Rapid estimation of metallization in reduced iron oxide ores

A simple and accurate method is described for the determination of degree of metallization in reduced iron oxide ores. Both metallic iron and total iron are determined in a single sample. The metallic iron is selectively dissolved in copper sulphate solution and the oxides are filtered off. The filtrate is titrated with potassium dichromate solution. The residue is dissolved in dilute sulphuric acid in presence of excess of copper powder and after filtration is titrated with the same dichromate solution. The first value gives the metallic iron content and the second value gives the iron content of the oxide residue. From these two values, the degree of metallization is computed.