Thermal performance and reduction kinetic analysis of cold-bonded pellets with CO and H2 mixtures

Cold-bonded pellets, to which a new type of inorganic binder was applied, were reduced by H2~CO mixtures with different HJCO molar ratios （1：0, 5：2, 1：1, 2：5, and 0：1） under various temperatures （1023, 1123, 1223, 1323, and 1423 K） in a daermogravimetric analysis appaxatus. The effects of gas composition, temperature, and binder ratio on the reduction process were studied, and the microstxucture of re- duced pellets was observed by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry （SEM-EDS）. The SEM-EDS images show that binder particles exist in pellets in two forms, and the form that binder particles completely surround ore particles has a more significant hin- der effect on the reduction. The reduction equilibrium constant, effective diffusion coefficient, and the reaction rate constant were calculated on the basis of the unreacted core model, and the promotion effect of temperature on reduction was further analyzed. The results show that no sintering phenomenon occurred at low temperatures and that the increasing reaction rate constant and high gas diffusion coefficient could main- tain the promotion effect of temperature; however, when the sintering phenomenon occurs at high temperatures, gas diffusion is hindered and the promotion effect is diminished. The contribution of the overaJl equilibrium constant to the promotion effect depends on the gas composition.

Reduction process and zinc removal from composite briquettes composed of dust and sludge from a steel enterprise

In this study, composite briquettes were prepared using gravity dust and converter sludge as the main materials; these briquettes were subsequently reduced in a tube furnace at 1000-1300℃ for 5-30 min under a nitrogen atmosphere. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, and carbon content on the metallization and dezincification ratios of the composite briquettes were studied. The reduced com- posite briquettes were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）. The results show that the gravity dust and converter sludge are combined into the composite briquettes and a reasonable combination not only improves the performance of the composite briquettes, but also leads to the reduction with no or little reductant and flux. As the re- action temperature is increased and the reaction time is extended, the metallization and dezincification ratios of the composite briquettes in- crease gradually. When the composite briquettes are roasted at 1300℃ for 30 rain, the metallization ratio and dezineification ratio reaches 91.35% and 99.25%, respectively, indicating that most of the iron oxide is reduced and the zinc is almost completely removed. The carbon content is observed to exert a lesser effect on the reduction process; as the C/O molar ratio increases, the metallization and dezincification ra- tios first increase and then decrease.

Effect of CO_2 and H_2O on gasification dissolution and deep reaction of coke

To more comprehensively analyze the effect of CO_2 and H_2O on the gasification dissolution reaction and deep reaction of coke, the reactions of coke with CO_2 and H_2O using high temperature gas–solid reaction apparatus over the range of 950–1250°C were studied, and the thermodynamic and kinetic analyses were also performed. The results show that the average reaction rate of coke with H_2O is about 1.3–6.5 times that with CO_2 in the experimental temperature range. At the same temperature, the endothermic effect of coke with H_2O is less than that with CO_2. As the pressure increases, the gasification dissolution reaction of coke shifts to the high-temperature zone. The use of hydrogen-rich fuels is conducive to decreasing the energy consumed inside the blast furnace, and a corresponding high-pressure operation will help to suppress the gasification dissolution reaction of coke and reduce its deterioration. The interfacial chemical reaction is the main rate-limiting step over the experimental temperature range. The activation energies of the reaction of coke with CO_2 and H_2O are 169.23 kJ ·mol-1 and 87.13 kJ·mol^(-1), respectively. Additionally, water vapor is more likely to diffuse into the coke interior at a lower temperature and thus aggravates the deterioration of coke in the middle upper part of blast furnace.

Gasification kinetics of bulk coke in the CO2/CO/H2/H2O/N2 system simulating the atmosphere in the industrial blast furnace

The gasification characteristics and gasification kinetics of coke in complex CO2/CO/H2/H2O/N2 systems similar to the gas system of industrial blast furnace (BF) were studied by the method of isothermal thermogravimetric analysis. The experimental gas compositions and the corresponding temperature were chosen according to data reported for industrial BFs. The gasification behavior of coke was described by the Random Pore Model (RPM), Volumetric Model (VM), and Grain Model (GM). Results showed that the gas composition of the coke gasification zone in BF changes slightly and that the temperature is the most important factor affecting coke gasification. The lower activation energy of coke samples (Coke Reaction Index (CRI)>50) is due to the high Fe2O3 in the ash, lower degree of graphitization, and larger pore structure. In addition, the choice of kinetic model does not differ substantially in describing the gasification mechanism of coke in a BF.

Combustion characteristics and kinetic analysis of co-combustion between bag dust and pulverized coal

The combustion characteristics of blast furnace bag dust(BD) and three kinds of coal—Shenhua(SH) bituminous coal, Pingluo(PL) anthracite, and Yangquan(YQ) anthracite—were obtained via non-isothermal thermogravimetry. The combustion characteristics with different mixing ratios were also investigated. The physical and chemical properties of the four samples were investigated in depth using particle size analysis, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the conversion rate of the three kinds of pulverized coals is far greater than that of the BD. The comprehensive combustion characteristics of the three types of pulverized coals rank in the order SH > PL > YQ. With the addition of BD, the characteristic parameters of the combustion reaction of the blend showed an increasing trend. The Coats–Redfern model used in this study fit well with the experimental results. As the BD addition increased from 5 wt% to 10 wt%, the activation energy of combustion reactions decreased from 68.50 to 66.74 k J/mol for SH, 118.34 to 110.75 kJ/mol for PL, and 146.80 to 122.80 kJ/mol for YQ. These results also provide theoretical support for the practical application of blast furnace dust for blast furnace injection.

High-temperature performance prediction of iron ore fines and the ore-blending programming problem in sintering

The high-temperature performance of iron ore fmes is an important factor in optimizing ore blending in sintering. However, the application of linear regression analysis and the linear combination method in most other studies always leads to a large deviation from the desired results. In this study, the fuzzy membership functions of the assimilation ability temperature and the liquid fluidity were proposed based on the fuzzy mathematics theory to construct a model for predicting the high-temperature performance of mixed iron ore. Comparisons of the prediction model and experimental results were presented. The results illustrate that the prediction model is more accurate and effective than previously developed models. In addition, fuzzy constraints for the high-temperature performance of iron ore in this research make the results of ore blending more comparable. A solution for the quantitative calculation as well as the programming of fuzzy constraints is also introduced.

Formation mechanism of the protective layer in a blast furnace hearth

A variety of techniques, such as chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were applied to characterize the adhesion protective layer formed below the blast furnace taphole level when a certain amount of titanium-bearing burden was used. Samples of the protective layer were extracted to identify the chemical composition, phase assemblage, andistribution. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the protective layer was determined after clarifying the source of each componenFinally, a technical strategy was proposed for achieving a stable protective layer in the hearth. The results show that the protective layemainly exists in a bilayer form in the sidewall, namely, a titanium-bearing layer and a graphite layer. Both the layers contain the slag phaswhose major crystalline phase is magnesium melilite（Ca2Mg Si2O7） and the main source of the slag phase is coke ash. It is clearly determinethat solid particles such as graphite, Ti（C,N） and Mg Al2O4play an important role in the formation of the protective layer, and the key factofor promoting the formation of a stable protective layer is reasonable control of the evolution behavior of coke.

Comparison of kinetic models for isothermal CO_2 gasification of coal char–biomass char blended char

This study investigated the isothermal gasification reactivity of biomass char （BC） and coal char （CC） blended at mass ratios of 1：3, 1：1, and 3：1 via isothermal thermogravimelric analysis （TGA） at 900, 950, and 1000℃ under CO2. With an increase in BC blending ra- tio, there were an increase in gasification rate and a shortening of gasification time. This could be attributed to the high specific surface area of BC and the high uniformity of carbon structures in CC when compared to those in BC. Three representative gas-solid kinetic models, namely, the volumetric model （VM）, grain model （GM）, and random pore model （RPM）, were applied to describe the reaction behavior of the char. Among them, the RPM model was considered the best model to describe the reactivity of the char gasification reaction. The activa- tion energy of BC and CC isothermal gasification as determined using the RPM model was found to be 126.7 kJ/mol and 210.2 kJ/mol, re- spectively. The activation energy was minimum （123.1 kJ/mol） for the BC blending ratio of 75%. Synergistic effect manifested at all mass ratios of the blended char, which increased with the gasification temperature.

Basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate and its effects on sinter properties during the high-limonite sintering process

The basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate (Ore-A) and its effects on sinter properties during a high-limonite sintering process were studied using micro-sinter and sinter pot methods. The results show that the Ore-A exhibits good granulation properties, strong liquid flow capability, high bonding phase strength and crystal strength, but poor assimilability. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the tumbler index and the reduction index (RI) of the sinter first increase and then decrease, whereas the softening interval (Delta T) and the softening start temperature (T (10%)) of the sinter exhibit the opposite behavior; the reduction degradation index (RDI+3.15) of the sinter increases linearly, but the sinter yield exhibits no obvious effects. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the distribution and crystallization of the minerals are improved, the main bonding phase first changes from silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) to kirschsteinite, silicate, and SFCA and then transforms to 2CaO center dot SiO2 and SFCA. Given the utilization of Ore-A and the improvement of the sinter properties, the Ore-A ratio in the high-limonite sintering process is suggested to be controlled at approximately 6wt%.

Direct reduction of iron ore by biomass char

By using thermogravimetric analysis the process and mechanism of iron ore reduced by biomass char were investigated and compared with those reduced by coal and coke. It is found that biomass char has a higher reactivity. The increase of carbon-to-oxygen mole ratio （C/O） can lead to the enhancement of reaction rate and reduction fraction, but cannot change the temperature and trend of each reaction. The reaction temperature of hematite reduced by biomass char is at least 100 K lower than that reduced by coal and coke, the maximum reaction rate is 1.57 times as high as that of coal, and the final reaction fraction is much higher. Model calculation indicates that the use of burden composed of biomass char and iron ore for blast furnaces can probably decrease the temperature of the thermal reserve zone and reduce the CO equilibrium concentration.

Extracting the core indicators of pulverized coal for blast furnace injection based on principal component analysis

An updated approach to refining the core indicators of pulverized coal used for blast furnace injection based on principal component analysis is proposed in view of the disadvantages of the existing performance indicator system of pulverized coal used in blast furnaces. This presented method takes into account all the performance indicators of pulverized coal injection, including calorific value, igniting point, combustibility, reactivity, flowability, grindability, etc. Four core indicators of pulverized coal injection are selected and studied by using principal component analysis, namely, comprehensive combustibility, comprehensive reactivity, comprehensive flowability, and comprehensive grindability. The newly established core index system is not only beneficial to narrowing down current evaluation indices but also effective to avoid previous overlapping problems among indicators by mutually independent index design. Furthermore, a comprehensive property indicator is introduced on the basis of the four core indicators, and the injection properties of pulverized coal can be overall evaluated.

Effect of aluminum oxide on the compressive strength of pellets

Analytical-reagent-grade Al2O3 was added to magnetite ore during the process of pelletizing, and the methods of mercury intru-sion, scanning electron microscopy, and image processing were used to investigate the effect of Al2O3 on the compressive strength of the pellets. The results showed that, as the Al2O3 content increased, the compressive strength of the pellets increased slightly and then decreased gradually. When a small amount of Al2O3 was added to the pellets, the Al2O3 combined with fayalite （2FeO＆#183;SiO2） and the aluminosilicate （2FeO＆#183;2Al2O3＆#183;5SiO2） was generated, which releases some iron oxide and reduces the inhibition of fayalite to the solid phase of consolidation. When Al2O3 increased sequentially, high melting point of Al2O3 particles hinder the oxidation of Fe3O4 and the recrystallization of Fe2O3, making the internal porosity of the pellets increase, which leads to the decrease in compressive strength of the pellets.

Optimization model coupling both chemical compositions and high-temperature characteristics of sintering materials for sintering burden

We developed a mathematical optimization model coupling chemical compositions and high-temperature characteristics of sintering materials, targeting the best quality and lowest cost. The simplex algorithm was adopted to solve this model. Four kinds of imported iron ores, two kinds of Chinese iron ore concentrates, and two kinds of fluxes were selected to verify both the model and the algorithm. The results confirmed the possibility of considering both chemical compositions and high-temperature characteristics of iron ores in the optimization model. This model provides a technical roadmap to obtain a precise mathematical correlation between the lowest cost and the grade of iron in sinters based on the condition of given raw materials, which can provide a reference to adjust the grade of iron in the sintering process for enterprise.

K_2CO_3 catalysis on the reactivity of top charged coke and stamp charged coke

The catalysis of K2CO3 on the reactivity of top charged coke and stamp charged coke from Pansteel in China was studied. The coke reaction index of the stamp charged coke was 1%-2% higher than that of the top charged coke. Under the catalysis of K2CO3, the coke reaction index of both cokes approximately increased by 4%, 6%, 10% and 6% at 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200℃, respectively. The reactivity of the K-enriched stamp charged coke was 1%-2% higher than that of the K-enriched top charged coke below 1100℃. However, only negligible differences were found in the temperature zone between 1100 and 1200℃. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrated that pores in the top charged coke were smaller and equally distributed, while relatively more big pores exist non-homogenously in stamp charged coke. Due to the different processes in production, the stamp charged coke was more porous and most of the pores tended to be applanate. Cracks were observed in the microstructure of the stamp charged coke during the carbon solution reaction, implying the inferior quality of the stamp charged coke to the top charged coke at high temperature. Diffusion of K during the carbon solution reaction was studied by the energy dispersive spectrometry. It is found that K gradually spreads into the center of lumpy coke with the rising of temperature and is equally distributed on the edges of pores at 1200℃. Besides, oxidation reactions of functional groups become faster with the catalysis of K.content

Softening–melting behavior of mixed burden based on low-magnesium sinter and fluxed pellets

A low MgO content in sinter is conducive to reduce the MgO content in blast furnace slag.This study investigated the effect of MgO content in sinter on the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden based on fluxed pellets.When the MgO content increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, the melting temperature of sinter increased to 1521℃.Such an increase was due to the formation of the high-meltingpoint slag phase.The reduction degradation index of sinter with 1.31 wt% MgO content was better than that of others.The initial softening temperature of the mixed burden increased from 1104 to 1126℃ as MgO content in sinter increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, and the melting temperature decreased from 1494 to 1460℃.The permeability index(S-value) of mixed burden decreased to 594.46 kPa·℃ under a high MgO content with 1.55 wt%, indicating that the permeability was improved.The slag phase composition of burden was mainly akermarite(Ca_(2)MgSiO_(7)) when the MgO content in sinter was 1.55 wt%.The melting point of akermarite is 1450℃, which is lower than other phases.

Reduction mechanisms of pyrite cinder-carbon composite pellets

The non-isothermal reduction mechanisms of pyrite cinder-carbon composite pellets were studied at laboratory scale under argon （Ar） atmosphere. The composite pellets as well as the specimens of separate layers containing pyrite cinder and coal were tested. The degree of reduction was measured by mass loss. The microstmctures of the reduced composite pellets were characterized by scanning electron mi- croscopy （SEM）. It is found that the reduction processes of the composite pellets may be divided into four stages： reduction via CO and H2 from volatiles in coal at 673-973 K, reduction via H2 and C produced by cracking of hydrocarbon at 973-1123 K, direct reduction by carbon via gaseous intermediates at 1123-1323 K, and direct reduction by carbon at above 1323 K. Corresponding to the four stages, the apparent activation energies （E） for the reduction of the composite pellets are 86.26, 78.54, 72.01, and 203.65 kJ.mol-1, respectively.

Load reduction sintering for increasing productivity and decreasing fuel consumption

The technical and economical indexes and the physical properties of load reduction sintering processes with the supporting stands of installation at different height levels （300, 350, and 400 mm）： in a sintering bed were studied under the same conditions of raw material, bed height, and sintering parameters. Sintering pot tests with different bed heights and fuel ratios of the mixture with or without supporting stands were performed to decrease the fuel consumption. The airflow rate through the sintering bed was measured with an anemoscope fixed on the bed surface to reveal the effects of supporting stands. The utilization of load reduction sintering can improve the permeability of the sintering bed, and the airflow rate through the sintering bed is increased. When the stand height is half of the sintering bed, the productivity increases by 27.9%, and the drum index slightly decreases. Keeping at the same productivity level with normal sintering, the utilization of load reduction sintering can decrease the solid fuel consumption by 9.2%.

Characteristics of combustion zone and evolution of mineral phases along bed height in ore sintering

Quantitative parameters of bed combustion, including the thickness of the combustion zone(TCZ), the maximum temperature of the combustion zone(MTCZ), and the bed shrinkage, were characterized through a series of sinter pot tests in transparent quartz pots. The results showed that TCZ first ascended and then descended as the sintering process proceeded. The sintering process was divided into four stages according to the variation rate of the TCZ. A "relative-coordinate" method was developed to obtain the actual reaction temperature of sinter along the height direction. With increasing the sintering temperature, the reactants transformed and entered into liquid phases. The mineral composition and microstructure of the sinter were characterized through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Liquid phases with greater Fe and Al contents were more likely to form acicular-like silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum after crystallization because of the outward spread of Al, which led to a better fluidity of the liquid. An evolution mechanism of "solid-state reaction—liquid phases formation—crystallization" of the mineral phases is proposed.

Formation mechanism of the graphite-rich protective layer in blast furnace hearths

A long campaign life of blast furnaces is heavily linked to the existence of a protective layer in their hearths. In this work, we conducted dissection studies and investigated damage in blast furnace hearths to estimate the formation mechanism of the protective layer. The results illustrate that a significant amount of graphite phase was trapped within the hearth protective layer. Furthermore, on the basis of the thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of the graphite precipitation process, a precipitation potential index related to the formation of the graphite-rich protective layer was proposed to characterize the formation ability of this layer. We determined that, under normal operating conditions, the precipitation of graphite phase ~om hot metal was thermodynamically possible. Among elements that exist in hot metal, C, Si, and P favor graphite precipitation, whereas Mn and Cr inhibit this process. Moreover, at the same hot-face temperature, an increase of carbon concentration in hot metal can shorten the precipitation time. Finally, the results suggest that measures such as reducing the hot-face tem- perature and increasing the degree of carbon saturation in hot metal are critically important to improve the precipitation potential index.

Histochemistry of microinfarcts in the mouse brain after injection of fluorescent microspheres into the common carotid artery

The mouse model of multiple cerebral infarctions,established by injecting fluorescent microspheres into the common carotid artery,is a recent development in animal models of cerebral ischemia.To investigate its effectiveness,mouse models of cerebral infarction were created by injecting fluorescent microspheres,45–53μm in diameter,into the common carotid artery.Six hours after modeling,fluorescent microspheres were observed directly through a fluorescence stereomicroscope,both on the brain surface and in brain sections.Changes in blood vessels,neurons and glial cells associated with microinfarcts were examined using fluorescence histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.The microspheres were distributed mainly in the cerebral cortex,striatum and hippocampus ipsilateral to the side of injection.Microinfarcts were found in the brain regions where the fluorescent microspheres were present.Here the lodged microspheres induced vascular and neuronal injury and the activation of astroglia and microglia.These histopathological changes indicate that this animal model of multiple cerebral infarctions effectively simulates the changes of various cell types observed in multifocal microinfarcts.This model is an effective,additional tool to study the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and could be used to evaluate therapeutic interventions.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(approval No.D2021-03-16-1)on March 16,2021.