The effects of kinetic parameters on combustion characteristics in a sintering bed

Coke combustion is the main source of thermal energy for sintering of iron ores particles, and drastically affects the product sinter quality and productivity of the process. In this paper, simulation of coke combustion is performed for case studies comprising various operating parameters and coke sizes to assess the influence the coke combustion characteristics and operating conditions on sinter quality and productivity of the process. The sintering process was simulated with an unsteady-2D axisymmetric model. Effects of kinetic parameters including coke particles size, inlet air velocity, the amount of coke in the sintering charge and limestone particles size on product sinter quality and productivity of sintering process were studied. Simulation results of sintering process for coke sizes of 2 mm and 2.4 mm indicate that large particles size may reduce sinter quality and productivity. Combustion efficiency improves by optimization of the inlet air velocity. Moreover, simulation results for limestone particles size of 2 mm and 1 mm show that by decreasing the limestone particles size, the un-decomposed limestone in the bed may increase and sinter quality declines. Varying the amount of coke shows little change in the sintering time, but considerable change in the product sinter quality and energy consumption.