Method for fitting or retrofitting a sinter cooler

A method for retrofitting a sinter cooler, which sinter cooler comprises a cooler grate chain with an endless chain of cooler cars, each cooler car having a front edge, a rear edge, and a rigid grate for holding sinter material and allowing air flow through the rigid grate, the method comprising:

• removing the rigid grate;
• providing a plurality of lamellae, each having a lamellae profile at an underside;
• providing a plurality of support elements, each having an upper contour that at least partially corresponds to the lamellae profile;
• connecting the plurality of support elements to a chassis of a cooler car;
• disposing the plurality of lamellae on top of the plurality of support elements opposite from the chassis such that the lamellae profiles of the plurality of lamellae are aligned with the respective upper contours of the plurality of support elements and the plurality of lamellae are arranged generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the cooler car;
• arranging the plurality of lamellae on the plurality of support structures so as to be individually movable with respect to the support structures during operation of the sinter cooler;
• and
• disposing a downholder above the plurality of lamella to limit an upward motion of the plurality of lamellae;
• and
• wherein the plurality of lamellae form a lamella grate for said holding sinter material and said allowing air flow through the lamella grate.