Research of the agglomeration process while providing an internal heat source and optimization of the thermal pattern along the height of the layer

Abstract

An analysis of domestic and foreign studies has been performed, which confirm the heterogeneity of heat distribution in the sintering charge layer. There is a differentiation of thermal impact on the upper and lower horizons of the layer, which is due to the uneven combustion of solid fuel. An assessment of the authors' previous studies has been carried out, and it has been concluded that the potential for further research in this direction remains significant. The expansion of technological variability can contribute to the development of optimal technological regimes for Ukrainian sintering plants that seek to increase production efficiency. The influence of the size and reactivity of solid fuel on the process of sintering of iron ore charge was investigated. The experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions using sintering bowls with a diameter of 100 mm and a layer height of 300 mm. The method involved separate fuel injection into the upper and lower layers of the charge in order to optimize the thermal regime. Two types of fuel were used: highly reactive (coke fines, CRI > 37%) and low-reactive (anthracite, CRI < 37%). For the upper layer, highly reactive fuel with a size of 1-5 mm was used, and for the lower layer, low-reactive fuel with a size of 1-2.5 mm. Additionally, a dusty fraction (0-1 mm) was introduced into the charge to provide an internal heat source. The results showed that optimal performance is achieved when using highly reactive fuel in the upper layer and low-reactive fuel in the lower layer. This allowed to increase the productivity of the sintering bowl from 1.15 to 1.46-1.48 t/m²·h, reduce carbon consumption from 52.3 to 50.8-51.3 kg/t, improve the strength of the sinter, reduce the content of fines and residual carbon, and also increase the iron content. The developed technology allows to effectively regulate the thermal regime in the charge layer, ensuring high-quality sintering and improving the characteristics of the sinter