Application of 3D X-ray tomography to investigation of structure of sinter mixture granules

X-ray tomography was applied to the investigation of the structure of sinter mixture granules. Different components such as ore, concentrate, coke breeze and limestone were identified and their sizes and spatial distribution estimated. Classification of the granule structure by the thickness of the adhering fines layer in a proportion to the whole granule radius has been estimated. Excessive amount of fines (concentrate) in a mixture leads to the increasing presence of granules with an adhering fines layer thicker than a half of the granule radius. Abnormal structures of granules have been observed in some cases such as microgranules embedded in the adhering layer of bigger granules, granules formed as the result of two or more granules coalescence or granules formed without a nucleus particle with a structure similar to pellets.