Studies on calcination of limestone and its assimilation by hematite during the sintering using thermo-gravimetric and x-ray-diffraction analyses

Calcination of limestone and its assimilation by hematite are important in forming strong sinter. The extent of calcination and its assimilation in forming the minerals was studied through thermo-gravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses. The study reveals that weaker sinter is produced when the limestone is not properly calcined to be assimilated by hematite and other gangue minerals. The above condition prevails due to the poor contact between the incoming gases and the sinter mix as a result of segregation of finer particles of limestone.