Claims:We Claim:

1. A method of granulating a mixture for iron-ore sintering, the method comprising:
feeding, the mixture comprising fines of iron ore, fines of raw materials and 50% of total mass% of coke breeze into a granulator drum;
rotating, the granulator drum at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period;
spraying, water in mass% of about 7% to 8% and introducing remaining 50% of mass% of coke breeze into the granulator drum; and
rotating, the granulator drum at the predetermined speed for a second predetermined time, to form wet granulated mixture.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fines of raw materials are limestone fines, dolomite fines, pyroxenite fines, burnt lime, mill scale, flue dust and sinter return fines.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined speed of rotation of the granulator drum is about 18 rotations per minute (RPM) to 20 rotations per minute (RPM).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time period of rotation of the granulator drum is about 12 minutes to 20 minutes.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second predetermined time period of rotation of the granulator drum is about 90 seconds to 120 seconds.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein rotating the granulator drum for the second predetermined time period with water and remaining 50% coke breeze, stimulates the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials to adhere over the fines of iron ore.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein total mass% of the coke breeze is about 5 % to 5.5%.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials coating on the fines of iron ore increases granulation index of granulated mixture, which improves permeability.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials adhering on the fines of iron ore improves combustion quality and reduces coke breeze consumption.
Dated this 23rd day of February 2022


Gopinath A S
IN/PA-1852
of K&S Partners
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE: “A METHOD OF GRANULATING A MXTURE FOR IRON-ORE SINTERING”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA STEEL LIMITED, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India 831001.

Nationality: INDIAN

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of metallurgy. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to iron ore sintering. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a method of granulating a mixture for iron-ore sintering.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Sintering is a process of agglomeration of iron ore fines into a lumpy mass that can be used as blast furnace burden material. The lumpy mass is formed by incipient fusion caused by the heat produced during combustion of a solid fuel within a moving bed of raw mix particles. Due to increased mechanization in mines, a lot of fines are generated which cannot be directly charged into a blast furnace. Sinter i.e., a hard & porous ferrous material is a better feed material to a blast furnace in comparison to iron ore lumps. Its usage in the blast furnace helps in increasing productivity, decreases coke rate & improves quality of hot metal produced.

In the sintering process, a raw mix of iron ore fines along with coke, limestone, dolomite, and other plant returns (metallurgical solid wastes) are mixed with water to form a green mix. The green mix is then fed into a pellet car in form of a bed. Ignition is done at the top of the bed with the help of a burner and air is sucked down the bed with the help of downward draught suction fan. The process of sintering takes place by the combustion of coke in the green mix.

In the conventional mixing and granulation process of iron ore sintering, the coke breeze particles with size of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm, shows dual kind of morphology in pseudo particles, either as adhering fines or nuclei. During wet mixing, a major proportion of the 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm and +0.5 mm coke breeze particles act as nuclei to which fine particles of other raw materials are adhered, due to which the combustion quality and permeability along the sinter raw mix bed is affected.

Considering the above, sintering process which aims at a higher sinter productivity at low specific solid fuel consumption rate, has been developed. Conventional techniques of improving sinter quality involves change in timing of addition of coke breeze in the granulation process of the sintering. Addition of coke breeze is delayed and more coke breeze is added in the latter stage of granulation. This showcases improvement of the granulation properties and permeability. However, conduction and accumulation of heat turned down, which results in deteriorating yield due to the exhaust heat loss, which is undesired. Further, such techniques require for high raw material bed height, which is again undesired.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional techniques are overcome a method, as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of granulating a mixture for iron-ore sintering is disclosed. The method includes feeding the mixture, which includes fines of iron ore, fines of raw materials and 50% of total mass% coke breeze into a granulator drum. Further, the method includes rotating the granulator drum at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period. Furthermore, the method includes spraying water in mass% of about 7% to 8% and introducing remaining 50% coke breeze into the granulator drum. Additionally, the method includes rotating the granulator drum at the predetermined speed for a second predetermined time to form wet granulated mixture.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the fines of raw materials are limestone fines, dolomite fines, pyroxenite fines, burnt lime, mill scale, flue dust and sinter return fines.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the predetermined speed of rotation of the granulator drum is about 18 rotations per minute (RPM) to 20 rotations per minute (RPM).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first predetermined time period of rotation of the granulator drum is about 12 minutes to 20 minutes.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second predetermined time period of rotation of the granulator drum is about 90 seconds to 120 seconds.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, rotating the granulator drum for the second predetermined time period with water and remaining 50% coke breeze, stimulates the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials to adhere over the fines of iron ore.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, total mass% of the coke breeze is about 5 % to 5.5%.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials adhering on the fines of iron ore increases granulation index of granulated mixture, which improves permeability.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials adhering on the fines of iron ore improves combustion quality and reduces coke breeze consumption.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 is a flow chart depicting a method of granulating a mixture for iron-ore sintering, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a sinter pot, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 is a graphical representation of temperature curves of sintered bed formed by the method of the present disclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 4 is a graphical representation of granulation index of the sintered bed formed by method of present disclosure and the sinter bed formed by conventional sintering method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 5 is a graphical representation of pressure drop and burn through speed along the sinter bed formed by the method of the present disclosure and the sinter bed formed by conventional sintering method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 6 is a graphical representation of temperature of the maximum exhaust temperature of the sinter bed formed by the method of present disclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 7 is a graphical representation of tumbler index of the sinter bed formed by the method of present disclosure and the sinter bed formed by the conventional sintering method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 8 is graphical representation of burn through speed and yield of the sinter bed formed by the method of present disclosure and sinter bed formed by the conventional method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 9 is graphical representation of productivity and shatter index of the sinter bed formed by the method of present disclosure and sinter bed formed by the conventional method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures. 10a to 10c shows a scanning electron microscope images of a sinter top of the sinter bed formed by the method of present disclosure and sinter bed formed by the conventional method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent method do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages maybe better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 10c. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of granulating a mixture for iron-ore sintering. The method is now described with reference to the flowchart. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

At block 101, the method may include feeding a mixture comprising fines of iron ore, fines of raw materials and 50% of total mass% coke breeze into a granulator drum. As an example, if 100 kg of coke breeze is decided to be used in the sintering process, then 50 kg is fed into the granulator drum along with the fines of iron ore and fines of raw materials. In an embodiment, the raw materials of the mixture may be limestone fines, dolomite fines, pyroxenite fines, burnt lime, mill scale, flue dust, sinter return and the like. In an embodiment, the total mass% of the coke breeze may be about 5% to 5.5%. It is to be appreciated that the coke breeze is inclusive in 100 mass% of the mixture. Upon feeding the mixture into the granulator drum, the method may include rotating the granulator drum at a predetermine speed for a first predetermined time period [as shown in block 102]. In an embodiment, the predetermined speed of rotation of the granulator drum may be 18 rotations per minute (RPM) to 30 rotations per minute (RPM) and the first predetermined time may be about 12 minutes to 20 minutes. Rotating the granulator drum at the predetermined speed and for the first predetermined time results in a mixture occupied ratio of about 8.1% (in vol%), thereby homogenizing the mixture.

At block 103, the method includes spraying water in mass% of mixture of about 7% to 8% (inclusive in 100 mass%) and feeding remaining 50% of the coke breeze into the granulator drum. The water may be sprayed at central part of the granulator drum through a nozzle. Upon spraying water and feeding the remaining 50% of the coke breeze, the granulator drum may be rotated at the predetermined speed for a second predetermined time to form wet granulated mixture [as seen block 104]. As an example, the second predetermined time may be about 90 seconds to 120 seconds. In an embodiment, rotating the granulator drum for the second predetermined time period with water and remaining 50% coke breeze, stimulates the coke breeze and the fines of raw materials to adhere over the fines of iron ore. The coke breeze and the fines of raw materials adhering on the fines of iron ore increases granulation index of granulated mixture, which improves permeability, improves combustion quality and reduces coke breeze consumption without deteriorating yield and shatter index.

In an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure reduces solid fuel consumption, thereby reducing emission of harmful gases such as SO2, NOx in the sintering process. Further the method improves green mix properties such as granulation index, bed permeability and physical properties of sinter such as tumbler index, shatter index and reducing solid fuel consumption and sintering time.

Example:

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with an example of particular compositions of mixture used for granulation for iron-ore sintering. Experiments have been carried out with respect to conventional granulating method and granulating method of the present disclosure. The composition of raw materials used for adhering the fines of iron ore is as shown in below Table 1 and Table 2.
Material T. Fe SiO2 Al2O3 CaO MgO MnO TiO2 K2O P Moist LOI FC VM Ash
Pyroxenite 4.61 34.98 0.66 9.70 31.89 0.08 0.01 16.18
Dolomite 0.32 1.93 0.40 31.67 19.53 46.57
Limestone 0.71 2.16 0.46 50.97 1.51 0.095 41.7
Coke breeze 1.37 8.6 3.2 0.21 0.035 0.27 0.15 0.07 10.40 85 85 1.34 13.66

Table 1
Material T. Fe (%) SiO2 Al2O3 MgO MnO TiO2 Cr2O3 P LOI
Iron ore fines 62.75-63.39 3.20-3.32 3.01-3.33 0.010-0.073 0.001 0.081-0.14 0.068-0.13 0.025-0.070 3.3-3.8

Table 2
Ore Sieve Size of Iron Ore (mm) Percentage (%)
+ 10 mm 0.20
+ 8 mm 16.30
+ 6mm 35.50
+ 3 mm 26.50
+ 1 mm 10.00
+ 0.5 mm 9.50
- 0.5 mm 2.00
Table 3
The Sieve Analysis of Iron ore fines used is shown in Table 3.
Sieve Size of Coke Breeze (mm) Percentage (%)
+ 6.3 mm 1.40
+ 3.15 mm 20.10
+1.0 mm 19.80
+ 0.5 mm 15.20
+ 0.25 mm 13.20
- 0.25 mm 30.30
Table 4
The Sieve Analysis of the Coke Breeze used is shown in Table 4.
Mixing and granulation of the mixture as shown in Table 1 and 2 has been carried out in a conventional granulator drum. Several holes have been provided in the sinter pot (201) (as seen in Figure. 2] from where thermocouples (201) are inserted to know the time temperature profile during the sintering process.

Thermocouple Type Temperature Range (K)
S 0-1450
Nos. Distance from top (mm)
T1 Above the raw mix layer
T2 200
T3 280
T4 360
T5 440
T6 At bottom for exit gas temp

Table 5: Thermocouple Readings
Sintering pot (100) as shown in Figure. 2, is made up of mild steel and rests on pivots loaded on a mild steel frame. The sintering pot (200) contains a grate made of mild steel on which a 20 mm hearth layer of sinter as a bed layer is charged with a size fraction of 10mm to 20 mm. Below the hearth, thermocouples (201) are inserted to know the gas temperature. The outlet of the sinter pot (200) is connected to a suction pump (202).
The mixture with the ratios and compositions mentioned in the Table 1 and 2 has been subjected to the method the present disclosure as described in the above paragraphs, where different cases of mass% and ratio% of the coke breeze are added in second stage
0 % (C-wt.% 5.5) [Case A],
50% (C-wt.% 5.5) [Case B],
50% (C-wt.% 5.0) [Case C], and
100% (C-wt.% 5.0) [Case D].
respectively has been fed along with water. Case A is the conventional process where all the coke breeze used to be added in go.
Raw Materials Mixing Ratio (mass%) Weight (grams) for 50 Kg Pot
Iron Ore Fines 79.07 39536.50
Limestone 11.30 5650.00
Pyroxenite 3.96 1980.00
Dolomite 0.08 40.00
Coke Breeze (two stage) 5.59 2793.50
Total Composition 100.00 50000.00

Table 6: Blending ratio of raw materials (%)
Physical appearance of the granules changed from reddish to blackish with the increasing CSR (Coke Second Stage Addition Ratio) as coke breeze were adhering to the outer layer of the fines of iron-ore.
Permeability has been checked through anemometer by placing it over the top of the sinter bed and measuring the air flow rate along the raw mix bed. The ignition was continued for 120 seconds and it was ensured that, the suction pressure has reached up to 600 mm of H2O. Thermocouple (201) reading was recorded by Data Acquisition system (C-DAQ) system. When the temperature of the exit gas measuring thermocouple (201) tended to decrease after gradually increase, it is an indication of the sintering process being completed. The sinter cake was removed from the pot sinter mold by tilting it upside down through a mini hydraulic mobile crane.
Once the sintering is completed, product sinter is taken out, which is then divided into three parts top, middle & bottom and then it is sieved with the help of 6 mm sieve and then +6 mm is used for further analysis and the -6mm size is used as return sinter. Experiments were done by varying the mixing ratio of coke and the coke stage addition ratio (CSR). Evaluation of Granule Index (GI), sintering parameters i.e., sintering rate, temperature of exhaust gas and quality indices of sinter i.e., shatter index (SI), reduction degradation index (RDI), yield and productivity were done to analyze the influence of coke stage addition ratio on the granulation efficiency and possibility of reducing the coke consumption in the sintering process.
Hereinafter, experimental results i.e., properties of the sinter bed possessed as a result of the techniques of the present disclosure has been described. Figure. 3 shows graphical representation of time temperature obtained during pot sintering experiments of Case C, where time temperature have a great impact on the physical properties of the sinter produced. Time-Temperature curve obtained during experiments shows that temperature rises sharply indicating combustion, followed by gradual drop from the peak indicating cooling of the combustion zone by the incoming air. At certain points, the curve shows a sharp crest, sometimes it shows broad curve and even sometimes it shows a second peak while cooling. The broader curve is because of more heat accumulation at that region since as the air moves down along the sintering bed, it gets pre heated well and hence combustion temperature is high in that region. And also, because the temperature retains over a good period of time above a particular temperature (say, 1200 °C) depending on the process parameters and sometimes due to coke segregation.
Further, the granulation index (GI) was evaluated after taking the samples before and after the wet granulation and then performing the sieve analysis of both wet and dry samples. As seen in Figure. 4, sinter bed formed by the method of the present disclosure exhibits improvement in the granulation index (GI). Furthermore, the pressure drop along the sinter bed was monitored throughout the sintering process and the burn through speed (BTS) was also evaluated for all the four pot sinter experiments.
From Figure. 5 which shows the comparative analysis between pressure drop and burn through speed obtained from experiments of Case A, Case B, Case C and Case D. For all the four experiments, it is clear that granulation is improved after addition of remaining 50% of mass% of the coke breeze, which led to lower pressure drop and burn through speed (BTS) became faster resulting in improved permeability at the time of sintering.
Further, to understand the influence of coke breeze stage addition (i.e., remaining 50% of coke breeze) on the heat diffusion and combustion quality along the raw material bed during the sintering process, maximum temperature of the exhaust gas and highest temperature of the raw material bed was recorded as shown in Figure. 6. It can be observed from Figure. 6 that, with increase in coke second stage addition ratio, there has been increase in the temperature of exhaust gas and at the same time, there was a decrease in the highest temperature of the raw material bed.
Rise in temperature of exhaust gas and drop in temperature of raw mix bed can be attributed to poor functioning of adhesion layer of pseudo-particles for insulation and prevention of heat diffusion. To analyse the influence of coke breeze stage addition on the cold strength, the tumbler index (TI) of the sinter was evaluated for all the different cases and the comparative analysis with respect to coke stage addition ratio (CSR) has been shown in Figure. 7. It can be observed from Figure. 7, that with increase in coke second stage addition ratio, the tumbler index (TI) improved.
To understand the effect of coke breeze stage addition on the sintering operation, a relationship between the yield and burn through speed (BTS) was studied with respect to all the four test cases and the same has been depicted in Figure. 8.
Comparative analysis of Case B and Case C as shown in Figure. 8 reveals that, when coke stage addition ratio (C.S.R) was 50 mass%, it was able to maintain similar burn through speed (BTS) and similar yield with coke breeze reduction.
To understand the effect of coke breeze stage addition on the sintering operation, a relationship between the Shatter Index and Productivity was studied with respect to all the four experiment and the same has been depicted in Figure. 9.
It can be observed from Figure. 9, that productivity was improved from 33.62 t/m2/d to 36.67 t/m2/d and Shatter Index (SI) remained almost similar in Case A and Case B. However, In Case D, compared with Case A, it was observed that BTS has been increased but both productivity and Shatter Index (SI) were aggravated due to yield deterioration.
Optical microstructure analysis and phase identification of the sinter top samples were done at at 50x magnification for all different cases of coke stage addition ratio (CSR) i.e., 0 %, 50 % and 100 %. Phases such as Hematite, Magnetite, SFCA and SFCA-I along with slag and pores all are present.
The Optical microstructure analysis of sinter top samples in Figure. 10a to 10c, shows that the high Fe - low Si Phase SFCA-I (needle shaped morphology) is generally observed at sinter top bed with increase in CSR, which has temperature range of 1200-1250 °C and it is preferred over low Fe phase SFCA for quality purposes.
Additionally, fuel consumed during the sintering process has been determined in the conventional sintering process and the method of the present disclosure [Case C]. Table 7 shows the fuel (i.e., coke breeze) consumed as a result of the granulating method is lesser than the fuel consumed by the conventional sintering process.
COnventional Case A (CSR-0 % ; C-5.5 mass%) Case C (CSR-50 % ; C-5.0 mass%)
Total amount of Raw mix = 50 Kg Total amount of Raw mix = 50 Kg
Sinter Yield (mass%) = 67.76 % Sinter Yield (mass%) = 66.30 %
Total amount of Sinter produced = 33.88 Kg Total amount of Sinter produced = 33.15 Kg
Solid Fuel (coke) Consumption = 2.75 Kg Solid Fuel (coke) Consumption = 2.50 Kg
Coke Consumption per ton of Sinter = 81.16 Kg/ton Coke Consumption per ton of Sinter = 75.40 Kg/ton

Table: 7
Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral numerals:

Feature Referral numeral
Sinter pot 200
Thermocouples 201
Suction pump 202