US 2023/0407422 A1 · DIRECT BATH SMELTING PROCESS WITH MANAGEMENT OF PERIPHERAL COLD ZONES AT THE METAL-SLAG INTERFACE

Abstract

An improved direct smelting vessel comprising a smelt reduction vessel (SRV) and optionally a cyclone converter furnace (CCF). The SRV provides means for promoting metal mixing at a zone below a slag layer adjacent to a vessel wall of the direct smelting vessel. The means for promoting metal mixing may include a split-level refractory hearth with two refractory floor levels, a refractory hearth with one or more gas bubbling devices, and/or at least one pair of solids injection lances that provide alternating solids injection at any given time (or other means). The means for promoting the metal mixing reduces a stagnant region capable of supporting a semi-solid slag layer that restricts metal-slag heat transfer. The means for promoting the metal mixing maintains an effective temperature delta between tapped metal at a forehearth and metal at the vessel wall of no greater than 40° C.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for direct smelting of metalliferous material and producing molten metal in a direct smelting vessel, the method comprising:

injecting solid carbonaceous material through at least one injection lance extending into the direct smelting vessel such that solids penetrate at least partially into a molten metal layer in the direct smelting vessel, wherein a slag layer is floating on the molten metal layer;
and
promoting metal mixing at a zone immediately below the slag layer adjacent to a vessel wall of the direct smelting vessel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Direct bath smelting process with management of peripheral cold zones at the metal-slag interface

Life of this patent

Direct bath smelting process with management of peripheral cold zones at the metal-slag interface

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20