Iron ore sintering is a critical process that transforms low-grade ores into high-quality raw materials for blast furnaces, significantly contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of the steel industry. Here’s why this process is essential:
1. Transforming Low-Grade Ore into Valuable Resources
Sintering allows the conversion of abundant low-grade ores into high-grade artificial ores suitable for blast furnace smelting. By enriching and agglomerating these raw materials, sintering maximizes the utilization of natural resources and accelerates the growth of the steel industry.
2. Efficient Use of By-Products
The process integrates various by-products from steelmaking and chemical industries, such as rich ore powder, blast furnace dust, converter dust, mill scale, iron filings, and sulfuric acid residue. These materials are effectively recycled, turning waste into valuable inputs, reducing environmental harm, and enhancing economic benefits.
3. Improved Material Properties
Sintered ore offers numerous advantages over natural ore, including:
- Optimal Granularity: Better size distribution for smelting.
- Enhanced Reducibility and Softening Properties: Facilitates smooth blast furnace operation.
- Stable Composition and Slag Formation: Ensures consistent performance in ironmaking.
- Energy Savings: Self-fluxing sintered ores, produced by adding flux to sintering materials, reduce or eliminate the need for limestone, lowering heat consumption during smelting and improving furnace efficiency.
4. Removal of Impurities
During the sintering process, up to 80–90% of sulfur (S) and some harmful impurities like fluorine (F) and arsenic (As) are removed. This purification alleviates the desulfurization burden on the blast furnace, enhances production efficiency, and improves the quality of pig iron.
A Breakthrough in Sintering Technology
Thanks to these advantages, sintering technology has witnessed remarkable advancements since the 1950s, becoming a cornerstone in modern iron making.
This comprehensive process not only maximizes resource utilization but also aligns with sustainability goals, making it indispensable for the future of the iron and steel industry.
*(Excerpt adapted from “高炉生产知识问答” (第2版), 冶金工业出版社, 2005, ISBN 7-5024-3380-5)
