In this paper, through softening-melting test of sinter with high MgO content produced by iron and steel enterprises, the double influence of high MgO concentration on soft melting performance of sinter was researched. The experimental results show that in the sinter melting process, on the one hand, the slag viscosity will gradually decrease from 0.107 to 0.095 Pa•S at 1540°C with the increase in MgO content in the sinter. On the other hand, with the increase in MgO content, the content of solid oxide in sinter slag at 1540°C increases from 2.41% to 15.31%, the separation of slag and iron at high temperature also makes a large number of MgO elements precipitate out in solid phase, which hinders the flow performance of slag. In addition, the influence amplitude of MgO content on the melting performance of sinter mainly depends on gangue content in sinter.

Accurate computational models of sintering behavior would assist to enhance sinter quality and are anticipated to play a role in yield prediction. Sintering is a vital process in the manufacturing of iron and steel. As a consequence, the primary objective of these models will be a thorough simulation of mass and heat transport during the sintering process. In this paper, based on the examination and integration of previous studies, the fundamental physical formula and chemical reactions of the numerical simulation of the sintering process are introduced in depth with mechanism analysis. Furthermore, in view of the current numerical simulation methods and sintering process technology innovation development, the studies on sintering numerical simulation are reviewed from different angles, of which the main methods and assumptions are discussed. Finally, the current state of sintering simulation including the numerical simulation of innovative algorithm and optimized sintering technology is discussed in detail, along with potential implications for model development.

Iron ore granulation is an indispensable process in the production of sinter that can influence and regulate the yield, efficiency and quality. Although a great deal of research has been done on the granulation process over the past decades, we still need to think about the current and future development of this process, as sinter is still an essential raw material for ironmaking blast furnace today. This paper begins with a review of particle agglomeration theory development for sintering granulation, followed by a summary of existing granulation evaluation methods and indexes. The roles of iron ore, fuel, fluxes, and moisture in sintering granulation are also analyzed, and finally advanced granulation equipment and processes for industrial production, as well as their applications, are summarized. Correspondingly, the challenges in sintering granulation field are proposed to include: (1) Development of iron ore sintering industry; (2) Ore blending optimization based on synergistic coupling of granulation and sintering; (3) Optimization of granulation process and equipment; (4) Methods and tools for granulation scientific research. These issues will be tackled and overcome in the future by both steel enterprises and academic researchers, generating suggestions for future development in the field of sintering granulation.

With the increasingly strict requirements of blast furnaces on the sinter quality, analyzing the phase transition process and reaction mechanism of special elements in the sintering process plays an important role in understanding the sintering process and improving the sinter quality. Herein, the decomposition process of barite during sintering and the influence mechanism on the bonding phase of calcium ferrite are studied by laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculations. The results show that calcium ferrite and ferric oxide can promote the decomposition of barite and reduce the decomposition temperature in the sintering process. The generated barium enters the calcium ferrite phase and affects the strength and melting point of calcium ferrite. With the increase of barium content, the strength of calcium ferrite sample increases from 1.62 to 2.00 kPa, and the initial melting temperature of calcium ferrite sample stays at 1473 K. However, with the further increase of barium, the sample strength and melting temperature both show a worsening trend. Finally, based on the research results, some suggestions for sintering production are put forward, and the optimal barite content is determined. Results help to better understand the reaction process and action mechanism of barium in the sintering process.