A Differential Analysis for the Cost Minimum Operation of Iron Ore Sintering Machines

In order to analyze and explore the cost minimum operation in iron ore sintering, a differential equation of cost change with respect to various operational factors was derived from a constitutive formula of energy cost for a unit sinter production; and then the equation was modified to a few equations describing the cost-minimum state and determinants guiding directions for four different operational actions. As an example for the former equations, the operation under the minimum consumption ensures the relation between yield (eta) and coke content (%C) like delta eta/delta(% C) = eta/%C. The operation-guide determinants were derived for coke, bed height, bulk density and burnt lime action; then, the factors affecting the sign of each determinant were discussed. In any action case the ratio of partial costs was a critical factor to decide the direction of action. Moreover in case of bed height and burnt lime actions, the coefficient of yield with respect to bed height (beta eta(-H)) and that of bed permeation with respect to burnt lime content (beta kappa(-BL)) were critical, respectively.