Analysis of pore combination in sintering by hot stage X-ray computerized tomographic scanner

The influence of the raw material bed condition on pore formation in the sinter cake was investigated by on-line observation of the sintering process in the hot stage and quantification of the pore combination behavior. Using a new sintering test device which employs an X-ray computerized tomographic scanner, on-line observation of cross-sectional images of the sinter cake in the sintering process has become possible. When the bulk density of the raw material bed was low, the combination of +5 mm pores was remarkable and large pores formed with comparative uniformity in the sintering bed. In contrast, when the bulk density was high, the combination of + 5 mm pores was slight, and combination of -5 mm pores with +5 mm pores was remarkable. Then, large pores formed along local + 5 mm pores. It is considered that this difference in the morphology of pore formation effects the permeability and uniformity of burning in the sintering process.