Numerical and experimental investigation on heat propagation through composite sinter bed with non-uniform voidage: Part I mathematical model and its experimental verification

The mechanisms of heat transfer through the sinter beds of the MEBIOS process are discussed and their comprehensive mathematical model is proposed. The MEBIOS process, the concept of which has been proposed earlier by the authors, allows using both coarse and fine particles of iron ores in the same sinter bed. The study includes two parts. The first part describes the model content and the results of its experimental verification. The model accounts for coal combustion, limestone decomposition, moisture evaporation/condensation, and melting/solidifying of solid phases. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data. Typical numerical results of the sintering process and the key parameters influencing the process efficiency are discussed in the second part of the study.