Reactions of wüstite and hematite with different chlorinating agents

International audienceChlorination of wüstite (Fe(1−x)O) and hematite (Fe2O3) with Cl2 + CO and Cl2 + N2 was studied by thermogravimetric analysis using non-isothermal conditions up to about 1000°C. The wüstite 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 wüstite at temperatures higher than 550°C when the produced hematite started to react with carbochlorinating gas mixture. The separate treatment of the two oxides under isothermal conditions in Cl2 + CO for 2 h led to their full reaction at about 550°C. An apparent activation energy of about 53 kJ/mol was obtained for the carbochlorination of hematite between 350°C and 550°C.Reaction of wüstite 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°C, even in the presence of carbon monoxide