Ironmaking

Mathematical Modelling
Sinter Plant Process
Corus Consulting Limited, Teesside Technology Centre, P.O. Box 11, Grangetown, Middlesbrough,
Teesside TS6 6UB U.K. Telephone: +44 (0)1642 467144 Fax: +44 (0)1642 460321
E-mail: colin.notman@corusgroup.com
In order to improve the operation of the sinter plant and the quality of the sinter, a mathematical model of
the sintering process has been developed. The model includes all the key features of the sintering
process:-

Ignition of the coke and its subsequent combustion.

Evaporation and recondensation of the moisture in the sinter mix.
Heat and mass transfer between the gas and solid phases.
Melting of the ores and their resolidification.
Change in particle size as the raw mix sinters
In addition to these features, the model carries out a simple heat and mass balance.
The results from the model are: Gas flows and temperatures in each windleg.

Gas and solid isotherms within the bed.

Fan power and vane settings.
ISO strength of the sinter, return fines level and coke rate.
A simple heat and mass balance

SINTER SOLID TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION

The model is designed to be an off-line tool which can be used to assess the effect of changing the
operating conditions of the sinter plant. As it is a mathematical model, the search for means of improving
the sintering operation does not effect the actual operation of the sinter plant.
For example when the model was used at our Scunthorpe sinter plant notable success was achieved by
discovering, with the model, that the ignition hood temperature could be reduced without affecting
production or sinter quality. In fact, a slight increase in production was predicted. When the changes to the
ignition hood temperature were put into effect, the trend predicted by the model was found to occur in
practice. This resulted in significant fuel savings without a detrimental effect on sinter production or quality.
The main benefits to be gained from using the model are:-

Improvements to product quality (strength etc.)

Minimisation of fuel rates
Predicts the effect of changes to the process
Provides a material, thermal and aerodynamic model of the sintering process along the length of
the strand

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