enhancing pelletizing plant capacity using model-based optimization approach: a study of drying area optimization

Increasing the capacity of plants is one of the most important issues in the world .the current study presents mathematical modelling of the pellet induration process in a straight-grate pelletizing plant for goharzamin iron ore company, in which increasing the production capacity of the pellet factory is followed. the results show that if the speed of the working pallet of the furnace is increased to 4.8 m/min, the pellet can be dried in this area, that with the existing conditions the capacity of the pellet factory can be increased by 20% and the production capacity of the factory can reach from 5 million to 6 million tons per year. also, the changes in the essential parameters including temperature, moisture, and oxidation rate for pellets have been investigated. by utilizing this framework, the magnetite oxidation is tracked by sintering of the oxidized magnetite. it is revealed that the oxidation of magnetite at the bottom layer of the pellet is approximately 11% lower than the top layer. this model can improve induration efficiency, optimize fuel costs, decrease power consumption, regulate gas temperature and pressure, and function as an operator training simulator to aid the control room in monitoring the process’s features.