Technical Information Global Mining Solutions

TI/EVH 0020 e
December 2015 Page 1 of 2

Supersedes edition dated March 2013

Alcotac® FE14
® = r egistered trademark of BASF SE

Base polymer employed in the preparation of organic

binder for iron ore pelletisation
Description Alcotac FE14 is a base polymer, in a free flowing fine powder form,
employed in the preparation of organic binders for the iron ore pelletisation
industry. Appropriate blending with sodium carbonate, and a dry strength
additive where appropriate, results in an effective replacement for silica
containing bentonite binders.

Principal uses Alcotac FE14 was specifically developed as an alternative means of manu-
facture to Alcotac FE10 base polymer maintaining its performance facets of
improved surface quality, reduced pellet dusting, lower surface moisture and
higher dry strengths.

The use of Alcotac FE14 in combination with sodium carbonate and a

dry strength additive, where appropriate, means that our synthetic organic
binders can be custom designed to meet specific plant requirements.

Sodium carbonate provides the following key benefits that maximise the
effectiveness of the Alcotac products in our portfolio:

Reduces polymer viscosity

Improves polymer dissolution
Softens available water
Increases pellet dry strength

Fired pellet quality is comparable to bentonite pellets, however the particular

induration process used will affect the final performance and Alcotac FE14
based products are noted for their ability to reduce the “pressure drop” on
the travelling grate.

Another advantage of Alcotac FE14 based organic binders is that they

are burned off during induration so improving pellet porosity which ben-
efits iron oxide reduction. The lower silica pellet reduces the coke and flux
requirements in the blast furnace.

Alcotac FE14 based organic binders have been shown to outperform the
cellulose-based binders.

Typical properties Physical form: Off-white powder

Particle size: 95 % < 710 µm
Bulk density: Approx. 0.75 g/cm3
TI/EVH 0020 e  December 2015 Page 2 of 2 Alcotac FE14

Application Typical dose rate for Alcotac FE14 based organic binder:
0.1 – 0.4 kg/tonne

The flow properties of Alcotac organic binders incorporating Alcotac FE14

are vastly superior to that of bentonite or cellulose-based binders, eliminat-
ing hopper bridging and blocking of pneumatic conveying systems.

Storage & Shelf life Alcotac FE14 is at least stable for four years from date of manufacture in its
unopened original packaging.

Shipping & Handling Alcotac FE14 in its final blend with sodium carbonate and a dry strength
additive, where appropriate, is available big bags.

Alcotac FE14 has a low order of toxicity and no special precautions are
necessary in handling.

Corrosivity towards most standard material of construction is low, but

aluminium and galvanised equipment should be avoided.

Technical service 
Advice and assistance in the running of laboratory and plant tests to select
the correct product and determine the best application can be provided
by representatives of BASF, who are experienced in mineral processing
applications.

Health & Safety  lease refer to the Safety Data Sheet for detailed information concerning
P
product’s hazards and appropriate protective measures in the workplace.

Note The data contained in this publication are based on our current knowledge
and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect processing
and application of our product, these data do not relieve processors from
carrying out their own investigations and tests; neither do these data imply
any guarantee of certain properties, nor the suitability of the product for
a specific purpose. Any descriptions, drawings, photographs, data, pro-
portions, weights etc. given herein may change without prior information
and do not constitute the agreed contractual quality of the product. It is
the responsibility of the recipient of our products to ensure that any
proprietary rights and existing laws and legislation are observed.

December 2015

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