Mathematical Modeling of Sintering Process Considering Influence of Changes in Void Fraction and Apparent Particle Size in the Bed on Pressure Drop

Abstract

A laboratory-scale sintering simulator was developed for the purpose of measuring changes in process variables of the sinter bed in the course of sintering. The changes in pressure drop, bed-temperature and composition of outlet gas were measured by the simulator for mini-pellets which were modeled for actual sinter mix. A numerical analysis was carried out on the pressure drop, through estimating increases in void fraction and particle size by considering disappearance of coke due to combustion and coalescence of particles and formation of macro-pores due to melt-formation.
Resultant equations for the changes in void fraction and particle size obtained were applied to a mathematical model of sintering process developed. Good agreement was obtained between computed results and measured data by using a sinter-pot.