Influence of magnesia on sintering characteristics of iron ore

The MgO in blast furnace slag provides an optimum condition in terms of both good flowability and desulphurisation. The mode of its addition to the blast furnace changed from, initially, as raw flux in the form of dolomite, to via sinter, with the argument that raw flux demands energy for its decomposition inside the blast furnace. Thus, the decomposition reaction was diverted from the blast furnace to the sintering bed, and the energy source for decomposition was changed from costly blast furnace coke to a relatively cheap coke breeze. Now olivine/clunite/serpentine is being used as a source of MgO, where energy for decomposition is not required; this also provides a source Of SiO2, which eliminates need for the addition of quartzite. The effect of MgO on blast furnace slag is fairly well established, but its effect on sintering and sinter quality is unclear. Operating results of the sinter plants show that, with an increase of MgO, the sintering rate, the fuel rate, and sinter strength and reducibility deteriorate; however, high temperature properties such as the reduction degradation index and the softening-melting characteristics of the sinter improve. The present work attempts to establish this influence on the sintermaking process and sinter quality with the help of operating plant data.