Analysis of cracks and coating in iron ore pellets by digital image processing

Abstract The pelletizing process agglomerates ore fines previously considered as tailings and makes its application possible in the form of pellets. During the process, the pellets are subjected to various compressive forces and temperature changes, which cause ruptures in their surface. These ruptures (cracks) impair the performance of the pellets in the reduction furnaces and affect their strength. In addition to cracking, the formation of clusters inside the furnaces is also a problem for the reduction process because they compromise the flow of gases inside the furnaces. This bonding pheno...