Influence of sinter grate suction pressure (flame front speed) on microstructure, productivity and quality of iron ore sinter

AbstractFrom a sinter production point of view, it is important to optimise the sintering process with regard to both sinter quality and production rate. In sintering, airflow rate within the sinter bed decides the production rate and its physical and metallurgical properties. To study the influence of airflow rate (flame front speed) on sinter production and sinter quality, pot grate sintering experiments were conducted at sinter grate suction pressures ranging from 900 to 1700 mm water column over the sinter bed. During sintering, time–temperature data were recorded, and mineralogical studies were carried out. This study reveals that increase in sinter grate suction pressure through the sinter bed from 900 to 1700 mm water column significantly improved the sinter productivity from 34·37 to 48·90 t/m2/day; however, the physical and metallurgical properties of the sinter at higher suction pressure were not optimum with respect to blast furnace requirements. The maximum sinter productivity with desired phy...