Geometric-Parametric Modeling of Segregation Zone Formation during Iron Ore Charge Stacking
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/steelcast2026.01.008Keywords:
Charge, agglomeration, stacking, segregation, averaging, parametric modeling, trajectoryAbstract
The article is devoted to geometric-parametric modeling of the process of segregation zone formation during stacking of iron ore charge in the blending yards of sintering plants. The uneven distribution of particles by size and density in the stack is one of the main causes of fluctuations in the chemical composition of the charge, which negatively affects the stability of the sintering process and the quality of the finished sinter. The aim of the work is to establish an analytical relationship between the technological parameters of stacking and the volume of segregation zones, which determine the degree of homogeneity of the charge composition before it is fed into the sintering machine. To achieve this goal, a method combining geometric analysis and parametric modeling of the movement of charge particles along the free surface of the stack was used, taking into account the angle of natural slope, the height of material discharge, and the conveyor feed rate. Based on an analytical description of particle sliding trajectories, a generalized geometric-parametric relationship linking the volume of segregation zones to the main technological factors of stacking has been proposed. The model coefficients were determined by parametric selection based on the results of modeling corresponding to industrial conditions of agglomeration production. The results obtained made it possible to quantitatively assess the influence of each parameter on the intensity of segregation and to determine rational modes of stack formation. It has been established that a one-sided stacking scheme reduces the length of particle sliding paths and reduces the volume of segregation zones by 1.8-2 times compared to symmetrical stacking. The proposed model can be used for engineering forecasting of the level of charge heterogeneity, optimization of stacking modes, and improvement of the stability of the sintering process without the use of resource-intensive numerical modeling methods.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Р.М. Руденко, Є.М. Сігарьов, М.Р. Руденко, М.А. Кащеєв, О.А. Чубіна
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