Abstract
This paper specifies the mathematical and physical modelling of the iron sintering process in laboratory conditions. The aim is to get the simplest approach (using thermodynamic software “HSC Chemistry”, version 9, Outokumpu Research Oy, Pori, Finland) that allows one to predict the output parameters based on the initial composition analysis. As a part of the application of mathematical modelling, a mass and thermal balance of combustion of carbonaceous fuels (including biomass) and a mass and thermal balance of high-temperature sintering of an agglomeration charge were determined. The objective of the paper was to point out the advantages of modelling using thermodynamic software and apply the results into a simulation of the sintering process. The outcome of mathematical modelling correlates to the outcome of physical modelling for fuel combustion and the agglomerate production in a laboratory sintering pan. The energy required to reach the desired sintering temperatures and acquire the standard quality of agglomerate was calculated using 4.97% of coke breeze. In a real experiment with the laboratory sintering pan, 4.35% of coke was used. When a biomass fuel with a lower calorific value (lignin) is used in the agglomeration charge, the amount of fuel has to be increased to 5.52% (with 20% substitution of coke). This paper also aimed at predicting methodological tools and defining thermodynamic conditions for creating an interactive simulation. In addition, kinetics should be considered to improve the predicting capabilities of the current model and therefore in further research it will be required to optimise the computational program pursuant to the results of the kinetics experiments.
Highlights
The state of play in technology and the current requirements on the production of iron and steel call for up-to-date automation
As part of mathematical modelling, a thermodynamic study of coke breeze and biomass combustion using thermodynamic program HSC Chemistry was carried out while thermodynamic models created on the basis of actual fuel composition
The calculated thermodynamic modules allowed the prediction of agglomeration charge sintering systems in the presence of coke breeze and biomass in various mixing ratios and combinations
Summary
The state of play in technology and the current requirements on the production of iron and steel call for up-to-date automation It is important for addressing new technological and research challenges in the field of processing ferriferous fine-grained materials. The individual parameters (mainly the composition of input materials, amount of fuel, temperatures in sintered layer, and pressures of sucked air) of the sintering process are mostly examined and analysed in laboratory conditions. Results from these experiments can provide verifiable conclusions for the industry [1]. The production of agglomerate in laboratory conditions is carried out Metals 2019, 9, 1010; doi:10.3390/met9091010 www.mdpi.com/journal/metals
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