A Novel Approach for Utilization of Ultra-Fines Iron Ore in Sintering Process

Abstract

The current study presents a novel approach for the utilization of ultra-fines iron ore (À0.2 mm) in sintering process through its conversion into mini-pellets (4-9 mm). The minipellets were composed of ultra-fine iron ore and calcium hydrate while coke fines were used as a coating layer. One part of mini-pellets was cured with CO 2 to improve the strength of green pellets while another part was kept uncured. The trails were carried out in sinter pot after adjusting the operating parameters. The utilization of 30% cured mini-pellets was accompanied by the constant highest temperature (%1400 8C) in combustion zone. On the contrary, the sinter prepared using 30% uncured mini-pellets showed the highest temperature (%1471 8C) at the beginning of sintering process followed by a gradual decreasing in the temperature. The permeability of sinter bed was improved by using cured mini-pellets in the sinter mixture. The sinter indices including the product yield, tumbler index and fuel consumption are measured. Reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to characterize the microstructure and the developed phases.

Novel Approach Towards Biomass Lignin Utilization in Ironmaking Blast Furnace

“…Intensive work is being done to mitigate the CO 2 emissions in steel industry by partial substitution of fossil fuels (coal and coke) with renewable source of energy such as biomass. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] One of biomass materials which could be used as binder for briquettes and reducing agent in blast furnace is lignin. Lignin is considered as the second most abundant renewable biomass on the earth after cellulose and it represents about 30% of the total raw biomass.…”

Exergy Analysis and Optimization of Sintering Process

“…[1,2] However, sintering is the second-largest energyconsumption process next to the blast furnace iron-making process and accounts for at least 10% of the total energy consumption in the iron and steel industry. [3][4][5][6][7][8] As such, energy saving and consumption reduction should be primary concerns for iron and steel plants, especially in times of high energy price volatility. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The specific energy consumption of the iron and steel industry process is generally determined through energy balance analysis.…”

“…Sintering is an agglomeration process of fine ore materials, which is also a particularly important segment of the iron and steel industry . However, sintering is the second‐largest energy‐consumption process next to the blast furnace iron‐making process and accounts for at least 10% of the total energy consumption in the iron and steel industry . As such, energy saving and consumption reduction should be primary concerns for iron and steel plants, especially in times of high energy price volatility …”

Investigation on the Reduction Behavior of Coal Composite Pellet at Temperatures between 1373 and 1573 K

“…Since PCI technology lowers the overall coke consumption rate per unit hot metal production by providing both carbon and hydrogen‐containing reducing gases, there has been continued efforts to maximize its use . Other works have shown the use of DRI mini‐pellets of less than 8 mm in diameter produced from pulverized coal and recycled process by‐products into the sinter feed to increase the productivity of the blast furnace . DRI has also been actively utilized in the EAF (electric arc furnace) as scrap substitutes to produce steels with lower Cu and Sn contents .…”