# US 9,752,206 B2 · Plasma heated furnace for iron ore pellet induration

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 9,752,206 B2
- Document ID: US9752206B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/362,057
- Filed: 2012-12-03
- Published: 2014-10-23
- Granted: 2017-09-05
- Earliest claimed: 2011-12-02
- Assignees: Pyrogenesis Canada Inc.
- Applicants: Pyrogenesis Canada Inc.
- Inventors: Michel G. Drouet; Pierre Carabin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9752206B2

## CPC

- C22B 1/2406: {pelletizing}
- C22B 1/20: in sintering machines with movable grates
- C22B 1/2413: {enduration of pellets}
- F27B 21/06: Endless-strand sintering machines
- H05H 1/34: Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
- H05H 1/44: using more than one torch
- H05H 1/3452: {Supplementary electrodes between cathode and anode, e.g. cascade}
- Y02P 10/143: of methane [CH4]
- C22B: PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS (electrolytic C25); PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
- F27B: FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS OR RETORTS IN GENERAL; OPEN SINTERING OR LIKE APPARATUS
- H05H: PLASMA TECHNIQUE (apparatus or processes specially adapted for producing X-rays H05G2/00); PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- Y02P: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS

## Abstract

In the present pelletizing apparatus, the induration of iron ore concentrate pellets is achieved in a tunnel furnace heated by plasma torches, wherein the generation of CO2 by the conventional iron ore pelletizing processes is reduced by using electricity powered plasma torches instead of burning natural gas, heavy oil or pulverized coal in burners, thereby reducing considerably industrial pollution of the atmosphere.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A pelletizing apparatus, comprising a firing chamber, a traveling grate for sequentially transporting ore pellets in drying, firing and cooling zones, and at least one plasma torch for providing a heat required for indurating the ore pellets in the firing chamber, wherein means are provided for conveying air heated by the plasma torch to the drying zone for drying green pellets located upstream of the firing zone.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The pelletizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are provided two plasma torches.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The pelletizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for introducing air recuperated from the pellet cooling zone in at least one chamber, where it is mixed with the extremely hot air from the plasma torch, prior to entering the pellet firing chamber.

### Claim 4

A pelletizing apparatus, comprising a firing chamber, a traveling grate for sequentially transporting ore pellets in drying, firing and cooling zones, and at least one plasma torch for providing a heat required for indurating the ore pellets in the firing chamber, wherein means are provided for introducing air recuperated from the pellet cooling zone in at least one chamber, where it is mixed with the extremely hot air from the plasma torch, prior to entering the pellet firing chamber.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The pelletizing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein there are provided two plasma torches.