Sintering behaviors and consolidation mechanism of high-chromium vanadium and titanium magnetite fines

To achieve high efficiency utilization of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite (V–Ti–Cr) fines, an investigation of V–Ti–Cr fines was conducted using a sinter pot. The chemical composition, particle parameters, and granulation of V–Ti–Cr mixtures were analyzed, and the effects of sintering parameters on the sintering behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the optimum quicklime dosage, mixture moisture, wetting time, and granulation time for V–Ti–Cr fines are 5wt%, 7.5wt%, 10 min, and 5–8 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical sintering speed, yield, tumbler strength, and productivity gains were shown to be 21.28 mm/min, 60.50wt%, 58.26wt%, and 1.36 t·m^-2·h^-1, respectively. Furthermore, the consolidation mechanism of V–Ti–Cr fines was clarified, revealing that the consolidation of a V–Ti–Cr sinter requires an approximately 14vol% calcium ferrite liquid-state, an approximately 15vol% silicate liquid-state, a solid-state reaction, and the recrystallization of magnetite. Compared to an ordinary sinter, calcium ferrite content in a V–Ti–Cr sinter is lower, while the perovskite content is higher, possibly resulting in unsatisfactory sinter outcomes.