Reduction kinetics of low grade iron ore - revealing the efficacy of ancient iron making process

The reduction kinetics of low grade iron ore used in the ancient iron making process was studied in the temperature range of 1173-1473 K for different durations
making use of sal wood charcoal as reductant cum source of energy. According to kinetic
studies the recovery of iron was found to be 80-90%. However, in real practice the
recovery of iron was around 22-25%. This low recovery is due to several drawbacks in
the design of the process/furnace and still scope exists to enhance the efficiency of
ancient iron making process considerably by making suitable modifications in the
design of the furnace.