Process for producing sponge iron particles and molten pig iron

Abstract

In this process for the direct production of sponge iron particles and molten pig iron from lump iron ore, which is reduced in a direct reduction unit (2) and supplied in the hot state to a melt-down gasifier (1), the sponge iron particles discharged from the direct reduction unit are separated into a fine particle fraction and a coarse particle fraction and only the former is supplied to the melt-down gasifier. Separation takes place in an air classifier (7) connected to the discharge means of the direct reduction unit and through said classifier flows cooling gas at a predetermined velocity in countercurrent to the sponge iron particles. This cooling gas is admixed with the reducing gas produced in the melt-down gasifier for the direct reduction unit and said gas mixture, as well as the fine particle fraction of the sponge iron entrained therewith are supplied to cyclones (5 and 6). The solid separated therein, e.i., the fine particle fraction and the coke particles, are introduced into the melt-down gasifier level with the coal fluidized bed. The gas mixture freed from the solids is used as a reducing gas in the direct reduction unit. Part is branched therefrom beforehand, washed and compressed and used as a cooling gas. The coarse particle fraction passes out of the air classifier into a cooling or buffer unit (4) and is then discharged therefrom.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.