Iron ore fines are transported from the mines to iron-making facilities in the wagons. But the iron ore fines tend to stick to the wagons and great difficulty is faced in unloading due to this stickiness. What is current understanding of why this stickiness is encountered?
What is the industry practice to evaluate stickiness?
Dear Sharath Bhoja
Iron ore fines in wagons often stick due to moisture or water content, causing liquefaction. This process forms lumps or sticky masses when they come into contact with moisture. To evaluate the stickiness of iron ore fines, industry practices involve conducting tests to determine the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) and Flow Moisture Point (FMP). The TML test determines the maximum moisture content for liquefaction, while the Proctor/FMP test measures the moisture content at which fines start to exhibit flow properties. Visual inspections and manual assessments are also conducted to assess the fines' appearance, texture, and tendency to agglomerate or form lumps.
To mitigate risks, industry practices include proper moisture content controls, handling and transportation procedures, and compliance with international guidelines. Regular monitoring, moisture management, and cargo conditioning techniques are often employed to minimize stickiness and ensure safe transportation of iron ore fines.
Ali mentioned most of the relevant testing. I'd probably include Atterberg limits in the testing. The technical term for "Stickiness" is plasticity. Your atterberg limits should give you moisture contents required for phase transformation.
Thank you Mr Ali and Mr Marcelo for taking time and responding. I have noted the same.
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