Abstract: A fine particle mixture of iron concentrate and pulverized flux is introduced into the upper portion of the vertical prereduction section of a sealed unitary vessel. Heated gas partially reduces the iron concentrate particles to form wustite which falls to the lower portion where it is melted to form fluid slag. The slag passes into the horizontal section of the vessel which is divided by a barrier into a reduction portion and an oxidation portion. In the reduction portion, pulverized coal and oxygen are introduced and iron oxide in the slag is reduced to iron. The entrained iron droplets in the slag are permitted to sediment in a quiescent zone where the slag is removed. The molten iron may be recovered or converted into steel by flowing through passages in the lower portion of the barrier into the oxidation portion where oxygen is introduced to remove C, Si, P and other impurities and to convert iron into steel or semi-steel. The final product and slag are separately removed from the oxidation portion.

Abstract: A fine particle mixture of iron concentrate and pulverized flux is introduced into the upper portion of the vertical prereduction section of a sealed unitary vessel. Heated gas partially reduces the iron concentrate particles to form wustite which falls to the lower portion where it is melted to form fluid slag. The slag passes into the horizontal section of the vessel which is divided by a barrier into a reduction portion and an oxidation portion. In the reduction portion, pulverized coal and oxygen are introduced and the FeO in the slag is reduced to iron. The entrained iron droplets in the slag are permitted to sediment in a quiescent zone where the slag is removed. The molten iron flows through passages in the lower portion of the barrier into the oxidation portion where oxygen is introduced to remove C, Si, P and other impurities. The final product and waste are separately removed from the oxidation portion. Exhaust gases exit a vertical stack where heat is recaptured and dust particles removed.