Abstract
<jats:p>The purpose of the study is to optimize the energy supply of sintering machines used for processing phosphate raw materials while maintaining high quality of the final product. Phosphate ores are characterized by a low melting point and high content of volatile impurities, which requires continuous monitoring of the sintering process. The article examines the possibility of numerical calculation of energy supply for the processes of processing ore phosphate raw materials. It is known that sintering machines are critical consumers, and an interruption in their power supply can lead to massive under-delivery of products and long-term downtime of the production line. The presented algorithm considers the main technological aspects and allows adjusting the furnace operation mode depending on the chemical and granulometric composition of the charge. The numerical calculation program integrates data on the furnace operating mode and external factors, allowing to predict peak loads, moments of transient operation of electrical receivers, and minimize fuel resource losses. The energy consumption parameters and technological line parameters were practically calculated using the OKM-350 sintering machine as an example. The results of numerical calculation showed a reduction in energy costs by 15-18% due to adaptive control of the blower fans and auxiliary equipment. A pattern of change in the volumes of pumped air from the granulometric composition of the ore has been identified. It has been established that an increase in the proportion of fine charge increases air flow resistance, increases agglomeration time, and increases the load on the motor shaft. It has been proven that the use of capacitor banks for reactive power compensation can lead to rotor “hanging”, compared to the example of frequency control, when it is possible to maintain the critical torque. The proposed calculation results can be used in practice for managing technological processes of metallurgical enterprises.</jats:p>