Reactions of wustite and hematite with different chlorinating agents

Chlorination of wustite (Fe(1-x)O) and hematite (Fe2O3) with Cl-2 + CO and Cl-2 + N-2 was studied by thermogravimetric analysis using non-isothermal conditions up to about 1000 degrees C. The wustite started to react with the carbochlorinating gas mixtures at low temperatures producing FeCl3 and Fe2O3 as final reaction products. The presence of carbon monoxide, during non-isothermal tests, enhanced the chlorination of wustite at temperatures higher than 550 degrees C when the produced hematite started to react with carbochlorinating gas mixture. The separate treatment of the two oxides under isothermal conditions in Cl-2 + CO for 2 h led to their full reaction at about 550 degrees C. An apparent activation energy of about 53 kJ/mol was obtained for the carbochlorination of hematite between 350 degrees C and 550 degrees C. Reaction of wustite with FeCl3 was also studied by thermogravimetric analysis using non-isothermal conditions. Higher oxides of iron and ferrous chloride were the main reaction products at 600 degrees C, even in the presence of carbon monoxide. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.