Ways to improve technology and equipment for sinter production
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15802/tpm.2.2025.12Keywords:
sinter production, innovation, technology improvement, equipment modernization, optimizationAbstract
The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of key areas for improving technologies and equipment in sinter production, which is critically important for optimizing metallurgical processes and minimizing economic costs. Based on the results of a semantic analysis of information flows that determine interest in research in metallurgy, four key components have been identified: “technology,” “raw materials,” “equipment,” and “ecology.” The authors emphasize the need for a systematic approach to the modernization of sintering production in order to create new technologies, improve raw material preparation, develop new-generation equipment, and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The article examines in detail eight target functions for optimizing the sintering process, including the specific productivity of the sintering machine, the stability of the chemical composition of the sinter (iron content and basicity), the proportion of fine fractions, the range of fractional composition, impact and abrasion resistance, and recoverability. A comparison of current sinter indicators with blast furnace smelting requirements is carried out, revealing significant discrepancies. Structured measures aimed at achieving optimal values for each of the target functions are presented, taking into account that these factors and functions are not additive. It is emphasized that economizing on sinter production does not always coincide with economizing on its use in blast furnace smelting; in particular, increasing the strength of sinter can negatively affect its recoverability and economic performance. Particular attention is paid to the issue of increasing the recoverability of sinter, which is key to reducing coke consumption in blast furnace production. Technological solutions are considered to increase the productivity of sintering machines, stabilize the chemical composition of sinter (through effective averaging of charge materials and accurate dosing), increase the iron content (using high-quality ore, concentrates, hybrid materials), and optimize basicity. The importance of a narrow fraction composition of sinter for ensuring a stable gas-dynamic regime of blast furnace smelting is highlighted separately. Based on the analysis of the presented data and world experience (Japan, Belgium), it is concluded that investments in improving the quality of sinter and coke at the initial stages of production pay off due to a significant reduction in coke consumption and an increase in the productivity of blast furnaces. The article contains specific recommendations for the reconstruction and development of new equipment to implement the proposed improvements.
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