Laboratory iron ore sintering studies. 1. Process simulation and airflow rate

Iron ore sintering is the most popular process used to produce a suitable feed for the blast furnace. With changing iron ore supplies and composition, steel mills have to continually adjust the blended ore mix composition to the sinter plant. To help decision making in this area, and also obtain increased understanding of the process to allow improvements in sintering operations, laboratory-scale sinter pot tests are conducted. The use of a pot for routine testing and for research is discussed. When used as a research tool, the experimental approach used to simulate a plant will have to be modified to facilitate the interpretation of results. Airflow rate through a bed is a critical parameter and this paper highlights the important relationship between post- and pre-ignition airflow rates and also the effect of changing bed suction and coke level in the sinter mix.