Overview
ISO 3852:2007 - Iron ores for blast furnace and direct reduction feedstocks - Determination of bulk density specifies standardized laboratory and field procedures to measure the bulk (apparent) density of iron ores. The standard defines two methods: Method 1 for natural and processed iron ore with nominal top size up to 40 mm, and Method 2 for ores of any size. Results support quality control, contract specification and research for blast furnace and direct reduction feedstocks.
Key topics and requirements
- Two methods
- Method 1 (small container): uses a metal cylindrical container (400 mm diameter × 400 mm height, ≈0.05 m3). Test sample preparation per ISO 3082; minimum test sample 600 kg; prepare at least four test portions of 150 kg ±0.15 kg.
- Method 2 (large container): uses a regular-shaped truck/rail wagon or equivalent with smooth inner surfaces, minimum filled capacity ~10 t and minimum bed height 500 mm; test sample minimum 35 tonnes (50 t recommended).
- Sample conditioning: tests may be performed on as‑received, air‑dried or oven‑dried samples (oven drying to constant mass at 105 °C ± 5 °C).
- Apparatus and accuracy: weighing sensitivity for Method 1 typically 1/1 000; Method 2 platform scales to 1/200. Container volume must be determined (precision ~0.1 L).
- Calculation: bulk density ρap = (m1 − m0) / V, where m0 = empty container mass, m1 = container+sample mass, V = internal volume (kg/m3). Results rounded to 4 significant figures (or reported to 1 decimal place as required).
- Repeatability and acceptance: acceptance procedure and repeatability criteria are given in Annex A (use when determining acceptance of replicated results).
- Reporting & verification: test report must reference ISO 3852:2007 and include sample condition, lab ID, dates, measured bulk density with qualifier (“as‑received”, “air‑dried”, “oven‑dried”), moisture/size data and any deviations. Regular calibration and verification of scales and containers recommended.
Applications
- Quality control in mining operations and iron‑ore processing plants
- Specification and acceptance testing for commercial contracts (blast furnace and direct reduction feedstocks)
- Research and development for pellet feed, lump ore and direct reduced iron (DRI) feedstocks
- Comparative laboratory testing between plants and independent test houses
Who uses this standard
- Metallurgical and mineral testing laboratories
- Iron ore producers and exporters
- Steelmakers (blast furnace and DRI operations)
- Procurement and QA/QC engineers, contract managers and researchers
Related standards
- ISO 3082 - Sampling and sample preparation procedures
- ISO 3087 - Determination of moisture content
- ISO 4701 - Size distribution by sieving
- ISO 11323 - Vocabulary for iron ore testing
Keywords: ISO 3852:2007, bulk density, iron ores, blast furnace feed, direct reduction feedstock, bulk density determination, iron ore testing, Method 1, Method 2, apparent density.
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