Device and method for feeding metal material into a melting plant

Method for feeding metal material into a melting furnace comprising a hearth, electrodes and having a lateral aperture, in which feed means are used terminally associated with a connection conveyor cooperating with translation and positioning means,

• the connection conveyor assuming at least a first loading position, during the continuous loading step, in which the loading plane has its front terminal end located substantially flush with the internal wall of the furnace to introduce the metal material continuously through said aperture into the furnace, and
• the connection conveyor assuming a second position in which the loading plane is distanced from the wall of the furnace, at least during a tapping step of the liquid metal from the furnace,
• first loading, with the furnace switched off, and electrodes at least partly removed from inside the furnace, in which the connection conveyor is positioned in a third position in which the loading plane is inserted inside the volume of the furnace with the front end of the loading plane in a position of proximity with respect to the distal internal wall opposite the proximal internal wall of the furnace where there is said lateral aperture, to unload and distribute a quantity of charge to cover at least part of the bottom surface of the furnace, and in which the metal material is unloaded from said connection conveyor during said first loading step, in adjustable quantities and positions, from one or the other of the front end of the loading plane, laterally to the loading plane or also below the loading plane which is selectively openable, and in which, after said first loading step, the connection conveyor positions the loading plane with its front end located substantially flush with the inside wall of the furnace to introduce the metal material continuously into the furnace during melting.