Parametrização e quantificação do grau de cobertura de pelotas de minério de ferro: aplicação de solução de glicerina como supressor

Abstract

Air pollution generated by dust suspension during the handling of bulk solids, such as ore pellets, poses significant challenges to the mining industry, including Vale S.A. Dust suppression technologies, such as glycerin and water-based solutions, are applied through large nozzles to minimize dust emissions from iron ore. Although the current system has proven effective, the issue of glycerin waste has prompted the evaluation of alternative methods using spray nozzles at strategic points.To optimize the coverage of iron ore pellets with a solution containing 2% glycerin, this study developed methodologies to quantify the wetted area on the pellet surfaces and analyze the wetting mechanisms resulting from the interactions of accumulated droplets. Pellet properties, such as diameter, porosity and roughness, as well as suppressant characteristics, including viscosity and density, were characterized by means of image analysis, optical profilometry, density measurements, droplet penetration tests, empirical equation analysis, data analysis and mathematical evaluations of non-linear curve fitting. A dimensionless number was formulated to predict the degree of saturation in the pellets, by suppressant solution, in order to estimate better spraying conditions.