Abstract: A method for operating a blast furnace includes feeding metallic charge materials, alloy elements and energy carriers in the upper part of the furnace shaft. An oxidizing agent is fed in the lower part of the shaft. Filler material, namely, alloy elements, metal chips, carbon, sands, dust are fed individually or in combination into the melting zone in at least one burst jet. Fuels may be introduced additionally into the first jet. The oxygen is fed at a high speed into the melting zone in at least one separate jet and the conditions of introducing the materials in the first jet and the oxygen in the second jet are controlled so that no flame can be formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for reducing pollutant gas emissions in the combustion of fuel, which utilize oxygen or oxygen-enriched air while avoiding the resulting disadvantages of high flame temperature and low gas momentum resulting in high NO.sub.x emissions. The invention provides a process of burning fuel, which simultaneously injects two jets of heated oxidant gas such as recirculated furnace gases and mixing such recirculated furnace gases with the oxidant into the furnace.