Slag Formation in the Adhering Layer of Granules and Its Reaction with Nuclei in Iron Ore Sintering

This work aims at optimising the mineral phase composition of iron ore sinter to improve its properties. At first, the conditions that favour the slag formation in iron ore sintering were studied by measuring the conventional melting temperature. The ease of liquid phase formation was estimated in relation with the nature of the ores and with the amount of additions. In a second step, the reactions between slag and the iron ore nuclei in the mix granules were studied. For this purpose, a laboratory furnace reproducing approximately the atmosphere and thermal profile observed in the industrial conditions was conceived. These experiments enabled to relate sinter mineral phase composition to the process conditions and to the type of iron ore. At last, the results obtained in the laboratory experiments were confirmed by pilot plant trials. The relationns between sinter properties and mineral phase composition were then establishes.