Moisture measurement is extremely important
in sinter mix as moisture % affects pre-ignition gas permeability
and other burn characteristics which in turn influences ore
reduction rate and final quality.
Sinter Production Process
Sinter mix comprises mainly ore (e.g. iron or zinc), limestone
and coke. Other ingredients such as dolomite, manganese, and
lime may be incorporated into the mix. The “recipe”
for the raw mix is critical to sinter quality, thus the moisture
level and weight of each ingredient is important. The ingredients
are apportioned, and fed into mixing rolling drums to homogenize
the mix, then it is conveyed to the conditioner where moisture
is added to its optimum % before being fed to the Sinter Strand.
Measurement Locations
1. On individual components e.g. limestone,
2. On the conditioner inlet (4-5%), possibility for feed
forward loop.
3. On the conditioner outlet (7-8%), this allows closed-loop
moisture control prior to feeding the Sinter Strand.
Gauge Installation
The gauge should be positioned 6-15” from the product,
and 20o C to the perpendicular if the surface appears reflective
(perpendicular otherwise), this pass height tolerance allows
for variations in bed depth.
Product flow should be continuous and of sufficient depth
that the transporting medium isn’t seen by the gauge.
If flow is discontinuous, a gating option can be used to enable
measurement only when product is viewed. |
