being a major constituent of raw materials, is described in detail. Its assimilation characteristics, grain size, and chemical purity decide the selection of the process: sintering vis-à-vis pelletization as well as affect the indices. The sintering process requires ore of coarser size; whereas for the concentrate rich in Fe and having a finer grain size, the process of pelletization is the preferred route. The ores, excavated from the mines, contain silica, alumina, and volatilities that require beneficiation. The process may adopt different routes with different flow-sheets depending on the nature and complexity of the feed, and these are outlined. The genesis of ores and its mineralogy are deciding parameters. The industrial practices adopted globally using various beneficiation techniques are briefly recounted. The utilization of slimes (size below 150 micron) that are generated in wet processing happens to be an important issue where agglomeration techniques need to find an inroad and be described. The presence of alumina in a complex manner makes the separation difficult. The problem is also with respect to the complex ores having high alumina and/or LOI content. The essentiality of pre-concentration and different enrichment techniques, including those based on the surface phenomena, are outlined. The Chapter also gives a brief note on the handling of ores and concentrate. These require smooth and efficient transportation to the end user.
