Refining Means With Separate Metal-melting Zone Patents (Class 266/212)
  • Patent number: 11512369
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ingot made of titanium-based metallic compound, includes providing raw material fragments; melting the raw material fragments into a liquid metal in at least one basin; keeping in the molten state the liquid metal in the at least one basin; pouring the liquid metal from the at least one basin into a crucible by overflow from the at least one basin into the crucible; forming an ingot by cooling of the liquid metal into the crucible; wherein the method further includes preheating the raw material fragments before the melting of the raw material fragments with a preheating temperature higher than or equal to 75% of the liquidus temperature of the raw material fragments, and lower less than the liquidus temperature of the raw material fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Bruno Vitorino Lopes, Laurent Ferrer
  • Patent number: 10643679
    Abstract: Devices and methods include utilizing memory including a group of storage elements, such as memory banks. A command interface is configured to receive a write command to write data to the memory. A data strobe is received to assist in writing the data to the memory. Phase division circuitry is configured to divide the data strobe into a plurality of phases to be used in writing the data to the memory. Arbiter circuitry is configured to detect which phase of the plurality of phases captures a write start signal for the write command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Penney
  • Patent number: 10570481
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present application is a copper rotation-suspension smelting process comprising: mixing a flux and/or fume with dried copper-containing mineral powders to form a mixed material, which enters into a smelting furnace through a material channel; allowing a reaction gas to form a swirling flow under an action of a swirler, which enters into the smelting furnace through a Venturi channel under a guidance of a swirling gas channel; replenishing the reaction gas and/or a fuel to the smelting furnace through an auxiliary oxygen channel and an auxiliary fuel channel; subjecting the swirling flow which has been subjected to high-speed expansion through the Venturi channel and enters into the smelting furnace to a contact reaction with the mixed material; separating a melt generated by the reaction which falls into a settling tank into a residue layer and a copper-containing product layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: YANGGU XIANGGUANG COPPER CO., LTD
    Inventors: Songlin Zhou, Zheling Ge, Zhipu Wang
  • Publication number: 20150143951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for refining copper concentrate (1). The arrangement comprises a suspension smelting furnace (2) comprising a reaction shaft (5), and a settler (6). The reaction shaft (5) is provided with a concentrate burner (8) for feeding copper concentrate (1) such as copper sulfide concentrate and/or copper matte and additionally at least reaction gas (9) into the reaction shaft (5) to obtain a blister layer (11) containing blister and a first slag layer (12) containing slag on top of the blister layer (11) in the settler (6), and a slag cleaning furnace (3). The arrangement comprises feeding means (16, 18, 23) for feeding blister from the blister layer (11) in the settler (6) and for feeding slag from the first slag layer (12) in the settler (6) into the slag cleaning furnace (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Tapio Ahokainen, Peter Björklund, Tuomo Jokinen, Harri Rannikko, Maija Metsärinta, Markku Lahtinen
  • Patent number: 9039958
    Abstract: A refractory well (16) for melting scrap metal pieces into a molten metal bath, comprises an inlet (18) for introducing metal into said well, the inlet being located so as to cause a circular flow of molten metal in said well, an outlet (19) for the flow of metal from said well and an electromagnetic pump (22) located beneath the refractory well for pumping said molten metal from said well through said outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Rifat A. Chalabi, Ophneil Henry Perry
  • Publication number: 20150122083
    Abstract: Provided are a method and a refining device for producing molten steel of outstanding cleanliness, and more particularly provides a method and device for refining inclusions by forming droplets from molten steel and dropping same into slag during pre-processing in a continuous casting process in a steel-making process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Ja Yong Choi, Seung Min Han, Sun Koo Kim, Hee Ho Lee, Sang Yuel Jung, Young Jong Seo
  • Publication number: 20140190312
    Abstract: A method for dephosphorising liquid hot metal, such as liquid blast furnace iron or liquid metal with a composition equivalent to blast furnace iron. A pouring stream of the hot metal discharges from a vessel containing the hot metal into a refining unit. In the refining unit one or more streams of additives for forming a molten slag and one or more gaseous streams for breaking up the pouring stream of hot metal into molten metal droplets are directed into the pouring stream. One or more of the gaseous streams and/or one or more of the streams of additives includes oxygen in gaseous form or in compounded form, to allow a dephosphorisation reaction between the metal droplets. The oxygen and molten slag during the fall of the molten droplets before collection into a receiving vessel positioned below the refining unit. An apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TATA STEEL UK LTD
    Inventor: Maurice Stuart Millman
  • Patent number: 8129624
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Willner, Lauren Snedeker, Brian Wilkie, Gifford Plume, Prasanth Ambady
  • Patent number: 7897100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous production of steel using metal charge material (8) that is preheated in an upper part of a melting vessel (2), is then melted in a lower part (9) of the melting vessel l(2) with fossil fuels (23) and the molten material (16) is continuously discharged into a treatment vessel (3) in which the desired steel quality is adjusted while gases (22) are introduced into the melting vessel (2) from the exterior to afterburn the melting exhaust gases (13). The aim of the invention is to improve the aforementioned afterburn step while at the same time reducing oxidation of the iron-containing charge materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Monheim, Wolfgang Reichelt, Walter Weischedel
  • Publication number: 20090051084
    Abstract: Means for conveying hot granular material from a loading zone to an arc melting furnace (3), comprising a horizontal trough (1), trough vibration generators that cause the granular material to move along the trough, a sluice gate (4) to regulate the material flow in the discharge zone and a sluice gate to regulate the material flow in correspondence with the loading zone. Separating baffles (5) are arranged inside the conveyor trough defining cells in which the granular material accumulates and considerably improving the effectiveness of the action of the gases that are forced through the granular bed, for instance to prevent oxidation of the hot DRI or to perform an additional reduction process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Arbeno Vrech, Alfredo Poloni
  • Publication number: 20040011438
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus suitable for accomplishing the method that significantly simplifies the process of making a solution heat treated feedstock. The method comprises continuously casing an aluminum alloy to produce a cast feedstock. Any apparatus which accomplishes continuous casting is appropriate for use with the present invention. Once the cast feedstock is formed, it is hot rolled and quenched during hot rolling to form the solution heat treated feedstock. The apparatus which accomplishes the method of the present invention comprises a continuous caster, at least one hot mill stand, and at least one quenching apparatus before or in the at least one hot mill stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Leland L. Lorentzen, Donald C. McAuliffe
  • Patent number: 6451246
    Abstract: A molten metal vessel includes a first chamber for containing molten metal such as molten aluminum therein, a filtration chamber in which impurities contained in the molten metal are removed, and a second chamber for reserving clean molten metal to be supplied to a casting die. The molten metal flows from the first chamber to the second chamber through the filtration chamber. A pair of filters, preferably a pair of cylindrical filters, are disposed in the filtration chamber, so that the impurities contained in the molten metal can be filtered twice. The filters are attached to the bottom of the filtration chamber where molten metal oxides hardly develop, so that the filters are easily replaced with new ones for the maintenance purpose. A rod-shaped heater may be disposed in the cylindrical filters to keep the molten metal temperature in a strictly controlled range. Thus, the impurities are effectively removed from the molten metal through the filters which are easily replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Hatano, Takeshi Nagasaka, Hiromi Takagi, Sumi Yoshikawa, Shunji Moohizuki
  • Publication number: 20010028135
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a copper wire includes a melting furnace in which combustion is performed in a reducing atmosphere so as to produce molten copper; a soaking furnace for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the molten copper supplied from the melting furnace; a casting trough for sealing the molten copper supplied from the soaking furnace in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and for transferring the molten copper to a turn-dish; a degasser provided in the casting trough for dehydrogenating the molten copper passing therethrough; a continuous casting machine for continuously producing cast copper from the molten copper supplied from the turn-dish, and a cutter for cuffing the cast copper into a predetermined length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Asao, Yutaka Koshiba, Keiji Nogami, Tutomu Masui, Kazumasa Hori, Kenji Wakiguchi, Masahiko Wada, Yoshiaki Hattori
  • Patent number: 6290900
    Abstract: A molten metal vessel includes a first chamber for containing molten metal such as molten aluminum therein, a filtration chamber in which impurities contained in the molten metal are removed, and a second chamber for reserving clean molten metal to be supplied to a casting die. The molten metal flows from the first chamber to the second chamber through the filtration chamber. A pair of filters, preferably a pair of cylindrical filters, are disposed in the filtration chamber, so that the impurities contained in the molten metal can be filtered twice. The filters are attached to the bottom of the filtration chamber where molten metal oxides hardly develop, so that the filters are easily replaced with new ones for the maintenance purpose. A rod-shaped heater may be disposed in the cylindrical filters to keep the molten metal temperature in a strictly controlled range. Thus, the impurities are effectively removed from the molten metal through the filters which are easily replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Hatano, Takeshi Nagasaka, Hiromi Takagi, Sumi Yoshikawa, Shunji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6264722
    Abstract: In a process for producing molten pig iron or steel preproducts from fine-particulate iron containing material in a meltdown gasifying zone of a melter gasifier, under the supply of carbon-containing material and oxygen-containing gas at the simultaneous formation of a reducing gas in a bed formed of solid carbon carriers, the iron-containing material is melted when passing the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignees: Voest-Alpine, Pohang Iron & Steel Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Werner Leopold Kepplinger, Felix Wallner, Johannes Schenk
  • Patent number: 6241798
    Abstract: In order to be able to process in an economical manner different iron carriers in varying quantitative compositions, a plant for the production of iron melts (4), in particular steel melts, such as crude steel melts, is equipped with an electric are furnace vessel (1), a refining vessel (3) following upon the furnace vessel (1) via a weir (34) and including a bottom departing from the weir (34) in an at least partially downwardly inclined manner and an oxygen supply means (35, 36) as well as an iron melt tap (41) provided in its end region farther remote from the furnace vessel (1), a decanting vessel (2) following upon the furnace vessel (1) and having a common bottom (18) with the furnace vessel (1), said decanting vessel being provided with a slag tap (43) in its end region farther remote from the furnace vessel (1), a supply means (21) supplying liquid pig iron (20) and opening into the furnace vessel (1), a preheating shaft (5) supplying solid iron carries (7), said preheating shaft being arranged a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Dimitrov, Norbert Ramaseder, Wilfried Pirklbauer, Ernst Fritz, Heinz Müller
  • Patent number: 6113670
    Abstract: Refractory lined metal melting furnace for the melting and holding a plurality molten metals or alloys of different composition comprises a melting chamber, a plurality of passages communicating the melting chamber to a plurality of refractory lined, heated holding chambers for holding individual molten metals or alloys therein. The holding chambers are separated from one another by a refractory partition to thereby eliminate contact between molten metals or alloys therein. The holding chambers are selectively communicated one at a time to the melting chamber to introduce a respective molten metal or alloy to respective holding chamber. The holding chambers are communicated to respective take-out wells where each respective individual molten metal or alloy is received without contact with the others for further processing or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Thermtronix Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Nealon, Joseph E. Danega
  • Patent number: 5888458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a melting furnace of metals and melting method thereof, which can control the rate at which a metallic raw material is introduced from a preheating section to a melting section within an optimum range and which can achieve efficient melting of the metallic raw material using oxygen burners only. The metal melting furnace has a melting section (22) provided with oxygen burners (21) and a preheating section (23) for preheating the metallic raw material located above the melting section, with a reduced section (24), having an inner diameter smaller than those of the melting section (22) and of the preheating section (23), being located between the melting section (22) and the preheating section (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignees: Nippon Sanso Corporation, NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Suwa, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Igarashi, Kimio Iino, Yoshiteru Kikuchi, Yasuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5336296
    Abstract: The proposed method is characterized in that the liquid bath is constituted by the melt of low carbon steel and molten slag. Oxidation and reducing zones are created through which, along a closed path on the surface of the molten low-carbon steel, is circulated the molten slag, into which are blown powder slag materials which are melted with the heat of a fuel oxygen torch immersed into the melt. The melting is carried out in a melting reservoir shaped as a closed annular chamber (1) provided with partitions (11) hermetically dividing the gas space above the molten slag into oxidation (6) and reducing (7) zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Scientific Dimensions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Vitold M. Lupeiko
  • Patent number: 5238486
    Abstract: This non-blast process for the production of pig iron, cast iron, steel melt and nearly pure iron is carried out in a single furnace based on a tank-type design. Said types of iron melt can be produced in such single furnace individually or simultaneously in different combinations. The furnace interior is divided into immediately adjacent side-by-side chambers, at least one being an ore reduction chamber and at least one being a secondary chamber. Ore introduced into the top of the ore reduction chamber moves downward to the bottom of this chamber and is at first converted into sponge iron, which, absorbing carbon, is then converted into iron-carbon alloy in the form of a flowable layer at temperatures close to its melting point at about 1150 degrees C. while said flowable layer is collected on the bottom. In the melting zone of the secondary chamber such flowable semifinished product is completely melted, producing pig iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Yury D. Kremenets
  • Patent number: 5174746
    Abstract: A method for operation of a flash smelting furnace comprising a reaction shaft, a settler connected at one end thereof to the lower portion of the reaction shaft and having a slag discharge port and a matte discharge port disposed on the side thereof, an uptake connected to the other end of the settler and at least one concentrate burner disposed to at least one of the top of the reaction shaft and the ceiling of the settler, in which the concentrate burner comprises at least a concentrate shoot, an oxygen blowing tube inserted in the concentrate shoot and an auxiliary fuel burner inserted into the oxygen blowing tube. In this method, the lower end of the oxygen blowing tube is protruded downward to lower than the lower end of the concentrate shoot and an amount of oxygen at least greater than that required for the auxiliary fuel is blown as an industrial oxygen by way of the oxygen blowing tube into the furnace. Oxygen efficiency can be improved remarkably while the rate of dust occurrence can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Limited
    Inventors: Nobumasa Kemori, Akihiko Akada, Yasuhiro Kondou
  • Patent number: 5064174
    Abstract: A process and arrangement are provided for the efficient generation of energy from coal, while at the same time providing for a relatively inexpensive step in processing of iron or steel, and the extraction of valuable materials such as oils from coal. An advantage to the process is that relatively low quality coals can be utilized, since the coal is pretreated before any burning operation. Generally, the process involves three interacting stages. In the First Stage, a coal liquefaction/pyrolysis procedure is utilized to drive off volatiles, and form a very low volatile char. The volatiles can be collected and utilized as a valuable oil product, such as for diesel fuel or the like. The char material is preferably pelletized and utilized as a reductant, in a Second Stage of iron reduction and melting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Northern States Power Company
    Inventors: John M. Lehto, Raymond L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4931091
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for treating molten metal. The invention comprises: (a) a heated vessel having inlet and outlet means for the continuous flow of molten metal downwardly through the vessel, (b) a perforated plate extending horizontally across the vessel dividing it into an upper treatment section and a lower treatment section, this plate forming an intermediate treatment section, and (c) a device for injecting gas in the form of small discrete bubbles into the metal in the lower treatment section, this device comprising a hollow rotatable shaft extending downwardly through an opening in the plate with drive means coupled to the upper end of the shaft, a vaned rotor fixedly attached to the lower end of the shaft within the lower treatment section, with one or more passageways within the rotor for conducting gas from the interior of the shaft to the metal in the lower treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Peter D. Waite, Ghyslain Dube
  • Patent number: 4824362
    Abstract: A method of operating a flash smelting furnace which includes a reaction shaft, a concentrate burner disposed at the top of the reaction shaft, a settler disposed with one end thereof connected to the lower part of the reaction shaft, an uptake disposed as connected to the other end of the settler, and at least one lance pipe disposed through the ceiling of the settler between the reaction shaft and the uptake and adapted to permit forced supply of at least powdery raw materials and a reaction gas into the melt in the settler includes the steps of blowing the powdery raw materials containing only a small amount of incombustible substances and the reaction gas into the reaction shaft through the concentrate burner, blowing powdery raw materials containing at least incombustible substances through the lance pipe, and employing means capable of at least retaining the heat of the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Limited
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kimura, Yasuo Ojima, Yoshiaki Mori
  • Patent number: 4798532
    Abstract: A flash smelting furnace which comprises a reaction shaft, a concentrate combustion device disposed at the top of the furnace shaft, a settler disposed with one end thereof connected to the lower part of the reaction shaft, an uptake disposed as connected to the other end of the settler and at least one lance pipe extending through the ceiling of the settler between the reaction shaft and the uptake and adapted to blow at least powdery raw materials and a reaction gas into the melt inside the settler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Limited
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kimura, Yasuo Ojima, Yoshiaki Mori
  • Patent number: 4696458
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of strip steel from ferrous ore includes a separate ore reducing furnace, a refining furnace, a degassing chamber and continuous casting means. The refining furnace includes inert gas injecting means connected to a porous floor and an enclosed deep settle bath section beyond the porous floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Blaw Knox Corporation
    Inventor: Semyon E. Royzman
  • Patent number: 4645186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating sulphide concentrates of sulphide ores in order to produce raw metal in one and the same process unit (1). According to the invention, the molten matte (5) received from suspension smelting is solidified (7) and, if necessary, crushed (8) and ground (9), whereafter the solid matte (5) is returned into the process unit (1) through the converting shaft (10) located therein. In the converting zone (15) the matte (5) is converted into raw metal (12) by means of a two-phase method. The exhaust gases both from the smelting zone (16) and from the converting zone (15) are discharged through a common uptake shaft (4). Moreover, the slags (6,11) from both zones can be discharged through the same tap hole (17), whereas the matte (5) and the raw metal (11) are advantageously removed from the process unit (1) each through a specific individual tap hole (18,19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oy
    Inventor: Teuvo P. T. Hanniala
  • Patent number: 4627601
    Abstract: Installation according to the invention comprising a desilication and dephosphorization stage (A), followed by a decarburization stage and in which the pig iron to be pre-smelted is intended to form a bath whose free surface is maintained at a predetermined level (N.sub.1).The dephosphorization comprises a reactor (1) comprising means (5, 6, 8) respectively for introducing the pig iron to be pre-smelted, for adding desilication and dephosphorization agents, and for creating an oxidizing atmosphere, as well as rabbling means (9). It also comprises a decanter (2) separated from the reactor (1) by a partition (3) having an opening (4) below the level (N.sub.1) and whose upper end is above the latter. The decanter comprises an immersed outlet opening (10) connected to the decarburization stage and an overflow (12) for evacuating the slag. The slag formed in the reactor (1) flows out in the decanter (2), overflows above the partition (3), and moves toward the overflow (12) which evacuated it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: IRSID
    Inventors: Aristide Berthet, Guy Denier
  • Patent number: 4598899
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for remelting light gauge scrap metals which includes a remelting furnace with separate heating and melting chambers and pump means for inducing circulation of molten metal between the two. Also included are auger means adapted to include light gauge "floating" scrap metal from the melt into the central zone of the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Kennecott Corporation
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4591382
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for recovering metallic uranium from scrap containing metallic uranium by introducing such metallic uranium scrap into a bath containing, in molten form, at least one member selected from the group consisting of BaF.sub.2, CaF.sub.2, MgF.sub.2, LiF, YF.sub.3, trifluorides of lanthanides and mixtures thereof, preferably with such member constituting at least 75 mole percent of the bath at a temperature above the melting point or uranium and under an inert atmosphere and casting the purified molten metallic uranium. The bath of molten salt preferably includes means for improving contact between the molten metallic uranium scrap and the molten salt during passage of the molten uranium through the bath of molten salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Guy R. B. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4457777
    Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for steelmaking comprising a steel melt and initial reaction chamber arranged to receive source material in the form of scrap and/or pre-reduced iron, an overhead lance for the introduction of an oxidizing gas to the initial reaction chamber, means for introducing, below the level of the surface of the melt in the reaction chamber, a melt stirring fluid medium, means for introducing carbonaceous material into the melt; a secondary refining chamber connecting with the initial reaction chamber at the surface level of the melt and through which the metal is arranged to pass from the initial reaction chamber; and a melt holding vessel into which the metal is passed from the secondary refining chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: British Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Ian K. MacGregor, Robert Scholey, Gene D. Spenceley
  • Patent number: 4247087
    Abstract: A furnace assembly for the pyrometallurgical treatment of fine-grained ore concentrates including a housing in which there is located a reactor for reacting an ore concentrate and an oxygen-rich gas admitted thereto, the housing further having means therein defining a collection chamber for collection of the molten metal and a settling hearth in the housing communicating with the collection chamber. The housing is provided with a downwardly offset wall means in the roof thereof and partition means in dependent relationship with such offset wall means. The partition means are positioned to isolate the upper portion of the collection chamber from the settling hearth. An exhaust stack is provided transversely with respect to the long dimension of the settling hearth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventor: Vladimir Suprunov
  • Patent number: 4200265
    Abstract: A furnace for the melting and refining of raw copper and/or blister copper comprises a shaft furnace having a lock-chamber feeder for the material at the top of the shaft furnace and an opening into a hearth furnace in which the copper is refined. The shaft furnace and the hearth furnace are constructed unitarily with one another with the shaft furnace surmounting the hearth furnace in such manner that, when the apparatus has been charged, a pile of copper is formed which is supported on the bottom of the hearth furnace and slopes toward a portion of the length of the hearth furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: Norddeutsche Affinerie
    Inventors: Gerhard Berndt, Gerhard Kapell, Anton Schummer, Jens U. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4062657
    Abstract: This application describes a process and apparatus for gasifying sulphur bearing coal in a molten iron bath which is covered with a sulphur absorbing slag. In order to make the process practical, the hot liquid slag is transferred to a second vessel in which it is desulfurized by contact with an oxygen containing gas, and then returned as hot liquid slag to the iron bath for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: Eisenwerk-Gesellschaft Maximilianshutte mbH
    Inventors: Helmut Knuppel, Karl Brotzmann, Hans-Georg Fassbinder