Abstract
A fundamental study was carried out on melting process and its primary controlling factors in the iron ore sintering. Melting properties of sinter feed were evaluated by the volume ratio of the melted portion to the substantial solid of sinter, "melting ratio". From sinter pot test, the corelation between the melting ratio and the sinter operational conditions was studied. The melting process in sintering depended on the holding time in high-temperature zone, are particle size, its chemical composition, and porosity after dehydration. On the basis of the obtained information, a model simulation of sinter melting process was developed and was discussed by comparing the observed values and the calculated ones by the model. The calculated values were in good agreement with the observed values. This melting model for sintering process can be applied to the estimation of sinter feed and analysis of sinter quality.
