This paper specifies the mathematical and physical modelling of the iron sintering process in laboratory conditions. The aim is to get the simplest approach (using thermodynamic software “HSC Chemistry”, version 9, Outokumpu Research Oy, Pori, Finland) that allows one to predict the output parameters based on the initial composition analysis. As a part of the application of mathematical modelling, a mass and thermal balance of combustion of carbonaceous fuels (including biomass) and a mass and thermal balance of high-temperature sintering of an agglomeration charge were determined. The objective of the paper was to point out the advantages of modelling using thermodynamic software and apply the results into a simulation of the sintering process. The outcome of mathematical modelling correlates to the outcome of physical modelling for fuel combustion and the agglomerate production in a laboratory sintering pan. The energy required to reach the desired sintering temperatures and acquire the standard quality of agglomerate was calculated using 4.97% of coke breeze. In a real experiment with the laboratory sintering pan, 4.35% of coke was used. When a biomass fuel with a lower calorific value (lignin) is used in the agglomeration charge, the amount of fuel has to be increased to 5.52% (with 20% substitution of coke). This paper also aimed at predicting methodological tools and defining thermodynamic conditions for creating an interactive simulation. In addition, kinetics should be considered to improve the predicting capabilities of the current model and therefore in further research it will be required to optimise the computational program pursuant to the results of the kinetics experiments.
During the iron ore sintering process, two types of particles are present in the sinter bed: (1) fines, which are actively taking part in melting and the formation of secondary phases, and (2) coarse ores, which are partially interacting with the surrounding melt. The quality of the final sinter is particularly determined by the secondary phases and their bonding ability. Due to chemical differences between the fines and coarse particles, knowing the overall chemical composition of the sintering blend is not sufficient to estimate the final sinter microstructure. In this study, different ore types were used to prepare iron-rich, high-alumina, and high-silica blends, which were sintered in a laboratory sinter pot to investigate the behavior of fine as well as coarse particles. As a result, very different sinter matrices formed depending on the useful basicity in each sinter. The density, mineral nature, and the gangue of the ore affected coarse ore assimilation.
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