• Adam, Matt
• Jahanshahi, Sharif
• Mathieson, John

Abstract

The use of charcoal as an alternative fuel to coke breeze in a simulated Japanese Steel Mills (JSM) sinter blend was investigated. The influence of four charcoal types, with different volatile matter and density characteristics, on the granulating and sintering characteristics of the JSM sinter blend was investigated. Compared with coke breeze, higher mix moisture contents were required for sinter mixtures containing charcoals to achieve optimum granulation. The sinter mixtures containing charcoals also needed higher fuel rates. Although initial experiments produced weaker sinter, the mechanisms responsible for the weakening of sinter structure were identified. The volatile content and density of charcoals were found to be important parameters. As the residual volatile content of charcoals decreases and the density increases, the sinter fired at the same fuel addition level becomes stronger, reflected by the return fines balance, sinter yield, sinter tumble strength and mean product sinter size. The experimental results showed that it is possible to achieve a return fines balance and adequate sinter quality while maintaining high sintering productivity by controlling the volatile content and density of charcoals. At slightly higher fuel rates, the quality of sinter made from the two low volatile charcoal types was comparable to the sinter made using coke breeze. The slightly higher fuel rate required for the sinter blends containing charcoals may be justified by their advantages in improving sintering productivity and reducing greenhouse and other harmful gaseous emissions.

Topics

• density
• impedance spectroscopy
• experiment
• strength
• steel
• iron
• sintering