Influence of biocoke on iron ore sintering performance and strength properties of sinter

Abstract

Purpose. The research purpose is to substantiate the use of biocoke as a fuel in the iron ore sintering, as well as its influence on the performance and properties of the resulting sinter. To completely replace conventional coke breeze, biocoke is produced using 5 wt.% biomass wood pellets at different carbonization temperatures of 950 or 1100°C. Further, the influence of biocoke on the sintering process and the sinter quality is studied at a high proportion of biomass pellets of 10, 15, 30, 45 wt.% and a carbonization temperature of 950°C. Methods. Carbonization is performed in shaft-type electric furnaces to produce laboratory coke or biocoke. Afterward, the sintering of iron ores is conducted on a sinter plant. To assess the sintering process and the quality of the resulting sinter, the filtration rate is determined on a laboratory sinter plant using a vane anemometer designed to measure the directional flow average velocity under industrial conditions. The sinter reducibility is studied using a vertical heating furnace to assess the effect of coke and biocoke on the sinter’s physical-chemical properties. Findings. It has been determined that biocoke, carbonized at a temperature of 950°C, has good prospects and potential for a shift to a sustainable process of iron ore sintering. Originality. It has been proven that biocoke with a biomass pellet ratio of up to 15 wt.%, obtained at a temperature of 950°C, does not affect the parameters characterizing the sintering process. The sinter strength indicators correspond to the use of 100 wt.% conventional coke breeze. Biocoke used with a high proportion of biomass pellets of 30 and 45 wt.% causes a deterioration in the sinter quality. Practical implications. The results of using biocoke with the addition of 5-15 wt.% biomass pellets and at a temperature of 950°C are within the standard deviation, which makes it possible to use biocoke with 15 wt.% biomass pellets instead of industrial coke breeze.