Reduction of magnetite in air by use of microwave heating

Abstract

Microwave technology is not a mere substitute for conventional heating, but it resides in the new domain of materials science, namely, microscopic and strong thermal non-equilibrium systems. The key factor for application of microwaves in the iron industry, is its high potential for an essential reduction of carbon dioxide emission. Iron ore refinement by means of blast furnaces was realized with the same basic furnace structure based on the same principle for two centuries. We have conducted a series of experiments to prove effectiveness of rapid and high purity refinement under low temperature and oxygen-containing environment by means of microwave application, and achieved highly positive results.