Abstract: A system and device for introducing gas into molten metal comprises: 1) a pump having a pump chamber and a discharge, 2) a gas-release device for releasing gas into the discharge, and 3) a flow-directing device to substantially reduce or eliminate the low-pressure zone behind the gas-release device. The pump creates a stream of molten metal through the discharge. The gas-release device, which is preferably a graphite tube, has an end extending into the discharge. Gas is introduced through the gas-release device into the discharge where it escapes into the molten metal stream passing therethrough. The flow-directing device is positioned behind the end of the gas-release device to eliminate the low pressure zone that normally forms there. During operation, the molten metal is diverted around the sides and bottom of the flow-directing device and the gas is dispersed within the molten metal, rather than being trapped in a low-pressure zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating molten aluminum or zinc having a housing providing a chamber for containing a molten metal. The chamber including an inlet opening and an outlet passage. A rotatable impeller disposed within the chamber for drawing molten metal in through the inlet and expelling molten metal through the outlet passage. A convergent nozzle being positioned in the outlet passage. A gas injection conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of purifying gas and an outlet in proximity to the chamber, and positioned upstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and system of heating a body of molten aluminum, for example, contained in a heating bay, the method comprising providing a body of molten aluminum; projecting an electric powered heater into the body of molten aluminum; passing electric current through the element and adding heat to the body of molten aluminum. The heater is comprised of a sleeve suitable for immersing in the molten aluminum. The sleeve may have a closed end and is comprised of a composite material comprised of an inner layer of titanium or titanium alloy having an outside surface having a refractory coating thereon exposed to the molten aluminum, the refractory coating resistant to attack by the molten aluminum. An electric heating element is located in the sleeve in heat transfer relationship therewith for adding heat to the molten aluminum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for post-combustion (after-burning) of the combustible gases present in a metallurgical vessel used for smelting metals. A swirling flow of an oxidizing gas emanating from a radiant injector (10) having a funnel-shaped (conical) diffuser (14) causes a reaction between the combustible gases and the oxidizing gas at the inner surface (13) of the diffuser (14) thereby further heating the inner surface (13). Heat from the inner surface (13) of the diffuser (14) is radiated inside the vessel toward the metal (12). Fuel gas can be supplied to the radiant injector to aid in heating of the inner surface (13) of the diffuser (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating residual or waste materials that can be recycled energetically, especially light-weight refuse from shredders, which, reduced in size and classified, are stored in bunkers. The residual or waste material is fed by portions from the bunkers to a supply trough in a metal melting furnace, especially an electric arc furnace for melting steel. After a predetermined time, the residual material is placed by portions into a sluice that can be closed in a gas-tight manner. After the sluice is closed, the residual material is subjected to an oxygen-containing gas, the pressure of which is higher than the pressure at the furnace head of the metal melting furnace, until the pressure within the sluice exceed the pressure in the furnace head. The sluice output opening facing toward the furnace vessel bottom is opened after the pressure within the sluice exceeds the pressure in the furnace head and the residual material is conveyed pneumatically into the chamber part.

Abstract: A gas blast nozzle for a furnace for processing molten metal has a prolonged service life and is free from gas leakage. The nozzle comprises a refractory block having a narrow straight bore and a small metal pipe slidably arranged in the straight bore. A gas is blown by the small metal pipe. When the gas blast nozzle is partially worn, the small metal pipe is moved upwardly to project into the furnace and the worn area is filled with a refractory material.

Abstract: A gas flushing device for a blowpipe of a degassing vessel, the blowpipe being cladded with a fire resistant material. The gas flushing device has a plurality of channels which are distributed around the circumference of the blowpipe and pass through the fire resistant cladding radially in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the blowpipe and can be connected on the outside to at least one gas feed pipe. The channels are between 0.5 and 2 mm in diameter, are spaced at intervals of less than 10 mm and can be pressurized in such a way that the gas on entering the blowpipe rises in the immediate vicinity of the blowpipe inner wall.

Abstract: Argon injection nozzles are provided in a close-spaced series lengthwise along a treatment trough, in which liquid aluminum is conveyed. The gas is blown in at high Reynolds No, whereby the jets break up into small bubbles. A high average bubble population density is achieved over the whole volume of liquid metal in the treatment trough. De-gassing is achieved in a metal residence time of 15 to 60 seconds, whereby the trough in which treatment takes place can be small.

Abstract: An improved molten aluminum refining apparatus in which the refining gas passageway is defined by a helical groove in the rotor shaft and sleeve for heating gas by contact with the sleeve as it flows toward the rotor to generally the temperature of the melt; which comprises a stator surrounding the sleeve and occupying a portion of the surface of the molten aluminum, and wherein the vessel comprises side walls that diverge upwardly at an angle of from about 5 degrees to about 16 degrees for permitting the gas bubbles to expand without substantial coalescence as the bubbles move upwardly in the melt reducing the metallostatic pressure on the respective bubbles.

Abstract: A purging device for use in metal processing includes a shell, a body and a plurality of gas delivery tubes. The body comprises a refractory material and the tubes are disposed therein. Each tube has at least two passageways extending therethrough. The body with the tubes disposed therein is placed in the shell such that there is a gap between a portion of the body and the shell. An inlet allows the device to be attached to a lance, ladle or similar apparatus. Gas flows through the inlet, into the shell, through the passageways in the tubes and into the molten metal. In this manner, gas is delivered through the purging device through a plurality of passages that are arranged in discrete groups.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and treating the walls of a kettle containing a molten metal such as zinc comprises injecting nitrogen or other gas into the molten metal through a reaction container. The reaction container may contain a second metal capable of forming an alloy with the molten metal. The reaction container is immersed in the molten metal adjacent the sidewall of the kettle and is moved around the peripheral edge of the kettle to disperse the second metal and the nitrogen into molten metal. The reaction container includes a gas feed pipe having a lower end with a plurality of gas outlets. An enclosure for containing the second metal surrounds the lower end of the feed pipe such that gas exiting the feed pipe bubbles upwardly through the enclosure to contact the second metal. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is nitrogen and the second metal is aluminum which form aluminum nitride in the molten metal.

Abstract: A gassing agitator for light metal melts made of thermal shock-resistant ceramic is described which consists of minimally machined ceramic tubes that are connected to one another using the insert and lock technique.

Abstract: A process and a device for introducing gases into a metal melt contained in metallurgical vessels via ducts arranged in the refractory lining of the vessel. In order to permit deeper penetration of the jet of gas and better mixing with the melt, an oscillating jet of gas is produced and introduced into the melt. For this purpose, several acoustic generators with which the gas is brought into contact with the melt are provided in the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dome lid and a containment vessel for use in combination with a molten metal refinement system for the refinement and purification of molten metal by degassification. Further disclosed is an apparatus for refining molten metal, which includes a molten metal refinement system in combination with a containment vessel having a molten metal inlet, a molten metal outlet, a lower section which includes one or more metal refinement compartments and an upper section which includes an elevated ceiling, inwardly sloped outer walls and access ports in the sloped outer walls. The molten metal particularly includes aluminum.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying heat to a reservoir (27) of molten metal, comprising a plasma torch (48) and a metal contact electrode (52) to complete an electrical circuit with the torch (48) via the molten metal in the reservoir (27). The plasma torch (48) and the metal contact electrode (52) are both mounted on a stand (51) for up and down movements as a unit so as that the plasma torch (48) is moveable downwardly into proximity with the surface of the reservoir of molten metal and the metal contact electrode is simultaneously insertable into the molten metal and withdrawable therefrom. The metal contact electrode (52) is formed with an interior passage (63) for flow of gas therethrough into the molten metal and there is provided a gas pressure detector (65) to detect a change in gas pressure consequent on breakage of the metal contact electrode (52).

Abstract: A device for removing gas and impurities from the molten aluminium is composed of a driving portion, a transmission portion, and an agitating portion. The driving portion has an output shaft while the transmission portion has a transmission shaft such that the axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to the axis of the output shaft, and that the transmission shaft is driven by the output shaft. The agitating portion comprises a plurality of blades, which are driven by the transmission shaft. Each blade has an upper end surface and a lower end surface, which form respectively a predetermined angle with the axis of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is provided with an axial hole of a predetermined length. Each blade is provided therein with a channel for expelling the gas contained in the molten aluminium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purging air from the interior of a container in which purge gas is supplied to the interior of the container from one or more injectors in a turbulent jet flow having a modified Reynolds number Re' of less than 14,000 and the purge gas is supplied at a flow rate to produce a positive pressure within the container of at least 2.times.10.sup.-8 atm above the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A system and device for removing impurities from molten metal comprising a pump within a chamber having an outlet port. The pump creates a flow or stream of molten metal through the outlet port. One or more gas-release tubes are provided adjacent the outlet port, each gas-release tube having one or more gas-release openings adjacent the outlet port. Gas is introduced into the gas-release tube(s) whereby it escapes through the openings into the molten metal stream thereby removing impurities from the molten metal. The system may further comprise a gas-release block, having one or more openings, mounted adjacent the bottom of the outlet port, partially within the molten metal flow. Gas is introduced into the block through a gas-transfer device where the gas escapes through the openings and enters the lower portion of the molten metal stream. Finally, the system may further comprise a metal-transfer device for containing the molten metal stream.

Abstract: Close-coupled atomization systems and methods employing non-axisymmetric gas flow have demonstrated superior efficiency in the production of fine superalloy powder, compared to conventional close-coupled atomization utilizing an axisymmetric annular gas orifice and an axisymmetric melt nozzle. A means has been devised for convening otherwise axisymmetric plenums into non-axisymmetric plenums that produce non-axisymmetric gas flow.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating molten metal to achieve effective removal of such unwanted inclusions as gases, alkali metals, entrained solids, and the like. The method comprises introducing molten metal into a trough, such as the trough provided between a melting furnace and a casting machine, providing at least one mechanically movable gas injector submerged within the metal in the trough and injecting a gas into the metal in a part of the trough forming a treatment zone through the injector(s) to form gas bubbles in the metal while moving the injector(s) mechanically to minimize bubble size and maximize distribution of the gas within the metal.

Abstract: A bottom anode for a metallurgical vessel destined for producing a metal melt is formed by a metal bar provided with at least one through recess extending from outside of the metallurgical vessel as far as to within the metallurgical vessel. In order to substantially increase the service life of such a bottom anode, conforming it to that of a lining made of refractory material, the bottom anode, on the vessel internal-side end of the metal bar, is provided with a nose formed of metal melt produced within the vessel. The nose incorporates channels departing from the vessel internal-side end of the through recess of the metal bar, which is connected to a supply duct introducing liquid and/or solid hydrocarbons, and at least some of the channels reaching as far as the surface of the nose.

Abstract: A device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to a flexible conduit comprises a first half-coupling mounted on the metallurgical carriage and a second half-coupling connected to one end of the flexible conduit. A coupling station is located near a predefined coupling position for the metallurgical carriage. This coupling station comprises a supporting block designed to receive and support the second half-coupling, driving means to move the supporting block from a parked position in the direction of the first half-coupling and vice versa. The second half-coupling is equipped with a locking device which can be actuated by a control device on the coupling station. In a first position of the locking device, the second half-coupling is coupled and locked to the first half-coupling; and in a second position of the locking device, the second half-coupling is coupled and locked to its support on the coupling station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blanketing the surface of material, e.g. molten metal contained in an open top vessel, e.g. induction furnace, by establishing a swirling flow of an inert gas having a density greater than air at the top of the vessel. Inert gas exits the swirl flow through an opening in a flow controlling apparatus having an exit opening with a diameter that is smaller than the base diameter of the swirl adjacent the open top vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing stainless steel, comprising methods for creating a ferroalloy, such as ferrochromium, and for further processing the alloy in order to produce a desired stainless steel. According to the invention, the melt obtained from the ferro alloy production unit (1) is transferred at least partly to a ferroalloy processing unit (2) arranged in between the ferroalloy production unit (1) and the stainless steel production unit (5); in the said processing unit (2), the composition of the ferroalloy is adjusted to be suitable for the production of stainless steel.

Abstract: A ladle including one or more compartments for the continuous processing of molten metal, such as aluminum or its alloys, with the aid of a device for introducing gas and heating by means of a submerged immersion heater. The ladle includes a plurality of immersion heaters of small diameter having high power output per unit distributed within the ladle.

Abstract: A bottom or wall structure for a metallurgical vessel has a fireproof lining adjacent to an outer metallic envelope (10) of the vessel. The fireproof lining has on the side opposite to the metallic envelope (10) a wear lining (26) that is gas permeable in at least one of its sections and that covers with its gas permeable section at least one gas rinsing device (14) provided with an associated gas inlet (12), whereas the gas rinsing device (14) is set into a gas-tight receptacle (18).

Abstract: For heating sponge iron to temperatures of about 850.degree. C. without substantial oxidation losses, there are provided at least two separate preheating stages at different temperatures, to which the sponge iron is successively fed and in which the temperature and the gas atmosphere are respectively individually controlled in such a way that a chemically neutral gas atmosphere is set in the first preheating stage at the lowest temperature and a reducing gas atmosphere is set in the last preheating stage at the highest temperature. The hot gas for the preheater is obtained at least in part from the waste gas from the melting furnace, to which the preheated sponge iron is fed.

Abstract: Fire-refined blister copper is produced from copper concentrate by a process comprising:A. melting and oxidizing the copper concentrate in a smelting furnace to produce molten matte and slag, and to separate one from the other;B. removing the molten matte from the smelting furnace;C. solidifying the molten matte;D. injecting the solidified matte into a converting furnace in which the matte is converted to blister copper and slag; andE. transferring the blister copper from the converting furnace to an anode furnace to produce fire-refined blister copper.After the fire-refined blister copper is produced in the anode furnace, it is typically transferred to an anode casting wheel on which it is converted to copper anodes suitable for subsequent electrolytic refining to cathode copper.

Abstract: An insert member including a plurality of strand members having first and second ends and being oriented in a relative spatial relationship representative of a predetermined path, first end portions for mounting the first ends of the strand members and second end portions for mounting the second ends of the strand members, wherein the first and second means are separated by a predetermined distance to provide the predetermined spatial relationship of the strand members. Also, a combination for making a ceramic gas distribution device which includes this insert member and at least one ceramic in an unfired or green state cast partially therearound.

Abstract: A vertical shaft furnace for melting non-ferrous metals, such as copper, aluminum, and their alloys, includes metal blocks disposed in an annular wall just beneath the charging section of the furnace. Preheated air is forced into the furnace shaft through openings in the wall of metal blocks to burn or oxidize substantially all the CO gas contained in the combustion gases rising from the melting chamber of the furnace. A pressurized plenum surrounding the shaft adjacent the charge opening is used to preheat ambient air which is then supplied under pressure to another plenum above the melting chamber where the preheated air is introduced into the shaft.

Abstract: A belt for sealing a discharge device of a ferrous-metallurgical vessel is formed by two concentric grooves formed in one and/or the other of a pair of superimposed sliding plates. A first, outer, groove (8) is connected to a vacuum source and a second, inner, groove (1) is connected to an inert-gas source.

Abstract: A furnace 10 for smelting iron ore and/or refining molten iron 20 is equipped with an overhead pneumatic lance 40, through which a center stream of particulate coal 53 is ejected at high velocity into a slag layer 30. An annular stream of nitrogen or argon 51 enshrouds the coal stream. Oxygen 52 is simultaneously ejected in an annular stream encircling the inert gas stream 51. The interposition of the inert gas stream between the coal and oxygen streams prevents the volatile matter in the coal from combusting before it reaches the slag layer. Heat of combustion is thus more efficiently delivered to the slag, where it is needed to sustain the desired reactions occurring there. A second stream of lower velocity oxygen can be delivered through an outermost annulus 84 to react with carbon monoxide gas rising from slag layer 30, thereby adding still more heat to the furnace.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a mixture of at least one reactive element or an alloy thereof and a liquid metal melt, including introducing the reactive element or alloy thereof, in a liquid state and under pressure, within, i.e. below the surface of, the metal melt, is provided. An apparatus to facilitate the method above is also provided. The apparatus includes a crucible, an immersion pipe that passes into the crucible, an accommodating vessel for storing the reactive element or alloy thereof and a pressure unit.

Abstract: A system for inerting a casting vessel, such as a traversable ladle or torpedo vessel, used for transporting molten metal, the vessel being positioned below the molten metal outlet opening at a transfer station, and the vessel cavity being flushed with an inert gas both prior to the molten metal inletting and during the inflow of the molten metal in such a manner as to avoid contact between the molten metal surface and the vessel and the atomospheric oxygen. A blowpipe is arranged in the vicinity of the molten metal outlet opening but does not intersect the molten metal stream, is located outside the free space profile of the vessel at least during the approach and return of the vessel, and terminates a distance from the vessel inlet opening and produces at its terminal end an inert gas stream which enters the cavity of the vessel adjacent the molten metal stream at an acute angle.

Abstract: Apparatus including a nozzle or refractory pipe lance for the secondary refinement of a bath of molten metal by the injection of a gas under pressure, having one or more low porosity-high density refractory plugs which contain apertures of constant diameter, at least those about the perimeter of the plugs having an arcuate shape. For the manufacture of a pipe lance, the low porosity-high density refractory plugs are attached to a central tube. The low porosity-high density of the refractory plugs provides a corrosion resistance to any change in the diameter of the gas nozzles and thereby produces a controlled high velocity radial burst gas stream. Generating the radial burst of small bubbles and maintaning the gas velocity of a high constant rate reduces erosion of the refractory material around the tope of the apparatus and extends the lifetime of the pipe lance or nozzle.

Abstract: A refractory for gas blowing to be attached to an opening of a molten metal refining vessel includes a gas permeable portion comprising an alumina refractory, the gas permeable portion having a plurality of gas blowing apertures running therethrough in the axial direction thereof, and a collar portion comprising an alumina refractory, formed integrally with the gas permeable portion so as to surround the gas permeable portion. The alumina refractory for both the gas permeable portion and the collar portion contains at least 88 wt. % alumina and is substantially non-porous with a porosity of up to 20%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tundish for the continuous casting of steel having a housing for the injection of gas with a feed tube for gas, the injection housing having an upper wall which is permeable to the gas. Periodically, the injection housing is completely replaced by removing the sealing grout.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas injector (50) for a molten metal vessel, comprising: a gas inlet chamber (51) having an inlet port and at least one outlet port (54), each said outlet port (54) having secured gas-tightly thereto an extruded rod (60) which extends to a gas discharge end (59) of the injector, the extruded rod (60) being formed of a substantially gas-impermeable e refractory material and having at least one axially-extending gas passage therealong, the passage communicating with the gas inlet chamber (51), and being of such small dimensions that in use, melt is substantially unable to intrude into the or each passage, the rod and compression gland connector being embedded in a refractory body of the injector save for the discharge end of the rod.

Abstract: An assembly includes a discharge member of a metallurgical vessel and a pipe member connected to the discharge member at mutual surfaces thereof defining a seat therebetween. An annular recess is formed in the region of such seat, a seal seals such seat, and gas is supplied to the annular recess. The seal is in the form of a pair of compressible sealing rings positioned between the mutual surfaces of the two members on opposite sides of the annular recess. A pressure indicator is connected to a gas supply line supplying gas to the annular recess to provide an indication of the pressure of gas prevailing in the annular recess, and particularly of changes of such pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for separating copper (II) from chromite in a material containing both copper (II) and chromite. The present invention separation method essentially comprises the steps of: (a) extracting the material with a combined hot vapor-liquid phase of volatile carboxylic acid to dissolve the copper (II) as cupric carboxylate, thereby removing the copper (II) from the material; and (b) crystallizing the cupric carboxylate. The present invention method may further comprise the step of reducing the chromite in the remaining material to chromium metal by reduction with hydrogen at about 1500.degree. C. Preferably, the substantially volatile carboxylic acid is acetic acid. The present invention method and apparatus is useful for treatment of exhausted catalyst pellets containing copper (II) and chromite and recovering both copper and chromium in a useful form from the pellets.

Abstract: Apparatus including a nozzle or refractory pipe lance for the secondary refinement of a bath of molten metal by the injection of a gas under pressure, having one or more low porosity-high density refractory plugs which contain apertures of constant diameter, at least those about the perimeter of the plugs having an arcuate shape. For the manufacture of a pipe lance, the lower porosity-high density refractory plugs are attached to a central tube. The low porosity-high density of the refractory plugs provides a corrosion resistance to any change in the diameter of the gas nozzles and thereby produces a controlled high velocity radial burst gas stream. Generating the radial burst of small bubbles and maintaining the gas velocity of a high constant rate reduces erosion of the refractory material around the tope of the apparatus and extends the lifetime of the pipe lance or nozzle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing an oxygen-free copper having an oxygen content of no greater than 3 ppm by weight are disclosed. In the method, a deoxidizing step is carried out by bringing a reducing gas containing hydrogen gas into contact with a molten copper to react on the oxygen to remove the same. Then a dehydrogenation step may be carried out by bringing a gas of lean hydrogen concentration into contact with the molten copper. Accordingly, the apparatus has a deoxidizing device for blowing the reducing gas into the molten copper and preferably a dehydrogenation device.

Abstract: A filter system for removing solid impurities from molten metal is described comprising a housing containing vertically disposed rigid coarse filter facing the incoming flow of molten metal and capable of removing solids having a particle size of at least 10 microns and a rigid fine filter mounted vertically behind the coarse filter and capable of removing solids having a particle size as small as 1 micron. The apparatus further includes a heater for maintaining the temperature of the molten metal and a sparger mounted adjacent the front face of one filter to provide an intermittent gas flow over the face of the filter to dislodge solids on the filter as filter cake. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid filters are nested cylinders, and the molten metal is directed to the center of the smaller coarse filter cylinder from which it then flows through the coarse filter outward to and through the fine filter cylinder and then from the fine filter out of the filter housing.

Abstract: A stirring plug for introducing gas into a mass of molten metal and a method of making the plug. The plug is of a generally frusto-conical shape having a central axis and includes plural elongated slots formed of generally smooth walls extending between the top and bottom ends of the plug and arranged in a frustum array. Each of the slots has a predetermined cross sectional area in any plane perpendicular to the central axis. The method comprises providing a member having a hollow frusto-conical shape cavity and inserting plural wax coated steel tapes or plastic tapes in a frustom array therein. The cavity is then filled with a refractory castable mix and it is allow to air set to form a frusto-conical body. That body is then heated to an elevated temperature to form a dense ceramic plug. In the case of the plastic tapes the heating of the mix causes the tapes to melt or sublime to form the slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of a liquid with a gas. A gas injector, for example oxygen, is surrounded with a sheath to carry a flow of a liquid under treatment (for example lead) which is taken up and circulated by the pump. The end of the injector is thereby protected by moving away the bubbles of oxygen. Application for example in the refining of metals, for example non ferrous metals, food liquids, paper pulps and the production of sulfur.

Abstract: A process is described for removing all reinforcing particles contained in metal matrix composite scrap materials. This new technique involves providing a treatment vessel for holding a melt of an aluminum matrix composite to be recycled. Heating means are provided for heating the contents of the vessel to a temperature in the range of 700.degree.-750.degree. C. Mixing of the melt is carried out by means of a power driven vaned rotary impeller and this impeller is operated under different conditions for different stages of the process. In the first mixing stage, the impeller is operated under vortex-forming conditions and a fluxing salt is added to the melt while a gas is injected through a gas outlet beneath the surface of the melt and near the rotating impeller. This causes the salt to rapidly mix with the melt and the inlet gas, providing a uniform distribution through the melt of gas bubbles each surrounded by a layer of liquid salt.

Abstract: A flushing arrangement for a metallurgical vessel, in particular for a steelworks converter, includes a refractory lining constituting the working lining and pipes provided on predetermnined sites of the refractory lining, through which flush gas flows. In order to prevent the pipes from getting jammed and to obtain a strongly bundled gas jet, at least one bar-shaped insert extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe is provided centrally in each pipe, forming an annular gap with the inner wall of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for a smelting reduction of iron ore comprising a preheat and prereduction furnace which preheats and prereduces iron ore, a smelting reduction furance into which said preheated and prereduced iron ore, carbonaceous material and fluxes are charged and in which said preheated and prereduced iron ore are smelted and reduced, a top blow oxygen lance having decarburizing nozzles and post-combustion nozzles and blowing oxygen into said smelting reduction furance, and at least one side tuyere placed at a side wall of the smelting reduction furnace and at least one bottom tuyere placed at a bottom of the smelting reduction furnace through which a stirring gas is respectively blown so that at least a part of said stirring gas introduced through said at least one side tuyere hits a swollen portion of the molten metal by said stirring gas introduced through said at least one bottom tuyere.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for automatically connecting a gas supply to a vessel employed to contain molten metal whereby gas, such as argon, is injected into the molten metal in a selected interior portion of the vessel, such as a ladle.The ladle is positioned on a tilting structure so that it can be tipped to flow out slag on the top on the molten metal, the slag and other impurities in the metal being directed to the top thereof by the upwardly flowing argon gas.The apparatus comprising an upstanding male connection mounted on the tilting structure so as to be engageable in a downwardly facing female connection mounted on the ladle. The connections are shaped to insure a substantially gas tight connection whereby gas in a desired volume at a desired pressure are introduced into the ladle.

Abstract: Fire-refined blister copper is produced from copper concentrate by a process comprising:A. melting and oxidizing the copper concentrate in a smelting furnace to produce molten matte and slag, and to separate one from the other;B. removing the molten matte from the smelting furnace;C. solidifying the molten matte;D. injecting the solidified matte into a converting furnace in which the matte is converted to blister copper and slag; andE. transfering the blister copper from the converting furnace to an anode furnace to produce fire-refined blister copper.After the fire-refined blister copper is produced in the anode furnace, it is typically transferred to an anode casting wheel on which it is converted to copper anodes suitable for subsequent electrolytic refining to cathode copper.