Automated dual reduction index furnace

Modutemp has combined several previously separate apparatuses to create a comprehensive, automated dual reduction index furnace. This furnace provides qualitative analysis of iron ore samples for reducibility. Chemists will now have the ability to extrapolate precise weight variations as a function of temperature, when measuring the percentage of reduction (loss of oxygen) in a parcel of ore.

The iron ore industry will now be able to establish the reducibility of the ore with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, increasing the ability to predict any problems arising from unwanted 0₂ in iron batches. The current manual sample procedure is inefficient and can be inaccurate due to human error and repeatability limitations. Samples can only be tested during working hours and the apparatus must be constantly supervised.

Modutemp’s furnace will log accurate information directly into a report sheet at predetermined intervals as selected by the technician, while creating a far safer environment due to the automated control of carbon monoxide gas used in the reduction test. The product meets JISM standards and enables the technician to perform more important tasks, improving efficiency through the entire laboratory. Laboratory managers will also have the flexibility to engage any level of employee to operate the automated RI furnace.

Before this development, such a comprehensive picture of flow rate, pressure, weight, time and temperature was never presented in this single report format. The test is specifically designed to simulate the conditions in the shaft zone of the blast furnace at a temperature of 900°C.