SESSION: IronMonPM4-R9 |
Leite International Symposium (10th Intl. Symp. on Advanced Sustainable Iron & Steel Making) |
Mon. 21 Oct. 2024 / Room: Ariadni C | |
Session Chairs: Dimas Coura; Dhanraj Patil; Student Monitors: TBA |
The main challenges in sintering technology within the iron and steel industry involve enhancing productivity and maintaining the quality of sintered ore. Key concerns include uneven heat distribution and high emissions, with sintering and blast furnace processes contributing significantly to overall industry emissions. To address these issues, various methods have been explored, such as double ignition, altering gas compositions, recycling hot flue gases, and using additional gaseous fuels. Among these strategies, modifying the inlet gas conditions is seen as a practical approach. This study examines the effects of oxygen injection during the iron ore sintering process on parameters such as temperature profile, sintering time, yield, and productivity. Lab-scale trials were conducted using a pot sinter setup, with oxygen injected from the top of the sinter bed, while keeping other variables constant. Results showed a significant increase in the duration of high temperatures, which promoted the formation of stronger sinter with improved structural properties. The injection of oxygen also helped maintain the burn-through temperature and increased the mean particle size of the sinter. Thermographic analysis indicated that the flame front expanded upward with oxygen injection, enhancing the efficiency of the sintering process.