Analysis of dangerous emissions and plant productivity during sintering ore operations

Abstract

Sintering is a process for ironmaking operations; it represents one of the main sources of production emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzo-furans, NO_x and SO_x. In the present study, the operating conditions through which a reduction of dangerous emissions can be achieved are defined through numerical analysis. By employing a multiobjective optimisation tool, a deep analysis capable of representing the process behaviour leading to the optimal operating conditions was developed. Through such analysis, a broad range of processing parameters affecting the development of PCDD/Fs in the sintering process has been evaluated. The first aim was the possible reduction of dangerous emissions through numerical and experimental analyses allowing the definition of the optimal conditions for the minimisation of pollutants. Although the resultant optimal combination of input parameters able to reduce the dangerous emissions from the plant was determined, it was largely examined on the impact of the chosen input parameters on the sinter productivity. In such a way, it was possible to reduce the emissions close to the legal limits and with a high level of productivity and efficiency of the plant.