Abstract
The granulation characteristics of two quite different sinter blends have been studied. One comprises a significant proportion of pisolite ore, and the other is dominated by hematite ores. The effect on granulation of adding a significant proportion of West Angelas, a Marra Mamba type ore, into both blends is also studied. The relationship between blend moisture content and green permeability is measured, as is the size distribution of the granulated blends at different moisture contents. It is clear that when West Angelas ore displaces a denser, less porous ore type in a sinter blend, additional granulation moisture must be added to ensure optimal granulation performance. A petrographic study of granule morphology at different blend moisture contents is reported, with particular reference to the features of the adhering layer. The important role of ultrafines, particularly the -50 μm ‘superfine’ fraction, in the granulation process is discussed. The variations in mineralogical and textural characteristics of West Angelas ore with size are presented. It is proposed that the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the superfine particles are an important factor in the granulation performance of an ore or a blend of ores.
