Development of Sinter Quality and the Technology with Corresponding to the Change of Iron Ore Resources: 100 years of Sintering Process and to the Future

Abstract

For purpose of recycling dust generated in the integrated steel works, sintering process has been applied and developed from dust treatment technology in non-ferrous metal industry in 1910’s. Additional to dust low Fe grade ore has also been utilized as raw material in sintering process.
In 1960’s, increasing demand of iron and steel products caused shortage of lump iron ore, which was the driving force for full-blown development of sintering process. At last "Self-flux sinter" which has higher reducibility compared to lump iron ore has been invented. "Self-flux sinter" is utilized the phenomenon of forming liquid phase from fine iron ore with lime stone.
After "Self-flux sinter" invention, this process has been researched and developed eagerly for view point of chemical compositions, texture (mineral, pore), and sinter quality. Furthermore, standard method of sinter quality evaluation has been established, which was utilized for process advance by texture control in divided region.
Based on previous research, further development theme in future will be introduced in personal vision.