A review of the sintering technologies to accommodate contemporary raw materials blends for ironmaking

Commercial sinter plants are currently exploring the potential addition of high-grade iron ore concentrate in sinter production to improve the sinter grade for sustainable ironmaking. It is known that a significant proportion of ultrafine iron ore concentrates in the sinter blend has a negative impact on the permeability of the sinter bed. Consequently, an adverse effect on the overall productivity of the sinter plant. This study provides an overview of some of the commercially applied sintering technologies installed as countermeasures to the loss of productivity and assesses their capability to accommodate significant proportions of ultrafine iron ore resources. It is noted that retrofitting existing technologies is required to sustain and stabilise the ironmaking process as well as reduce CO 2 emission levels. A conceptual illustration of a sustainable sinter plant is also proposed accounting for these factors.