Impact of Sinter Basicity and Alumina on Softening Melting Behavior in Blast Furnace

Softening–melting (SM) experiments have been carried out by using sinter basicity (CaO/SiO2) 1.74 to 2.09 and alumina content 2.90 to 3.39%. The objective of the work is to find the relation between sinter basicity and alumina on SM temperature range, so that we can improve the furnace performance. The increase in basicity of sinter from 1.74 to 2.09 at alumina 2.90 decreases softening start temperature and increases melting finish temperature. Thus, there is a rise in the SM temperature range from 192 to 245 degree Celsius (°C) which increases the gas flow resistance and reduces the permeability across the cohesive zone and deteriorating furnace performance, whereas on the other hand, with an increase in basicity from 1.74 to 2.09 at alumina 3.39, it decreases both softening start temperature and melting finish temperature. Thus, there is a decrease in the SM temperature range from 230 to 220 °C, which shows slight improvement in gas flow resistance.