Numerical Simulation on the Influence of Oxygen Content and Coke Size on the Performance of Fuel Layered-Distribution Sintering Process

Fuel layered-distribution sintering (FLDS) is a technology that can effectively reduce fuel consumption and achieve a more uniform temperature distribution within the sintering bed compared to traditional iron ore sintering. In this study, the melting quality index, combined with the maximum temperature and the duration of melting temperature, are used as performance indicators to investigate the effects of coke size and oxygen content on sintering characteristics under layered fuel distribution conditions. The results indicate that increasing the oxygen content can enhance the velocity of the flame front in the sinter pot, thereby accelerating the sintering process. However, excessive oxygen content may lead to fluctuations in the quality of the sinter. Small coke sizes provide higher melting quality in the upper region of the sinter pot, while large coke sizes perform better in the lower region. For a 600 mm sintering bed layer, an oxygen enrichment time of 6 min with oxygen concentration of 27% and coke particle diameter of 2.0 mm can balance sintered ore quality, sintering time, and flame front speed, ensuring the yield of sintered ore. These findings provide an effective pathway for energy saving and emission reduction in iron ore sintering plants.