SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOW COOLING OF HOT BRIQUETTED IRON (HBI)

Abstract

A briquette cooling conveyor system includes a platform tray conveyor. The platform tray conveyor includes: a platform container with openings adapted to drain water from the platform tray conveyor, an upper platform conveyor line, and a lower platform return line. The briquette cooling conveyor system also includes a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the upper platform conveyor line and the lower platform return line. The trolley-side rinse hopper is configured to capture fines and water from the system.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOW COOLING OF HOT BRIQUETTED IRON (HBI) Field of Invention This description generally refers to the fields of iron and direct reduced iron (DRI) production. More specifically, this description refers to systems and methods for the slow cooling of briquettes. Background of the Invention Direct hot reduced iron (DRI) is distributed from a DRI furnace to briquetting machines to form hot briquetting iron (HBI), a densified form of DRI whose quality is improved by cooling the material from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650–700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and no less than approximately 1.5 minutes. HBI is a densified form of DRI that is easier to handle, ship, and store. The quality of HBI is measured against the downstream cooling rates of the briquetting operation. Briquettes that cool slowly to approximately 400°C are generally of higher quality, as these briquettes typically exhibit greater durability. Lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi Ref. 344598 strength and reduced breakage according to drop tests. The specific drop test typically used involves individually dropping five samples of HBI briquettes from a height of 5 or 10 meters, collecting the fragments, and measuring the size distribution as a mass fraction. The historical standard is the 10-meter drop test, although the 5-meter drop test is more recently used for convenience. The key size fraction for quality measurement is the +38 mm size fraction rate. By employing slow cooling, the +38 mm size fraction rate can be increased from a range of 55%–65% to a range of 80%–85%.This quality parameter means that a greater number of briquettes remain whole during handling, storage, and shipping, providing the end user, such as a smelting furnace operator, with a consistent product flow consisting mostly of whole briquettes and / or large fragments. Fines and smaller fragments are often considered detrimental for several reasons, including, but not limited to, greater metal loss through increased reoxidation; greater handling difficulty; greater losses due to carryover in the exhaust gas; greater fraction segregation leading to bridging / plugging; and greater melting difficulty. In recent years, HBI's quality guarantees have L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi have been based on the tumbling test, which is often used in conjunction with or instead of the drop test. The tumbling test is governed and defined by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) test procedure (ISO procedure no. 15967-2007), whereas the drop test is not governed or defined by an ISO test procedure. The tumbling test involves loading a quantity of briquettes onto a rotating drum that tumbles the material for hundreds of revolutions. The mass of material is then discharged and sieved to measure the mass fractions against the sieve sizes. The typical quality target is that 95% of the material measures larger than 6.35 mm (95% + 6.35 mm).While the results of the toppling test may be less important to the end user in terms of defining the quality of HBI briquettes, the advantages of the toppling test include its ease of replication and the fact that it is a formally recognized standard, and it can be used in combination with the drop test. It is observed that the drop test was the original metric used to establish the quality of the slow cooling process at several HBI plants operated by Kobe Steel. The slow cooling process (i.e., cooling the material from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and not less than L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi (approximately 1.5 minutes) is well tested with many millions of tons of HBI products shipped since its implementation in the early 1990s. The equipment used to implement the slow cooling process has varied over the decades. However, each unit can suffer from various combinations of high-frequency mechanical maintenance, high mechanical wear and / or breakage of various parts, cooling interruptions due to fines accumulation within the unit, inadequate briquette cooling performance, inadequate steam removal, and inadequate fines / water separation, among other issues. The HBI slow cooling process presents an extreme combination of factors that make designing and implementing a reliable and cost-effective mechanical unit difficult. Therefore, there remains a need to provide an improved apparatus and method for achieving the desired slow cooling process. The embodiments of the invention address these and other needs. Summary of the Invention The methods implemented for slow-cooling briquettes to produce HBI products typically use water as the primary cooling medium. Water dispersion is regulated and controlled to achieve the slow cooling regime (cooling the material from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650–700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and no less than 1.5 minutes). Water dispersion is typically achieved using a weir-type overflow device that cascades water onto the briquettes and pressurized nozzles that spray water onto the briquettes. However, with the use of weir-type overflow devices and pressurized nozzles, a problem is that the components of the platform tray conveyors are often damaged to varying degrees due to water immersion and constant exposure to water spray.The damage includes damage to the rollers and chains of the platform tray conveyors due to the failure of water-damaged seals, corrosion of the links causing weakening, accumulation of fines, and excoriation caused by water-borne fines. Briquettes are transported using mesh belts, platform tray conveyors, and vibratory conveyors. The platform tray conveyor is a particularly advantageous mode of transport for briquettes. However, the platform tray conveyors used in this application have high levels of mechanical failures, including failures in the support rollers, failures in the carriage rails, wear of the tray, and failures in the drive chain. In some cases, the deployment of vibratory units on the platform tray conveyor results in failures that require either complete replacement or the limited use of another platform tray conveyor. Furthermore, the mesh belts used on platform tray conveyors require regular replacement, such as once or twice a year. Furthermore, the collection and removal of fines are problematic and difficult, leading to significant issues with platform tray conveyors. For example, earlier versions of platform tray conveyors used a fully submerged drag chain, which proved functional but was susceptible to high wear and breakage. This high wear and breakage resulted in repeated repairs and replacements. Later versions of platform tray conveyor systems also experienced problems such as clogging with fines and inadequate fines removal, each of which required significant maintenance steps to remove the fines from the system and keep the systems clean and functional. Along with these significant maintenance issues, in some cases, systems are installed... Additional L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi systems, such as a vacuum system, are available for the sole purpose of regularly cleaning sumps. These systems require additional capital investment and may require scheduled system shutdowns for their operation. With the increase in HBI production volume at plants, the sizes of slow cooling systems have also increased. This larger size increases the potential for poor material distribution on conveyors, which can negatively impact briquette cooling and conveyor performance. For example, increasing the size of the slow cooling system results in a greater number of loading points per cooling conveyor. This increased number of loading points can cause problems with proper briquette distribution and leveling. Furthermore, the increased number of loading points can lead to greater wear on the tray, indicating a need for improved loading. Steam removal and extraction are also difficult and may require significant capital investment to improve using current methodologies. Furthermore, handling entrained metal and oxide fines in saturated steam is inherently problematic due to fines saltation, which accumulates in bridge ducts and plugs. Additionally, HBI cooling releases a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO), which must also be controlled. Finally, emissions controls must also be managed and improved to meet increasingly stringent regulatory levels, both in terms of particulate and gaseous emissions. In view of the foregoing, and as previously stated, there remains a need to provide an improved apparatus and method for achieving the desired slow cooling process. The embodiments of the invention address these and other needs. For example, depending on the modality, the HBI slow cooling methods and systems described herein comprise an advantageous redesign to achieve the desired process parameters while mitigating the negative impacts incurred over approximately thirty years of operational installations. Specifically, the HBI slow cooling systems and methods described herein address severe service requirements with components specifically tailored to overcome known failure modes. More specifically, according to the modalities, the HBI slow cooling methods and systems described herein are advantageously adapted to avoid exposing the components to constant water spray, L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi while ensuring that the components are not submerged in water. According to one aspect of the invention, a briquette cooling conveyor system comprises a platform tray conveyor. The platform tray conveyor includes: a) a platform tray top or a plurality of platform trays, including openings adapted for draining water from the platform tray conveyor; b) a platform tray top, conveying line; and c) a platform tray bottom, returning line. The conveyor system also comprises a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the platform tray top, conveying line, and the platform tray bottom, returning line. The trolley-side rinse hopper is configured to capture fines and water from the system.In addition, the system can be configured to slowly cool hot briquettes from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and no less than approximately 1.5 minutes. The system may comprise a return-side rinse hopper position below the return line, and wherein the car-side rinse hopper includes: wash sprayers adapted to the wetted sides of the car-side rinse hopper, and a channel flow nozzle configured to produce a channel flow of water to rinse solids to the desired outlet, wherein the flow is between approximately 189.271 l / min and approximately 567.812 l / min (50 gal / min and approximately 150 gal / min). The car-side rinse hopper may include at least one screw classifier, and each screw classifier comprises a water overflow trough.The trolley-side discharge hopper may comprise a hopper bottom that is arched, V-shaped, and trapezoidal. The conveyor system may comprise a cooling system, wherein the cooling system includes a plurality of coarse spray nozzles configured to spray water onto briquettes to a coarse water droplet size of approximately 0.8 to approximately 2 mm in diameter. The trolley-side rinse hopper and the return-side rinse hopper may be configured to discharge flow to a closely coupled classifier, and the classifier is configured to discharge water to a pump sump. The system may be configured to recirculate water to the wash sprayers and to the water treatment system.The conveyor can be inclined at a single level, and the system comprises a hot iron briquette loading chute coupled to the conveyor, and a load leveling device on the conveyor configured to evenly distribute the iron. The load leveling device includes a spiral screw. The return line can be equipped with cleaning spray nozzles to wash any residual material from the platform tray into the return-side rinse hopper. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for cooling hot briquetted iron comprises: providing a briquette cooling conveyor system. The system comprises: a platform tray conveyor. The platform tray conveyor includes: a) a platform tray or a plurality of platform trays, including openings for draining water from the platform tray conveyor; and b) a platform tray top, conveying line; and c) a platform tray bottom, returning line. The system also comprises a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the platform tray top, conveying line, and the platform tray bottom, returning line. The trolley-side rinse hopper captures fines and water from the system.The method further comprises cooling the hot briquetting iron as it moves along the platform tray conveyor from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and not less than approximately 1.5 minutes, where the discharge temperature is approximately greater than 85°C and less than approximately 130°C. The conveyor system may comprise a return-side rinse hopper position below the return line, and wherein the car-side rinse hopper includes: wash sprays toward the wet sides of the car-side rinse hopper, and a channel flow nozzle to produce a channel flow of water to rinse the solids at the desired outlet, and the flow rate is approximately 189.27 L / min to approximately 567.81 L / min (50 gal / min to approximately 150 gal / min).The car-side rinse hopper may include at least one screw classifier, and each screw classifier comprises a water overflow channel. The car-side discharge hopper may comprise a hopper bottom that is arched, V-shaped, and trapezoidal. The system may include a cooling system that includes a plurality of coarse spray nozzles for spraying water onto briquettes in coarse water droplets of approximately 0.8 to approximately 2 mm in diameter. The car-side rinse hopper and the return-side rinse hopper may discharge flow to a closely coupled classifier, and the classifier discharges water to a pump sump. The system may recirculate water to the wash sprayers and to the water treatment plant.The conveyor may be inclined at a single level, and the system comprises a hot iron briquette loading chute coupled to the conveyor, and a load leveling device on the conveyor configured to evenly distribute the iron. The load leveling device includes a spiral screw. The return line may be equipped with cleaning spray nozzles to wash any residual material from the deck tray into the return-side rinse hopper. After cooling, the discharged iron may have a retained moisture level of less than 1.5% by weight. Also, according to the modalities and as described below, the platform tray may be the same as described above, and the wash flow rate may be greater than approximately 567.812 L / min (150 gal / min) with no classifier in the rinse hopper on the side of the cart. The higher rinse flow rate may direct the entire slurry to a closely coupled classifier that separates the solids onto a fines conveyor, and the water overflows into a sump for pumping as described above. Distinctions from the above may include: a) no classifier in the hopper, and b) higher flow rates to direct the entire slurry to the single classifier at the end. Brief Description of the Figures This description is illustrated and described with L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi refers to several figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-section diagram illustrating an example modality of an HBI slow cooling system of the present description; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one side of the HBI slow cooling system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-section diagram illustrating another example modality of an HBI slow cooling system of the present description; Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section diagram illustrating another example modality of an HBI slow cooling system or briquette cooling conveyor system of the present description, particularly illustrating the cooling spray nozzles; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overhead view of an example modality of an HBI slow cooling system of the present description, particularly illustrating the cooling zone and load points; Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of Fig. 5; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial side view of an example mode of the system L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi of slow cooling from HBI of the present description, which particularly illustrates the channel flow nozzles; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example modality of a portion of a platform tray that particularly illustrates the notches therein; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example modality of a portion of a platform tray that particularly illustrates elongated slots therein; Figure 10 is a schematic flow diagram of an example embodiment of a slow cooling method of the present description; and Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a leveling device of the present description, particularly illustrating a spiral screw therein. Detailed Description of the Invention Again, the HBI slow cooling methods and systems described herein represent an advantageous redesign to achieve the desired process parameters while mitigating the negative impacts incurred over an operating period of approximately thirty years. In particular, the HBI slow cooling systems and methods described herein address service requirements L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi severe with components specifically adapted to overcome known failure modes. Advantageously, the HBI slow cooling systems and methods described herein are adapted to limit the exposure of components to constant water spray, while ensuring that the components are not submerged in water. As explained in more detail below and according to the modalities, in the systems and methods of the present description, the washing hopper (or gate) on the side of car 3 is advantageously interposed between the transport and return lines 26, 28 so that the fines and the cooling process water are captured in the rinsing hopper (gate) on the side of car 3 without colliding with the return line 28 and avoiding the problems that arise with rinsing suspensions into an external ditch where the channel velocity is difficult to maintain and solids settle as a normal thing, causing major maintenance problems. Advantageously, capturing and transporting water and fines in a rinse hopper (gate) instead of, for example, a tank, keeps wheels and chains not submerged, thus avoiding the problems encountered in previous designs. Therefore, the advantages of the modes include improved handling of fines, for example, by avoiding fines in the ditches, reducing the water outlet flow to a single sump and pump, and reducing mechanical complexity by avoiding long drag chains or screw conveyors, while minimizing the possibility of clogged weirs and nozzles. Other advantages of the modalities include sizing the platform tray 20 to a desired length to allow, for example, four loading points or possibly more, and replacing the overflow weirs with coarse spray nozzles 46, such as scrubber nozzles to provide coarse droplet sizes, as described below. With reference now to FIG. 1 and 2, Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-section diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an HBI slow cooling system or briquette cooling conveyor system 10 of the present description, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the system 10 of Fig. 1.According to the modalities, the HBI slow cooling system or briquette cooling system 10 includes a platform tray conveyor 1, an optional load leveling device 2, a trolley-side rinse hopper (the rinse hopper may also be referred to herein as a gate) 3, a steam extraction hood 5, a steam scrubbing system 8, a return-side residual rinse hopper lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi (the rinse hopper may also be referred to herein as a gate, as noted above) 4, a loading duct assembly 7, and a cooling system 6. Each of these items is described in more detail below, according to the modalities. The platform tray conveyor 1 may include chains, rollers, a platform tray, a tensioning and balancing system, conveyor rails, conveyor lines for transport and return, and a drive system. The conveyor 1 is advantageously designed with a single incline, typically 3 degrees with a maximum incline of 19 degrees from the horizontal, which facilitates washing or channeling of fines / water and works particularly well with HBI and round pellets. The speed of the conveyor 1 is usually approximately 0.05 to 0.3 m / s, such as 0.2 m / s, and can be even faster, and is designed to provide flexible control. Other suitable speeds may be employed. Advantageously, the speed can be varied, for example, to match the desired throughput and cooling. The platform tray conveyor 1 is typically designed for dewatering before discharge. The chains 12, best seen in FIG. 7, are adapted to withstand heat, corrosion, abrasion and any moisture found in the HBI 10 slow cooling system which includes a temperature range of 100°C to 700°C, carbonic acid potential, iron and oxide fines, and water sprays. The rollers 14, also best seen in Fig. 7, are adapted to remain sealed and lubricated under the same conditions as the chains 12, described above. The rollers 14 are located outside the water impact zone. Advantageously, these rollers 14, or deck tray wheels, are not submerged in water, depending on the embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the rollers 14 are positioned well above the waterline 16. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers 14 can be attached to the chain at each link to support the deck trays, which are attached at each link. Alternatively, the slow-cooling system of HBI 10 can include rollers 14 combined with chains 12, the combination of which is adapted to reduce wear on the drive sprockets 18. The platform tray 20, designed for high temperature and water exposure, is similarly adapted to withstand the same conditions as the chains 12 and rollers 14 described above. The platform tray 20 is also adapted to withstand HBI loads that can cause erosion wear, impact deflection, and poor load distribution. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi platform 20 includes platform tray floors 22 with openings 24, as best seen in Figs. 8 and 9. Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating example modalities of a portion of platform tray 20, particularly showing the openings 24 therein. In Fig. 8, the openings 24 are shown as notches located on the rear edge. The appropriate size may be approximately 6.35 mm x 25.4 mm (1 / 4 inch x 1 inch); however, other suitable sizes may be used. Similarly, Fig. 9 shows the openings 24 as elongated slots. The appropriate size of these slots may be approximately 6.35 mm x 50.8 mm (1 / 4 inch x 2 inches); however, other suitable sizes may be used. The platform tray 20 can be considered as an assembly of horizontal conveying floor plate and side containment walls to accommodate a deeper bed of material.A plurality of platform plates overlap each other according to the modalities. Further illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 are the chain 12, the platform tray or transport roller 14 and the side wall 74. Therefore, the platform tray 20 includes 24 openings, such as openings, holes, notches, spaces, slits, and the like, which are adapted to allow uniform drainage of water from the tray. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi platform 20. For example, the trailing edge can overlap the leading edge behind it. Therefore, a plurality of platform 20 plates can overlap each other. Openings 24 can be advantageously cut in the tray 20, for example, in a trailing edge, so that water can drain into the hopper or gate below. This design is advantageous and solves the problem of water accumulating in tray 20 and supercooling the lower layer of material. It has also been surprisingly determined that using openings 24 is beneficial for achieving a desired product in terms of moisture retention. For example, it is advantageous to maintain a moisture retention in the discharged product / material of less than 2% by weight, for example, between 1 and 1.5% by weight, because it has been found that at higher moisture retention levels, the material can begin to re-oxidize. Therefore, if the water is not drained through, for example, openings 24, according to the established procedures, the moisture retention level can increase significantly in the lower layer of the briquette material. The tensioning and balancing system is adapted to maintain the same tension on the chains 12, which maintains the alignment of the platform tray conveyor 1 and balances the loads on the drive system. The drive system comprises front and rear sprockets 18 of the chain-driven conveyor 1. The sprockets 18 are located on a shaft driven by a geared motor or a motor-driven speed reduction system. More specifically, the drive system may include an electric motor controller driving a main shaft comprising the two referenced sprockets 18. The sprockets 18 can be engaged with the left and right tray chains 12 when the platform tray 20 and its components are connected.It is further observed that, according to the modalities, the gears 18 are designed and sized to properly fit the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3 between the transport and return lines 26, 28, as well as to position the car-side rinse hopper / gate 3 and return-side rinse hopper / gate 4, which are described in more detail below. The transport rails are adapted to withstand the same conditions as the chains 12, described above. The optional load leveling device 2, best seen in Figs. 2 and 11, is adapted to spread and level any unevenly loaded load or briquettes into a more uniform pile across the width of the platform tray 20. In some embodiments, the load leveling device 2 includes at least one fixed rake and a blade adapted to spread the briquettes across the width of the platform tray 20 and into a uniform pile. In some embodiments, the load leveling device 2 also includes at least one rotating and oscillating device adapted to spread the briquettes across the platform tray 20. For example, Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of the load leveling device 2 that includes a spiral screw 9. As shown in Fig.According to one embodiment, the load-leveling device 2 includes a spiral screw 9 for evenly spreading the briquettes. The spiral screw 9 can be a bidirectional screw with, for example, two spirals in opposite directions attached to the shaft 13, as shown in Fig. 11. The load-leveling device 2 of Fig. 11 further includes the shaft 13 mounted on two pivoting frames 15 that move up and down. The yoke of the shaft is mounted vertically and provides the pivot point. The bars 17 are a fixed part of the housing 11 and do not move up and down. The slot opening 23 is part of the fixed housing 11 and allows space for the leveler shaft to move up and down. The rounded cover is also fixed and does not move up or down.As also best seen near the drive chain system 21, the bars 17 can be interrupted to provide a slot opening 23. In operation, the drive chain system 21 drives the shaft 13, and the load leveling device 2 distributes or spreads the hot briquettes 40 deposited from the channel 42 of the load channel assembly 7 onto the platform tray 20 in a more even or uniform distribution, promoting more effective cooling. As the shaft 13 and the spiral screw 9 rotate slowly and with high torque during typical operation, the spirals or spiral blades can push the upper material of the hot briquettes 40 to one side and spread the material for a more even distribution. The rotation is typically countercurrent to the material flow and at low rotational speeds of approximately 0.From 5 rpm to approximately 3 rpm, including approximately 2 rpm, as non-limiting examples. The rotation is typically forward and downward, advantageously providing a plow-like force on the material. It will also be appreciated that, as with the components of system 10, the components of leveling device 2 can be made of any suitable material, including suitable metal. As noted above, according to the modalities, in the systems and methods described herein, the car-side wash hopper (or gate) 3 is advantageously positioned between the conveying and return lines 26, 28 so that the fines and cooling process water are captured in the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3 without colliding with the return line 28. This avoids the problems that arise with washing sludge into an external ditch where the channel velocity is difficult to maintain and solids settle, causing significant maintenance issues. Advantageously, capturing and conveying water and fines in a rinse hopper (gate) instead of, for example, a tank, keeps the wheels and tracks from becoming submerged, thus avoiding the problems encountered in previous designs. The transport line 26 and the return line 28 are best seen in FIG. 1, which illustrates the loading of the product onto the platform tray conveyor 1, and can be considered, for example, as a conveyor belt or part thereof. For instance, the transport line 26 and the return line 28 can refer to the upper and lower portions, respectively, of such a conveyor system. Therefore, as will be seen, lines 26 and 28 are part of the continuous platform tray conveyor 1. The return line 28 can have the same cross-section as the transport line 26 and be considered its inverted or mirror image. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi The conveyor side / conveyor line 26, located as the top or upper part, carries the product load, and the return side / return line 28 is the part of the conveyor 1 or belt that travels, turns the rear sprocket, and rotates back in the continuous loop. Typically, only the top or upper part, conveyor line 26, carries the product load. The conveyor lines 26, 28 are typically spaced vertically at a sufficient distance to prevent immersion in water of the components of the HBI 10 slow cooling system, by integrating a trolley-side rinse hopper or gate 3 (represented as a triangular hopper as a non-limiting example) between lines 26, 28 to collect and remove water and fines as a suspension. According to the modalities, the transport line 26 and the return line 28 are separated or placed separately using the larger drive sprocket mentioned above 18 for the platform tray 20 and placing the rinse hopper on the carriage side or gate 3 between them. The car-side wash hopper (or gate) normally includes at least one channel flow nozzle 32, one side rinse or wash sprayer 34, a hopper bottom, a water effluent discharge endpoint, and a L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi maintenance hatch. Each feature is described in more detail below, according to the modalities. One embodiment of the channel flow nozzle 32 is best seen in FIG. 7. The channel flow nozzle 32 may be part of a pipe or other suitable flow device, and the inventors determined that it is desirable to operate it in a certain flow regime, as described below. The channel flow nozzle 32 or pipe nozzle creates an initial downward channel flow from the central portion of the rinsing hopper (gate) on the carriage side 3. According to the embodiments, it is observed that normally three flows may enter the rinsing hopper (gate) on the carriage side 3: 1) the channel flow referred to from the channel flow nozzle 32, which carries solids to the desired outlet; 2) side rinse or wash sprays 34, best seen in FIG.4, which keep the sides of the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of car 3 moist, so that any material that may fall inside is conveniently discharged; and 3) residual cooling water entering the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of car 3 from above. According to the modalities and as best seen in FIG. 1, the rinse hopper (or gate) on the side of car 3 may also include at least one screw classifier lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi 30. The inclusion or integration of the screw classifier 30 into the rinse hopper on the side of the carriage 3, for example, on one side thereof, may be referred to in Option 1 of this document for ease of reference. Placing the screw classifier 30 in the hopper 3 has remarkable advantages, and such a design has not been achieved before to the inventors' knowledge. For example, the inventors determined that it is advantageous to operate the flow in the nozzle channel of the channel 32 at a certain flow regime, and that the screw classifier 30 can reside in its own depression and be integrated into the side of the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of the carriage 3. The depression provides a point of deceleration of the channel velocity where the solids can fall.According to the tests, to properly deposit the solids in the screw classifier trough 30, it is advantageous to regulate the water flow in the nozzle trough of channel 32 to a minimum and maximum range to allow a sufficient solids settling rate in the screw classifier 30. An example of a suitable range is between approximately 189.271 L / min and approximately 567.812 L / min (50 gal / min to approximately 150 gal / min) of water flow. It was found that such a range for the nozzle flow of channel 32 allows the slurry flow to slow down in the classifier depression, enabling more than approximately 50% of the solids to settle for removal by the screw. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi classifier. At flow rates above approximately 150 gpm, the solids removal rate may decrease, making the use of classifiers less effective. Therefore, according to the modalities, the screw classifier 30, which resides in its own depression integrated into the side of the rinsing hopper (gate) on the side of car 3, advantageously provides a point of deceleration of the channel velocity where solids can settle. To help regulate the water flow within the range indicated above, a volume of water can be removed from the screw classifier 30 by using a trough (not shown in FIG. 1) or an overflow point integrated into one side of the depression. Without such a feature, the channel flow may continue to accumulate in the hopper because, for example, other incoming flows potentially increase the range above the desired maximum water flow of approximately 567.812 L / min (150 gal / min). According to the configurations and as best seen in FIG. 1, the lower end of the screw classifier 30 is advantageously located below the main channel of the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of car 3, providing a depression effect such that as the flow in the channel rotates, it slows down and the solids fall from the suspension. Maintaining the water flow through the channel flow nozzle 32 within the aforementioned range of approximately 189.271 L / min to approximately 567.812 L / min (50 gal / min to approximately 150 gal / min) advantageously allows 50% or more of the solids to fall into the depression of the screw classifier 30, which is best seen in FIG. 1.Advantageously, according to the modalities and Option 1 of this document, the screw classifier 30 functions as a screw-type conveyor, twisting or screwing the solids to the top of the classifier 30, where the solids fall through the conduit 36 ​​and the water can be retained in the hopper 3. The side rinse or wash sprayers 34 are adapted to the wetted sides of the car-side rinse hopper (or gate) 3, as well as to the sides of the return-side rinse hopper (or gate) 4, to prevent the accumulation of fines. As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the sprayers 34 may comprise a series of flat spray nozzles positioned on the upper edge of hopper 3, as well as hopper 4, on each side. The sprayers 34 can create a sheet-like flow of water down the sides of hoppers 3 and 4 so that any material, such as solids and / or liquids, that may fall into hoppers 3 and 4 can flow down, thus preventing accumulation in hoppers 3 and 4. The material can then be advantageously rinsed by the L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi sheet flow of water towards the main channel. The bottom of the rinsing hopper (or gate) on the car side 3, as well as that of hopper 4, is typically arched and rounded, but may have a narrow trapezoidal or pronounced V shape. The hopper bottom may be fitted with one or more longitudinal channel flow (rinse) nozzles to rinse solids through the rinsing hopper (gate) on the car side 3. A plurality of the screw classifiers described above 30 may also be spaced at regular intervals, adapted to partially capture the suspension in the sumps, dewater the solids, and discharge them from the rinsing hopper (gate) on the carriage side 3. Depending on the embodiment, the bottom of the hopper may thus be adapted to rinse the solids through the rinsing hopper (gate) on the carriage side 3 into the classifier sumps. In each screw classifier 30, a water overflow channel mentioned above may regulate the cumulative flow of the channel into the rinsing hopper (gate) on the carriage side 3, since an increased flow of the channel may reduce the dewatering efficiency of the classifier. The maintenance hatches of the rinsing hopper (gate) on the car side 3, as well as the rinsing hopper (gate) on the return side 4, normally lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi are regularly spaced and positioned to allow access in operation to clear any channel blockage, as well as full access for repair during shutdown conditions. The final discharge point of the water effluent may comprise pipes at the end of the rinsing hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3, as well as the rinsing hopper (gate) on the return side 4 leading, for example, to a sump or separation system. Depending on the configuration, the final water effluent can be captured in a rinse hopper (gate) discharge conduit 3 and conveyed to a blowdown sump for sedimentation and further solids separation via a drag chain or screw classifier. The blowdown sump is designed to allow sedimentation before the water is recycled back to the rinse system through closely coupled pumps at the sump overflow. To balance the overall system, a portion of the recycled flow can be diverted to a plant water system as a blowdown for the cooling conveyor system. According to additional modalities, the rinse hopper (gate) 3 is adapted to rinse the captured water and fines in a single discharge into a closely coupled classifier sump, to dewater, remove solids, and recycle the water back into the plant's rinse and purge water system. Here, the channel flow is developed to take advantage of the increased cumulative flow to entrain and transport all captured solids to the classifier for sedimentation and removal. The classifier, which may be of the spiral screw type with an integrated sump and overflow troughs, discharges the separated solids onto a fines conveyor for transport to a common bunker or other receptacle. The overflow water from the classifier channels is then discharged to a deeper part of the sump where pumps can recycle the water back into the rinse system. As noted previously, according to the embodiments, the rinse hopper on the car side 3 is advantageously positioned between the conveying and return lines 26 and 28 so that the fines and cooling process water can be captured in the rinse hopper on the car side 3 without affecting the return line 26. This avoids the problems encountered with rinsing the slurry into an external ditch where the channel velocity is difficult to maintain and solids settle naturally, causing a significant maintenance problem. In such embodiments, the recycled water flow from the settling sump can be balanced with the incoming cooling water from the cooling zones (as captured in rinse hoppers 3). This balance can be achieved by diverting part of the recycled flow as blowdown to a plant process water treatment system for further treatment.This blowdown fraction is approximately equivalent to the cooling flow supplied to the cooling zones from the plant's process water supply. In this respect, it is observed that the same equilibrium principle applies to the previous mode. One difference, according to the modes, is that the water from the overflow channels in each side classifier can be directed to the final sump for recycling as described here. The steam removal hood 5 is attached below the rinse hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3 to the platform tray conveyor 1. The steam removal hood 5 normally includes lower edges, a duct, wash sprayers, and a measuring and balancing system. The lower edges are typically fitted in a labyrinthine arrangement with the side walls of the platform tray. This labyrinthine arrangement of the lower edges with the platform side walls limits the escape of solids, water, and steam from the cooling zones. The duct is adapted to carry steam and fines lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi in a channeled flow, which is directed to the steam scrubber system 8. The wash sprayers are adapted to periodically wet the steam removal hood 5 and the duct surfaces, which can minimize the buildup of fines on them. The flow measurement and balancing system is designed to detect altered flow conditions, such as when larger fragments or solids accumulate in the flow channel, creating a blockage. The system is also designed to provide the operator with an indication of such conditions for maintenance purposes, such as an alert, alarm, or similar notification. As best seen in FIG. 1, the steam scrubbing system 8 is adapted to cool the steam stream, condense the steam into liquid water, and remove fines from the effluent. The steam scrubbing system 8 typically includes a slurry effluent, a sump, an eddy current fan, an emissions monitor, and a dedicated settling sump. The slurry effluent is adapted to purge into a sump for further separation of water and solids. The eddy current fan is adapted to conduct the remaining gaseous effluent through it to L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi a dust collection system or a discharge chimney. The emissions monitor is adapted to monitor the gaseous effluent discharged by steam scrubber system 8 for regulated emission levels. The blowdown slurry is typically pumped to the dedicated settling sump. After settling, the water effluent can be pumped to a water treatment plant where residual solids are removed. By removing fines and other particles from the effluent, steam scrubber system 8 limits particulate emissions from the slow cooling system of HBI 10. Advantageously, the steam scrubber system 8 is adapted to discharge gas and suspension flows well below 100°C and typically in the range of 50°C to 75°C. The return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4 is a secondary catch hopper located below the return line 28. The return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4 can be described as previously for the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3. However, it is noted that, given the arrangement of the small classifiers 30 on the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3, such classifiers would not normally be employed in the return-side rinse hopper (gate) 3 due to the lower quantities of solids expected to be captured therein. For example, the return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4 is typically intended to be used to capture any material (solids / liquids) carried by conveyor 1 on its return path. The return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4 normally includes one or more hopper channels, a rinse nozzle, and a maintenance hatch. The hopper channel is adapted to contain residual fines and water from the return line of conveyor 28 and keep them separate from the upper conveyor line 26. The hopper channel is also adapted to capture and rinse waste from system 10, and in particular, the return line of conveyor 28 in the same or similar manner as the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of car 3. By doing so, immersion of the return line 28 can be avoided, as well as the deposition of fines and water in an external sump. According to the embodiments and Option 1 of this document, the hopper channel is adapted to rinse the residue to the screw classifier 30. In the embodiments, the screw classifier 30 is positioned near one tail end of the platform tray conveyor 1. In some embodiments, the return-side rinse hopper 4 includes only a single-screw classifier 30. According to the embodiments, the return hopper 4 may L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi can be channeled to the same pump as indicated above with a single solids dewatering mechanism such as, for example, a single classifier or a drag chain. Other solids separation techniques can also be employed, including, but not limited to, the use of a hydrocyclone or an inclined plate separator. Maintenance hatches are normally regularly spaced and positioned to allow access during operation to remove any channel blockages, as well as full access for repairs during shutdown conditions. The loading chute assembly 7 typically includes a chute 42, a spreader, and loading points. The chute 42 is designed to minimize the drop height onto the platform tray 20 and includes an angled outlet adapted to promote a sliding deposition of the briquettes onto the platform tray 20. The optional spreader (leveling device 2), such as a fixed rake or blade, is adapted to ensure even distribution over the platform tray 20 at a chute outlet 42. In the modalities, the loading chute assembly 7 is adapted to minimize the number of loading points according to the design requirements of the particular HBI plant. Regarding cooling system 6, the experience L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi and testing show that the most uniform cooling of HBI can be achieved with a single, well-distributed layer of briquettes impacting a field of fine sprays, carefully controlled to minimize water absorption. However, in practice, achieving such distribution is difficult, if not impossible, due to the random generation of briquette bundles, or briquette aggregations in counts of two (twins / doubles), four (quads), or six (six-pack). These aggregations can negatively affect the spray cooling approach, leading to performance degradation. Therefore, a practical design should accommodate multiple briquette layers. Some systems have employed water cascades overflowing from weir boxes to cool the deep bed of two to four layers of HBI.While these weirs could be effective for cooling, they were susceptible to clogging and failure due to the accumulation of fines. This document has determined that a coarse water droplet is capable of penetrating the bed to cool multiple layers simultaneously, unlike the top-down cooling effect of fine sprays. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention, supported by research into effective nozzle types, advantageously utilize spray nozzles. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi coarse 46 nozzles, for example, are mounted on headers to cover the HBI bed as it passes through the length of the cooling zones 44 of the cooling system 6. Furthermore, these nozzles 46 are adapted for dirty water or water with relatively high TSS (total suspended solids), thus also mitigating spray nozzle clogging. These nozzles 46 are preferably selected based on testing to provide, for example, a full cone spray pattern with large droplets (~0.8 to 2 mm in diameter, Dp50 base) for better penetration into the HBI bed. Such nozzles 46 were tested against finer spray nozzles to make this selection. Therefore, the cooling system 6, as best seen in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, typically includes collectors, nozzles 46, temperature measuring devices, and a supplementary flood nozzle system. Depending on the embodiment, the platform tray conveyor 1 is subdivided into cooling zones 44, and a collector is positioned over each cooling zone 44. A nozzle 46 can be mounted on each collector above a cooling zone 44 and oriented to provide optimized cooling to the briquettes in the corresponding cooling zone 44. The nozzles 46 are adapted to minimize barbing due to the accumulation of fines and are adapted to operate with typical plant process water that is recycled and contains known levels of impurities. Nozzles 46 are typically positioned at a height above the platform tray conveyor 1 that is easily accessible, e.g., without the use of additional equipment, to facilitate quick nozzle change and cleaning. The temperature measuring device may include a cover and is typically adapted to measure briquette temperatures in each cooling zone 44. Depending on the configuration, the temperature can be measured upon entering the first cooling zone and possibly again at an intermediate position, such as, for example, the intermediate temperature measuring zone 72 in Fig. 6, and then in the discharge zone before exiting the conveyor. This advantageously allows any applied water to dry from the surface before reaching a non-contact zone. A supplemental deluge nozzle system is designed to rapidly cool briquettes in the event of overheating or other unexpected circumstances. Specifically, the supplemental deluge nozzle system is designed to cool briquettes in altered operating conditions, such as handling hot oxide / molten material, severe upstream process problems, or other situations where rapid cooling of the conveyed material is required. The nozzles of the supplemental deluge nozzle system are typically covered (by an inert gas flow) and designed to remain dry during normal system operation until the need arises, such as during an abnormal condition.The supplemental deluge nozzle system includes a quick-operating deluge valve that is adapted to open and allow sufficient water flow to flood the supplemental deluge nozzle system. In operation, according to the modalities and with particular reference to Fig. 2, the hot briquettes 40 enter and flow downwards through the chute 42 of the loading chute assembly 7. There, the hot briquettes 40 generally rest on a bed or other surface on the platform tray 20 of the platform tray conveyor 1, which operates in a continuous oblong loop. If necessary, the loading leveling device 2 spreads the material to obtain a more uniform distribution. The material bed then moves continuously towards the cooling zones 44 of the cooling system 6. The cooling zones 44 are also shown in Fig. 6 and include trapezoidal-shaped hoods. The trapezoidal shape of the hood advantageously provides the The desired coverage is L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi to provide a constant negative pressure in the cooling zones 44 and a gas velocity low enough to allow larger particles and free water to fall back to the conveyor 1 instead of being drawn into the steam removal duct. However, it will be appreciated that other suitable designs could be employed. As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, according to the modalities, the cooling section is divided into six cooling zones 44. However, more or fewer zones could be applied depending on the desired system size, etc. Typically, in each cooling zone 44, there are pipe headers with the cooling spray nozzles 46 described above. Advantageously, the flow rate of these nozzles 46 can vary, but typically each is operating at a set flow rate for a given production rate. As noted previously, the modalities advantageously utilize spray nozzles 46, which can be mounted on headers to cover the HBI bed as it traverses the length of the cooling zones 44 of the cooling system 6. Furthermore, these nozzles 46 are adapted for dirty water or water with relatively high TSS (total suspended solids), thus also mitigating spray nozzle clogging. These nozzles 46 are preferably selected based on testing. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi to provide, for example, a full cone spray pattern with large droplets (-0.8 to 2 mm in diameter, Dp50 base) for better penetration into the HBI bed. Nozzles 46 were tested against finer spray nozzles to make this selection. Nozzles 46 can comprise an overlapping triangular format as shown, for example, in FIG. 1, an oblong spray design as shown in FIG. 4, or a header design as shown in FIG. 5, among other suitable designs. As an example, and with reference to Fig. 5, each pipe can have a series of nozzles pointing downwards towards conveyor 1.Again, it has been determined that selecting nozzle 46 to provide a coarse droplet size, such as the coarse droplet size indicated above, is advantageous and can provide a cascading effect over the hot briquette bed 40, which may be in multiple layers, moving on the conveyor 1. This coarse spray effect, as opposed to fine spray misting, is achieved by using coarse spray nozzles 46, such as full cone spray nozzles that provide the coarse droplet size referenced above (as a non-limiting example). This effectively cools the material layers by penetrating deeply into the bed. Such characteristics also replace and resolve previous problems with weir depressions filling with fine material and then clogging, resulting in poor water flow. As the briquette bed moves through the cooling zones 44 and cools, it consequently emits steam, which can be removed by the steam removal hood 5 through a duct system 48 that enters the steam scrubber system 8, best seen in FIG. 1. This dirty steam, or steam comprising water and some fine material, can enter the steam scrubber system 8 where the hot steam is cooled, the water condenses, and the dirty material is removed by a scrubber. The cooled material bed then travels to the head end of conveyor 1 where the cooled briquettes can be discharged, for example, onto another conveyor for storage, shipping, etc. The material cools from approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and no less than approximately 1.5 minutes, after which the material temperature can drop further to approximately 85°C and less than approximately 130°C at discharge. As described below, any material migrating through the platform tray 20 via the openings or slots 24 is advantageously allowed to drain for collection in the rinsing hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3. Therefore, under the conveyor side 1, the rinsing hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3 is located there, and any non-vaporized cooling water can filter through the material bed and platform tray 20 and advantageously fall into the rinsing hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3, carrying fines and other materials along with it.As described above, the rinsing hopper (gate) on the car side 3 is equipped with rinsing or side wash sprayers 34 and channel flow nozzles to capture and transport water and fine material to the end of the conveyor 1 where the material can be discharged to, for example, a separator sump or screw classifiers 30 from the rinsing hopper (gate) on the car side 3 where the solids could be separated as described above. Located below the above is the return line 28 (return side of conveyor 1). As conveyor 1 travels back to the tail end, any residual fines and other residual solids that may have fallen during the process are captured in the return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4, where this material is intended to be rinsed to the end, for example, into a sump 4 8. It is further observed that as conveyor 1 moves around the return side, a cleaning device 50, such as rotating sprayers or brushes, can be employed to clean the return side (return line 28 of conveyor 1) as it moves around the sprocket 18 at the head end. An advantage of such rotating sprayers or brushes is that they allow any material initially detached at an earlier stage to fall, for example, into the rinse hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3. With regard to the operation and specific reference to Figs. 1 and 2, as conveyor 1 moves through the cooling zones 44, the flow rate of the cooling nozzles 46 can be regulated to match the desired cooling rate for a particular material production rate. Again, according to the established procedures, the nozzle type of the cooling nozzles 46 is advantageously selected to provide the aforementioned coarse droplet size to prevent over-cooling of the upper briquette layer and under-cooling of the lower layer, thus achieving a balanced cooling effect. With reference now to Fig. 3, Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an HBI 10 slow cooling system described herein, which is a further modification of Fig. 1 and is reflected in Fig. 1. Therefore, Fig. 3 can be described similarly to the case in Fig. 1. However, in Fig. 3, the overflow channel 52 or weir is present below, for example, each classifier 30. The channel 52 advantageously acts as a cleaning mechanism, allowing cleaner water to overflow and leaving the dirty water behind. As noted above, it has been determined that it is advantageous to regulate the water flow in the nozzle channel of channel 32 to a minimum and maximum range to allow a sufficient rate of solids settling in the screw classifier 30. An example of a suitable range is between approximately 189.271 l / min and approximately 567 l / min.812 l / min (50 gal / min at approximately 150 gal / mm of water flow). This interval for the channel flow nozzles 32 was found to allow for a solids drop of more than 50% solids retention in the screw classifier depression. By using the chute 52, a quantity of water can be removed from each classifier 30, helping to maintain the desired flow rate. Fig. 3 further illustrates a fine solids conveying system 54, which may include a conveyor that removes solids falling through the chute 36, and a support structure 51. Fig. 3 further illustrates an angle of approximately 35 degrees (approximate minimum angle from the horizontal) for the walls 29 of both the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3 and the return-side rinse hopper (gate) 4. It has been advantageously found that 35 degrees or more would be sufficient. With further reference to FIG. 3, the slow cooling system of HBI 10 also includes a steam outlet 56 above the steam removal hood 5 described above. The cooling zone nozzles 46 are illustrated there as a spray nozzle manifold with full-cone coarse spray nozzles, also described above. The loading side of the platform plate 20 (carry line 26) and the return side of the platform plate 20 (return line 28) are further illustrated with the passage diameter 58 between them, which varies with the depth of the hopper (gate) 3. The discharge pipes 60 from the rinsing hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3 and from the rinsing hopper (gate) on the return side 4 are further shown flowing into the sump (not illustrated in FIG. 3). The width for mounting the outer wheels and the width of the frame, 62, 64 respectively, are shown later in the same. It is further observed that the steam removal hood 5 is designed, according to the modalities, to engage with the side walls of the platform tray conveyor 20. There may be an upward swing to reach a side wall that can overlap with the one behind it, and at the bottom of the steam removal hood 5 there is a labyrinthine hood to seal the side wall 66, also shown in FIG. 3, to maintain the L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi the greatest possible amount of vapor and solids inside. With reference now to FIG. 4, in this configuration of the HBI slow cooling system or briquette cooling system 10, the cooling spray nozzles 46 are illustrated on the loading side of the platform 20 (conveyor line 26). In this configuration, the classifiers 30 cannot be incorporated into the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of the car 3, nor can the water flow be regulated within the aforementioned range of approximately 189,271 l / min to 567,812 l / min (50 gal / min to 150 gal / min). Instead, the channel flow from the nozzle of channel 32 is present in sufficient quantity to discharge fines and other materials, for example, into a sump. This channel flow is driven by the advantageous side rinse or wash sprayers 34. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of an example embodiment of an HBI 10 slow cooling system described herein, particularly illustrating the cooling zones 44 and loading points 68; and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of Figure 5. Figures 5 and 6 can be described similarly to Figure 2. In addition, Figure 6 illustrates four loading points 68 and chutes 42 for introducing briquettes at the rear end of conveyor 1. However, it will be noted that the quantity The number of loading points 68 (L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi) may vary depending on the design, especially for larger plants that may require more loading points 68. Figures 5 and 6 further illustrate the temperature measurement zone 70, which helps obtain an initial measurement before entering the cooling zones 44 and at the discharge from the cooling zones, as this has been found to be more accurate than obtaining a temperature measurement from within the cooling zones 44. According to another embodiment, an intermediate temperature measurement zone 72 may be present between, for example, any two cooling zones 44 in a dry section thereof for greater accuracy. As further shown in Figures 5 and 6, a pumping system such as a slurry trap or separator and a pump sump 76 may be located very close to the conveyor 1 to minimize the distance for such slurry to flow from the hoppers (gates) 3, 4.In this sense and as also shown in Fig. 3, hopper (gate) 3, 4 the discharge pipes 60 are pipes at the ends of the hopper (gate) 3, 4 that can flow towards the suspension separation and the pumping sump 7 6 and a plurality of these pipes can then be connected to a large clarification system to receive the suspension (e.g., fines and water) where the solids are separated from the flow and the overflow water can be conveyed to the sump section. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi pump. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial side view of an example embodiment of the HBI 10 slow cooling system described herein, particularly illustrating the advantageous channel flow nozzles 32 described above. Accordingly, in accordance with the embodiments, which may be referred to herein as Option 2, instead of using a classifier 30 on the side of, for example, the rinse hopper (gate) on the trolley side 3 as shown in Figure 1, the flow pattern is controlled so that the material (for example, solids such as fines and liquids) is rinsed or channeled to the tail end of the conveyor 1 and to, for example, a slurry separator and pump sump 7 6, as shown in Figure 6. This design is particularly advantageous for the intermittent handling of large quantities of fines and is especially useful for larger plants.Therefore, in this mode, the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of car 3 is still sandwiched between the return and transport lines 26, 28, however, the screw classifier 30 cannot be used. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating example modalities of a portion of a platform tray 20, specifically showing the openings 24 therein. In Figure 8, the openings 24 are shown as notches located on the trailing edge. The appropriate size is approximately 6.35 mm x 25.4 mm (1 / 4 inch x 1 inch), but other suitable sizes may be used. Similarly, Figure 9 shows the openings 24 as elongated slots. The appropriate size of these slots is approximately 25.4 x 50.8 mm (1 inch x 2 inches), but other suitable sizes may be used. Also illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 are the chain 12, the platform tray or transport roller 14, and the side wall 74. Figure 10 is a schematic flow diagram of an example embodiment of a slow cooling method described herein. According to one embodiment, method 84 comprises providing a briquette cooling conveyor system. The system comprises: a platform tray conveyor including: a) a platform tray or platform tray grid including openings for draining water from the platform tray conveyor; b) a platform tray top, conveying line; and c) a platform tray bottom, return line; and a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the platform tray top, conveying line, and the platform tray bottom, return line, the trolley-side rinse hopper capturing the fines. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi and the system water; and cool the hot briquetting iron as the iron travels along the platform tray conveyor from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and not less than approximately 1.5 minutes, where the discharge temperature is approximately above 85°C and less than approximately 130°C. Therefore, the advantages of this embodiment of the invention include the use of openings 24 in the conveyor 1 platform tray 20 that allow sufficient drainage into the hoppers (gates) 3 and 4, as described above, and where the platform tray 20 and the conveyor 1 components are not submerged in water. In an attempt to achieve the desired slow cooling, prior systems employed a platform tray completely submerged in a water tank for, for example, at least half of the conveyor's rotational length, which can cause mechanical failure, wear, and deterioration. In some prior systems, solids such as fines would fall to the bottom of the water tank, which was equipped with a drag chain that would pull the material, for example, to a withdrawal conveyor.According to the modalities, such a water tank and operation is advantageously replaced with the use of the hoppers (gates) 3, 4 described above. Additional advantages of these configurations include the ability to keep the chains 12 and rollers 14 from being submerged, and improved and efficient handling of water and fine material. This can be achieved, for example, by positioning the rinse hopper (gate) on the side of the carriage 3 between the conveyor and return lines 26 and 28 of the platform tray conveyor 1. Additional advantages of these models include the selection of the 46 cooling nozzle to provide a coarse droplet size. This coarse spray effect, as opposed to the fine mist spray achieved by using the 46 coarse spray nozzles, effectively cools the briquette layers by penetrating deeply into the bed. These features also replace and resolve previous problems with depressions that filled with fine material and subsequently became clogged. Additional advantages include the use of the classifier 30 integrated on the side of the hopper (gate) 3 as in FIG. 1; the use of side rinse or wash sprayers 34 on hoppers (gates) 3, 4; and advantageous channel flows, all of which help to provide improved processing of system 10, according to the modalities and as described above. Other advantages and additional features of various embodiments of the invention include: the car-side rinse hopper (gate) 3 comprising weirs arranged in series and including screw classifiers 30, wherein each classifier 30 may comprise a water overflow channel for regulating the flow of the accumulated hopper channel with known operating parameters; the hopper 3 discharging to a closely coupled classifier that discharges water to a sump pump, and a pumping system recirculates the water to wash sprayers, with a purge portion for plant process water treatment; the car-side rinse hopper 3 and the return-side rinse hopper 4 are configured to discharge flow to a closely coupled classifier 78, and the classifier 78 is configured to discharge water to a pump sump 80;system configured to recirculate water to the wash sprayers and water treatment (shown in 82); the blowdown flow is balanced with the cooling spray flow in the cooling zone; conveyor 1 is inclined at a single level to allow the gate to flow back to the sorting system; the HBI loading chutes are positioned in lengths and locations to match the incline; the cooling section is equipped with one or more no-spray zones to facilitate contactless temperature monitoring with wide-field-of-view sensing equipment; a configured control system; L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi to monitor the mass flow rate and temperature of the incoming HBI, and regulate the conveyor speed and cooling flow rate to achieve the desired cooling target at the discharge point; wherein the cooling target is above approximately 85°C and below 130°C at the discharge to retain sufficient energy in the HBI to reduce the retained moisture levels to less than approximately 1.5% by weight. According to further advantageous and non-limiting embodiments, a platform tray conveyor includes: a) a plurality of platform trays, the platform trays including openings adapted for draining water from the platform tray;b) a pair of conveyor chains connecting the platform trays on both sides in a continuous line to form the cart side or line that carries the product off the conveyor and the return side or line after the product is discharged from the conveyor and the chain comes off the drive sprockets; c) rollers supporting the platform as it moves to transport the product; d) support rails on which the rollers run; e) a pair of sprockets on the main axle providing traction to the chain to move the product; and f) a pair of rear sprockets on the rear axle to channel the side trays rearward to catch the product discharged onto the conveyor. L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi Although the present description is illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be evident to persons skilled in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are contemplated herein. Furthermore, all the features and elements described herein may be used in any combination with one another. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A briquette cooling conveyor system, characterized in that it comprises: a platform tray conveyor including: a) a plurality of platform trays including openings adapted for extracting water from the platform tray conveyor; b) a platform tray upper, conveying line; and c) a platform tray lower, return line; and a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the platform tray upper, conveying line and the platform tray lower, return line, the trolley-side rinse hopper being configured to capture fines and water from the system.

2. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to slowly cool hot briquettes from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and not less than approximately 1.5 minutes.

3. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi comprises a return-side rinse hopper position below the return line, and wherein the car-side rinse hopper includes: wash sprayers adapted to the wet sides of the car-side rinse hopper, and a channel flow nozzle configured to produce a channel flow of water for rinsing the solids to a desired outlet, wherein the flow is between approximately 189.271 l / min and approximately 567.812 l / min (50 gal / min and approximately 150 gal / min).

4. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rinsing hopper on the trolley side includes at least one screw classifier, and each screw classifier comprises a water overflow trough.

5. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 3, characterized in that the rinsing hopper on the trolley side comprises a hopper bottom that is arched, V-shaped, and trapezoidal.

6. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cooling system, wherein the cooling system includes a plurality of coarse spray nozzles configured to spray water onto briquettes in a coarse water droplet size of approximately 0.8 to approximately 2 mm in diameter.

7. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 3, characterized in that the trolley-side rinse hopper and the return-side rinse hopper are configured to discharge flow to a closely coupled classifier and the classifier is configured to discharge water to a pump sump.

8. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 3, characterized in that it is configured to recirculate water to the washing sprayers and to the water treatment.

9. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor is inclined at a single level and the system comprises a hot iron briquette loading chute coupled to the conveyor, and a load leveling device on the conveyor configured to evenly distribute the iron, the load leveling device including a spiral screw.

10. The briquette cooling conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the return line is equipped with cleaning spray nozzles to wash any residual material in the platform tray towards the return-side rinse hopper.

11. A method for cooling hot iron briquettes, lz Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi, characterized in that it comprises: providing a briquette cooling conveyor system, the system comprising: a platform tray conveyor including: a) a plurality of platform trays including openings for draining water from the platform tray conveyor; and b) a platform tray top, conveying line; and c) a platform tray bottom, return line; and a trolley-side rinse hopper positioned between the platform tray top, conveying line and the platform tray bottom, return line, the trolley-side rinse hopper capturing fines and water from the system;and cooling the hot briquetting iron as the iron travels along the platform tray conveyor from briquetting temperatures of approximately 650-700°C to 400°C in approximately 2 minutes, and not less than approximately 1.5 minutes, where the discharge temperature is above 85°C and below 130°C.; 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the briquette cooling conveyor system comprises a return-side rinse hopper position below the return line, and wherein the L7 Lfrnn / eznz / e / YiAi car-side rinse hopper includes: wash sprayers to the wet sides of the car-side rinse hopper, and a channel flow nozzle to produce a channel flow of water to rinse the solids to a desired outlet, wherein the flow is from approximately 189.271 L / min to approximately 567.812 L / min (50 gal / min to approximately 150 gal / min).

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the rinsing hopper on the side of the cart includes at least one screw classifier, and each screw classifier comprises a water overflow channel.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the cart-side discharge hopper comprises a hopper bottom that is arched, V-shaped, and trapezoidal.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the briquette cooling conveyor system comprises a cooling system, the cooling system including a plurality of coarse spray nozzles for spraying water onto briquettes in coarse water droplet size of approximately 0.8 to approximately 2 mm in diameter.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the car-side rinse hopper and the return-side rinse hopper discharge flow to a closely coupled classifier and the classifier discharges water to a pump sump.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the briquette cooling system recirculates water to the washing sprayers and to the water treatment.

18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the conveyor is inclined at a single level and the system comprises a hot iron briquette loading hopper coupled to the conveyor, and a load leveling device on the conveyor configured to evenly distribute the iron, the load leveling device including a spiral screw.

19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the return line is equipped with cleaning spray nozzles to wash any residual material in the platform tray towards the return-side rinse hopper.

20. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that after cooling, the discharged iron has a retained moisture level of less than approximately 1.5% by weight.

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