Bentonite for Pelletizing: A Key Binder in Iron Ore Pelletizing Process
What is Bentonite?
Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay primarily composed of montmorillonite, a mineral known for its exceptional ability to absorb water and expand. When mixed with water, bentonite transforms into a gel-like consistency, making it ideal for various industrial applications. One of its most common uses is as a binder in the pelletizing process. Bentonite is formed through the alteration of volcanic ash and comes in two main types: sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite. Sodium bentonite is particularly valued for its expansive properties and is widely used in iron ore pelletizing.
What is Pelletizing Bentonite?
Pelletizing Bentonite is a high-purity grade of bentonite, primarily used as a binder in the iron ore pelletizing process. When combined with iron ore concentrates, this clay helps form strong, spherical pellets that are subsequently used as feedstock in blast furnaces. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and overall durability of the pellets. Typically derived from sodium bentonite (Na bentonite), this grade exhibits significant swelling capacity when exposed to moisture, an essential feature for its role in pelletizing.
Applications of Pelletizing Bentonite:
- Iron Ore Pelletizing: Used as a binding agent to create iron ore pellets, which are then utilized in blast furnaces for pig iron production.
- Steel Industry: Aids in the production of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) by binding iron ore particles into durable pellets.
- Mining: Enhances ore handling and storage by ensuring pellets are compact and easy to transport.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Pelletizing Bentonite:
| Property |
Specification |
| Chemical Composition |
Mainly montmorillonite, with traces of feldspar, quartz, and other minerals. |
| Moisture Content |
10-12% |
| Plasticity |
High plasticity, aiding in pellet formation and adhesion. |
| Bulk Density |
0.9 – 1.1 g/cm³ |
| pH Value |
8.5-9.5 |
| Viscosity |
25 – 40 cps (depends on the application) |
| Swelling Capacity |
Swells up to 15 times its dry volume |
| Cation Exchange Capacity |
80-95 meq/100g |
| Fineness |
85% passing 200 mesh sieve |
| Specific Gravity |
2.6 – 2.8 |
| Sulphur Content |
< 0.5% |
| Iron Content |
55-63% SiO₂, 16-23% Al₂O₃ |
| Attrition Value |
7.5% maximum |
About ELITE MINING
ELITE MINING, located in Kutch, Gujarat, India, is a trusted leader in the bentonite mining and processing industry. We specialize in high-quality bentonite products, including pelletizing bentonite, to meet the needs of industries such as iron ore pelletizing, steel production, and mining. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we provide our customers with reliable products that enhance their operations, improving performance and efficiency. Our bentonite is sourced directly from the rich deposits of Gujarat and processed with advanced technology to uphold the highest standards.
Pelletizing Bentonite Production Process
- Mining: Bentonite is extracted using surface mining techniques. The raw material is then crushed and prepared for activation and processing.
- Sodium Activation: Sodium bentonite is activated to improve its binding properties. This involves rehydrating the montmorillonite component with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), which replaces calcium with sodium cations, enhancing the clay’s swelling ability.
- Drying and Milling: The processed bentonite is dried to remove moisture and then milled to the required particle size, ensuring it is suitable for pelletizing.
- Agglomeration: The bentonite is agglomerated to improve flowability and enhance its effectiveness as a binder in pelletizing.
Pelletizing Bentonite Applications
- Moisture Absorption: Ensures optimal pellet formation by absorbing moisture, aiding in the binding process.
- Strength: Improves the compressive and bending strength of pellets, ensuring they withstand transportation and handling.
- Thermal Resistance: Increases the heat resistance of pellets, making them suitable for high-temperature processes like smelting and reduction.
- Faster Drying: Speeds up the drying process by facilitating moisture removal, making pellet production more efficient.
Conclusion
Pelletizing Bentonite plays a pivotal role as a binding agent in the iron ore pelletizing process, ensuring that the pellets formed are strong, durable, and heat-resistant. With its exceptional swelling capacity, moisture absorption, and enhanced binding properties, Pelletizing Bentonite from ELITE MINING is the ideal choice for industries involved in iron ore pellet production. Our high-purity, processed bentonite guarantees superior performance, making it a trusted choice for industries worldwide seeking reliable and efficient operations.