DETERMINATION OF A METHODOLOGY TO EVALUATE THE CAUSES OF CLUSTERING FORMATION IN DIRECT REDUCTION REACTORS

This study is aimed to determine a methodology for assessing causes of cluster formations from the direct reduction reactor. To achieve this goal, sponge iron samples were evaluated, which it was identified different types of material degradation as the main factor for the occurrence of clustering. It was also evaluated the anti clustering agent performance and the intensity of union between the interface structures. The techniques used to characterize the samples were macroscopic and microscopic analysis, as well as scanning electron microscopy. The types of degradation and morphology, as well as the qualitative analysis of the elements, provided a good understanding of the root causes of the problem, ensuring the efficiency of the methodology used.