Response evaluation of iron ore sinter production rate based on ignition temperature and sintering time

Abstract

The response of iron ore sinter production rate ϑ to the ignition temperature θ and sintering time τ has been evaluated. Iron ore was processed and sintered in a sinter reactor at basicity and ignition temperature range; 1.2 -5.0 and 864 -1053⁰C respectively. Ore particle size was < 1mm. The evaluative analysis was carried out using a derived model; ϑ = ẞ[(Ϧτ² + τ)θ^-N], whose validity was based on  the core model structure; (Ϧτ² + τ) ∕ nϑ  ≈ (√θ), in that both sides of the structure are correspondingly almost equal. ẞ, Ϧ and N are equalizing constants. Results generated from the derived and regression model prediction show significant similarities in the corresponding point and dimensional values with respect to experimental results. The standard error incurred in predicting the sinter production rate for every change in the influencing variables (relative to experimental results) is ˂ 0.93%. This translates into a model confidence level above 99%. The sinter production rate per unit ignition temperature were 0.0081 and 0.0083 tm^-2 h^-1(⁰C)^-1, using experimental and model-predicted results respectively. The overall maximum deviation of the model-predicted production rate from experimental results was 8.12%. The derived model will predict the sinter production rate, within the experimental results range, on substituting into the model, values of the ignition temperature and residence time, providing the boundary conditions are considered.