A simulation study of reduction kinetics for sponge iron production in a rotary hearth furnace

A mathematical model has been developed by coupling genetic algorithm (GA) with heat and material balance equations to estimate rate parameters and solid-phase evolution related to the reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets in a multi-layer bed Rotary hearth Furnace (RHF). The present process...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCanadian metallurgical quarterly Vol. 59; no. 2; pp. 180 - 188
Main Authors Saleem, Sooraj, Mishra, Srinibash, Roy, Gour Gopal
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis 02.04.2020
Subjects
Genetic Algorithm
Iron ore-coal composite pellet
Mathematical modelling
Rate parameters
Rotary hearth furnace
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Summary:A mathematical model has been developed by coupling genetic algorithm (GA) with heat and material balance equations to estimate rate parameters and solid-phase evolution related to the reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets in a multi-layer bed Rotary hearth Furnace (RHF). The present process involves treating iron ore-coal composite pellets in a crucible over the hearth in RHF. The various solid phases evolved at the end of the process are estimated experimentally, and are used in conjunction with the model to estimate rate parameters. The predicted apparent activation energy for the wustite reduction step is found to be lower than those of the reduction of higher oxides. The thermal efficiency is found to decrease significantly with an increase in the carbon content of the pellet. Thermal efficiency was also found to increase mildly up to three layers. Multilayer bed remains as a potential design parameter to increase thermal efficiency.
ISSN:0008-4433
1879-1395
DOI:10.1080/00084433.2020.1730117