MATHEMATICAL-MODELING OF IRON-ORE SINTERING PROCESS

The development of a mathematical model simulating the iron ore sintering process is presented. This model describes the heat transfer, gas flow, coke combustion, drying, water recondensation, and charge melting and solidification phenomena. It enables the solid and gas temperatures and compositions to be calculated at any point and at any time. A considerable effort was made to determine the physicochemical and thermal parameters necessary for the calculation, by laboratory experiments, e.g. measurement of the micropellet drying kinetics, and from pilot pan tests, e.g. study of the cooling of a sinter cake. This approach has led to an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms and has verified the description of the phenomena used in the model. The model will be used as a process optimisation tool, in order to produce sinter of consistent and controlled quality.