Reactor and a method of smelting combustion residues in the reactor

A method for melting inorganic combustion residues in a reactor comprising two chambers separated by an essentially vertical wall dimensioned to provide an overflow between the two chambers at its upper end and a return flow opening between the chambers at its bottom end, said method including the steps of:

• introducing a charge of said residues into one of the chambers through a feeding opening in said one chamber, said charge being heated to a temperature above 1,400.degree. C.;
• and
• injecting gas into said one chamber through a nozzle in the chamber at a rate that results in a foamed slag being formed, said slag having a foam weight between 0.06 and 0.15 kg/liter in said one chamber.

A reactor for melting inorganic combustion residues wherein a charge is heated and acted upon by gases and oxidic slag is drawn off at temperatures above 1,400.degree. C., the reactor comprising two chambers that are separated by an essentially vertical wall, said wall being dimensioned to provide an overflow between the two chambers at its upper end and, at a bottom end of the wall, a return flow opening between the chambers, one of the chambers including a baffle located adjacent the overflow, a lower edge of the baffle lying beneath an upper edge of the overflow, said one chamber being further provided with a feed opening for the charge and the other chamber being provided with a taphole for oxidic slag, said one chamber including at its bottom at least one nozzle for the injection gases.