Analysis of iron ore by axios-advanced x-ray fluorescence spectrometer using potassium pyro-sulphate fusion technique

Abstract

Production of Pig iron is an important step in the production of steel. To have adequate control on the production process of pig iron, analysis of iron ore to be used is necessary. The iron content decides the grade of iron ore while as the concentration of other impurities like silica influences the amount of coke and flux to be used. Iron ore has very wide varying mineralogy and can consist of varying compositions of Hematite, Magnetite, Goethite etc. Such wide difference in matrix leads to erroneous results when analysed by XRFS using the popular pressed powder technique. For accurate analysis it is necessary to fuse the sample with a suitable flux. Glass beads made by fusion of iron samples with borates are highly fragile and need special Platinum-Gold crucible and casting dish. In the present study the iron ore samples were fused with potassium pyro-sulphate in a silica crucible using ordinary muffle furnace at about 650°C. Number of iron ore samples were analysed by this technique and results obtained were in good agreement with that obtained by classical wet technique. The potassium pyro-sulphate technique is easy, economical and faster for the routine estimation of Fe(Total), Mn, SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, TiO2 and P in iron ores.