Re-oxidation kinetics of flash-reduced iron particles in H ₂-H₂O(g) atmosphere relevant to a novel flash ironmaking process

A novel flash ironmaking process based on hydrogen-containing reduction gases is under development at the University of Utah. The goal of this work was to study the possibility of the re-oxidation of iron particles in a H ₂-H₂O gas mixture in the lower part of the flash reactor from the kinetic point of view. The last stage of hydrogen reduction of iron oxide, i.e., the reduction of wustite, is limited by equilibrium. As the reaction mixture cools down, the re-oxidation of iron could take place because of the decreasing equilibrium constant and the high reactivity of the freshly reduced fine iron particles. The effects of temperature and H₂O partial pressure on the re-oxidation rate were examined in the temperature range of 823 K to 973 K (550°C to 700°C) and H₂O contents of 40 to 100 pct. The nucleation and growth kinetics model was shown to best describe the re-oxidation kinetics. The partial pressure dependence with respect to water vapor was determined to be of first order, and the activation energy of re-oxidation reaction was 146 kJ/mol. A complete rate equation that adequately represents the experimental data was developed.