Effect of MgO and basicity on microstructure and metallurgical properties of iron ore sinter

Abstract

The metallurgical properties of iron ore sinter mainly depends on sinter mineralogy and microstructure, which in turn depends on the chemical composition of the sinter mix. In order to meet blast furnace requirement on sinter quality, it is essential to optimize the MgO in sinter mix and sinter basicity to get desired properties. Laboratory pot grate sintering experiments and quantitative analysis of sinter mineralogical phases have been carried out to investigate the influence of MgO addition on microstructure and properties of low basicity and high basicity sinter. MgO addition has been varied from 2. 2 to 4. 5% for low basicity (2. 1), and high basicity (3. 5) sinter mixes. Mineralogical examination indicated that Magnetite-Mg phases increases when MgO content in sinter increases. To achieve balanced sinter quality to meet blast furnace specifications, high basicity with medium range of MgO sinter was recommended to sinter plant.