Mechanism of sintering and fracture of superfluxed iron-ore sinters

Mineral formation in the binders of a commercial sinter with a basicity of 1.6 at the Magnitogorsk Metallurgical Integrated Works has been found to be determined by the crystallization of two morphological forms of high-iron aluminosilicoferrite (namely, dendritic and lamellar forms) from the melt. In a sintering zone, an association of dendritic aluminosilicoferrite crystals and dicalcium silicate Ca₂SiO₄ forms in high-calcium melt regions separated from magnetite grains. This association leads to the fracture of the finished product as a result of the phase transformation of Ca₂SiO₄ from the β into the γ modification during sinter cooling. Lamellar aluminosilicoferrites forming in high-iron sinter volumes serve as a high-strength binder for ore grains.     

Comparative analysis of the mineralogical composition and metallurgical properties of sinters obtained from iron-ore-bearing charges of different origins

A study is made to determine how the main genetic groups of iron-ore-bearing components in the sintering charges used at the MMK affect the sintering operation and the quality of the finished product (shallow bed and a complex multi-component charge). Recommendations are presented for improving efficiency in the production of low-basicity (1.6 ± 0.1) sinter in a shallow (260 mm high) bed with certain proportions of different genetic types of components in the iron-ore-bearing part of the charge.