On February 8, 2023, the "Sintering Head (Pellet) Bag-type Dust Removal Technology and Application" independently developed by Sinosteel MECC's subsidiary, Sinosteel Tiancheng Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Sinosteel Tiancheng"), in collaboration with Xinyu Iron and Steel Co., Ltd., Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., and Shandong Iron & Steel Group Yingshan Steel Co., Ltd., successfully passed the scientific and technological achievements evaluation (appraisal). The appraisal results indicate:
"Sintering Head (Pellet) Bag-type Dust Removal Technology and Application"
The overall technological achievement has reached the international leading level.
Top vertical-inlet bag-type dust collector.
It is recommended to expedite its widespread application in the field of industrial flue gas purification.
This achievement evaluation (appraisal) will be jointly organized in Beijing by the China Environmental Protection Industry Association and the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. The evaluation committee is composed of 11 senior experts and scholars, as well as industry representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, including academician Yin Ruiyu from the Iron and Steel Research Institute, academician Hao Jiming from Tsinghua University, academician Gao Xiang from Zhejiang University, and representatives from the Science and Technology Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, China Iron and Steel Industry Association, Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shougang Group, Beihang University, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, and China Baowu Central Research Institute, among others. Academician Yin Ruiyu serves as the director of the evaluation committee, while academician Hao Jiming and academician Gao Xiang serve as vice directors.
Academician Yin Ruiyu
Overcoming industry common challenges
Domestic and international large-scale sintering machine head flue gas control typically utilizes electrostatic precipitators. However, due to the unstable dust removal efficiency and excessive particle concentration in the outlet, issues arise with subsequent devices such as desulfurization, denitrification, and activated carbon adsorption, resulting in inefficient and unstable operation, short material lifespan, and high maintenance workload. High-efficiency bag-type dust collectors, considered a "forbidden zone" in the industry, face challenges such as sintering flue gas condensation, bag plate structure, sparks, and high negative pressure, making them a global problem.
Since 2015, the research and development team at Sinosteel Tiancheng has focused on overcoming these challenges. After years of research and hot industrial testing, they independently developed core technologies, equipment, and materials for sintering machine head bag-type dust removal, including bag-type dust removal processes, equipment, high-temperature and corrosion-resistant anti-cake filtering materials, and dust collector safety structures. They successfully completed the world's first large-scale sintering machine head flue gas bag-type dust removal demonstration project, achieving highly efficient particle removal and stable ultra-low emissions in desulfurization and denitrification systems. This achievement marked the end of the historical "forbidden zone" for bag-type dust removal in sintering machine heads worldwide, establishing original technologies and equipment with independent intellectual property rights. It represents a significant breakthrough in environmental protection technology in the sintering field in China.
As of now, the "Sintering Machine Head (Pellet) Flue Gas Bag-type Dust Removal Technology" has been applied on six sintering machines, including those at Xinyu Iron and Steel and Shandong Iron & Steel Yingshan. The transformation project of the Xinyu Iron and Steel 7#360㎡ sintering machine head bag-type dust removal, the world's first, has been in stable operation since its commissioning in September 2021. The sintering production has been stable with increased yield, and overall energy consumption has decreased by more than 40%. Third-party testing confirmed it meets ultra-low emission standards:
- Particle concentration: 5.4 mg/m3
- Average resistance: 650 Pa
- Leak rate: <2%
The bag-type dust removal retrofit and upgrade project for the 400㎡ large sintering machine head flue gas at Shandong Iron & Steel Yingshan, constructed by Sinosteel Tiancheng on EPC basis, commenced operations on May 25, 2022. As of now, the bag-type dust removal system has been operating safely and stably, resulting in a comprehensive energy consumption reduction of 50%. It serves as an exemplary application of bag-type dust removal achievements in sintering machine heads in the northern region.
Achieving international leading level
At the review meeting, the evaluation committee listened to Professor Yao Qun, representing the project team from Sinosteel Tiancheng, providing a report on the technical research and application. The committee reviewed relevant materials, watched project application videos, and, after questioning and discussion, unanimously agreed that:
- The overall technical achievements of the "Sintering Machine Head (Pellet) Flue Gas Bag-type Dust Removal Technology and Application" have reached an internationally leading level.
- It is recommended to accelerate the promotion and application of the "Top Vertical Inlet Bag-type Dust Collector" in the field of industrial flue gas purification.
The evaluation committee also formulated the following assessment opinions:
Sintering Machine Head (Pellet) Flue Gas Bag-type Dust Removal Technology and Application
- In response to the characteristics of sintering machine head flue gas, we have developed efficient bag-type dust removal technology, breaking through common industry challenges and creating favorable conditions for stable and efficient operation of downstream desulfurization and denitrification systems.
- Developed a top vertical inlet bag-type dust collector with functions such as pre-dust removal, resistance to "sparks," resistance to high negative pressure, and low resistance.
- Produced fiber filter materials with functions such as high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, anti-condensation, and flame resistance.
- The project has been granted 7 invention patents, 1 utility model patent, and 2 software copyrights. It has implemented the world's first set of sintering machine head bag-type dust removal production demonstration projects at Xinyu Iron & Steel and applied in dust removal for large and medium-sized sintering machine heads at Shandong Iron & Steel, Shenglong Iron & Steel, and others. This has provided advanced technological choices for promoting the ultra-low emission transformation of the blast furnace-converter process in the iron and steel industry.
"The overall technological achievements have reached an internationally leading level."
Top Vertical Inlet Bag-type Dust Collector" product
- The product, "Top Vertical Inlet Bag-type Dust Collector," employs a top vertical inlet method and an inertia impacter, providing pre-dusting and "spark" capture functions, extending the bag's lifespan, and broadening the application scope of the bag-type dust collector.
- Utilizing an inertia impacter from the top to the bottom, embedded in the center of the dust collector, achieves a more uniform airflow distribution and a shorter process, significantly reducing flow resistance and energy consumption.
- The design features a cuboid box body and an internal three-dimensional framework support structure, saving on the usage of steel materials and enhancing the dust collector's resistance to high negative pressure.
- This product finds application in industries such as dust removal for sintering machine heads and furnace flue gases, as well as purification of raw material conveyance, feed processing, and yeast waste gas.
"Accelerate the widespread application of this product in the field of industrial flue gas purification."