ASTM E279 Abrasion Resistance Testing for Iron Ore Pellets & Sinter by Tumbler
ASTM E279 – 97 test method is a comparative method intended primarily to test materials of Iron Ore for compliance with compositional specifications or monitoring. This test method monitors the feed to blast furnaces for process control. Tumbler Apparatus is used to perform this test method.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
ASTM E279 Tumbler Overview
The “Tumbler Test” is a mechanical process that simulates the physical pressures that iron ore minerals experience, such as impact and abrasion. In this test, a circular tumbler drum with internal lifters (L-shaped steel angles) is filled with a precise mass of the sample. The drum is spun at a constant speed for a predetermined number of revolutions, typically 200.
The material is lifted and dropped as the drum rotates, causing the particles to impact the drum walls and each other. The sample is removed and sieved to assess the level of deterioration upon completion of the rotation.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM E279-97 focuses on assessing the resistance of iron ore pellets and sinter to degradation under mechanical tumbling conditions. It ensures reliable evaluation of material durability.
The test evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance
- Generation of fines
- Pellet durability
- Mechanical strength during handling
- Suitability for furnace use
Applications
- Quality assessment of iron ore pellets and sinter.
- Process control in pellet plants and sinter plants.
- Acceptance testing for supply to steel plants.
- Evaluation of material suitability for blast furnace and DRI operations.
- Research and development of improved agglomeration techniques.
Benefits
- Provides a quantitative measure of the abrasion resistance of pellets and sinter.
- Helps predict fines generation during handling and transport.
- Supports quality control and consistency in iron ore agglomerates.
- Enables comparison of products from different sources or production batches.
- Assists in optimizing pelletizing and sintering process parameters.
ASTM E279 Tumbler Test Process
Sample Collection
Obtain a representative sample of iron ore pellets or sinter in accordance with standard sampling practice.
1Sample Preparation
Remove undersized material and condition the sample as specified in the standard.
2Sample Weighing
Accurately weigh the prepared test sample before testing.
3Result Reporting
Record and report the abrasion index along with test conditions.
4ASTM E279 Tumbler Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Material | Iron ore pellets and sinter |
| Sample Mass | As specified in ASTM E279 |
| Drum Rotation Speed | Specified constant speed (rpm) |
| Number of Revolutions | As specified in the standard |
| Test Duration | Based on the number of revolutions |
| Abrasion Index | Percentage of fines generated |
Instrumentation Used
- Tumbler drum or tumbler testing machine
- Drive motor with speed control
- Sieves of specified mesh sizes
- Mechanical sieve shaker
- Analytical balance
- Sample collection trays or containers
Results and Deliverables
- Abrasion resistance index
- Percentage of fines generated
- Pellet durability assessment
- Test condition summary
- ASTM compliance report
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E279 is a standard test method developed by ASTM International for measuring the resistance of materials to the effects of a specific type of exposure, typically related to environmental conditions.
ASTM E279-97 is important because abrasion resistance affects material degradation, dust generation, and performance during transport and processing in ironmaking operations.
ASTM E279-97 involves rotating samples in a drum, causing impact and friction, then measuring fines generated to assess abrasion resistance.
ASTM E279-97 requires a tumbler drum, sieves, weighing balance, and sample preparation tools for accurate testing.
ASTM E279-97 results are reported as percentage of fines generated, indicating abrasion resistance of pellets or sinter.
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