GB805938A - Improvements relating to the sintering of materials such as ores - Google Patents

Abstract

In a process for sintering ore, metalliferous residue or concentrate the material is converted into agglomerates devoid of free moisture at the surface, a small amount of powdered hydratable lime or magnesia or both is added to the agglomerates to be taken up on their surfaces and the material charged on to a sintering grate. The amount need not exceed 3 per cent. The agglomerates may be formed in a rotary drum mixer fitted with lifters, and the lime added by a conveyer delivering into the drum near the discharge end thereof. A bonding agent may be added to the material, which may be bentonite or other clay forming a jelly-like or colloidal suspension with water, e.g. an aqueous suspension of sodium bentoniet. It is discharged on to the material before or as it enters the mixer or in the initial stages of mixing. It may be distributed through the material by a system of ploughs on a gathering belt delivering the material to the mixer. Clays may be added as powders. Other suitable bonding agents are sodium silicate, starch, dextrin, or sulphate lye. The lime may be sprinkled on to the agglomerates as finely powdered quicklime or dry partly hydrated lime. The method is applicable to an iron-bearing material, also to lead concentrates.