Thermodynamic study of evolution of sinter phases at different alumina level

Though sintering is controlled by kinetics of various reactions and is far from equilibrium, a thermodynamic analysis can provide useful inputs on melt formation and helps understand deviation from actual process conditions. The thermodynamic software ‘FACTSAGE?’ was used for this study. The general sequence of reactions during the heating cycle is as follows: decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcined lime; formation of calcium ferrites/silicates; decomposition of calcium ferrites, reduction of haematite to magnetite and formation of spinel and silicates; assimilation of ferrites, silicates, spinel and magnetite into the melt. During the cooling stage, the amount of melt decreased with subsequent precipitation of phases such as magnetite, ferrites, silicates, spinel and formation of haematite. It is very much clear that the sinter made by using higher alumina levels generate fewer amounts of oxides and more slag phase compared to its low alumina counterpart.