Optimization of the Sinter Product Specification CSA and its Impacts in the Blast Furnace Process

With the expansion of iron ore production in the iron ore quadrilateral in Minas Gerais, the lithology and the quality profile of the ores have significantly changed in recent years, to the iron ore notably received in the CSA from the second half of 2014. This has generated a strong impact in the Sintering and Blast Furnace processes, and there was a reduction in the share of hematite iron ore and an increase of itabirite iron ore. As a consequence, there was a significant increase of the silica, phosphorus, and alumina contents in the sinter feed and granulated ore. In this context, it is necessary to change the sinter product specification to be more comprehensive qualitatively and more restrictive quantitatively, in order to improve the performance and stability of the Blast Furnaces, in view of the new quality profile of iron ore.