Abstract: A method of operating a top submerged lance furnace, and more particularly but not exclusively to a method of coating an end of a lance of a top submerged lance furnace with a slag layer, as well as a method of maintaining a uniform heat distribution about the periphery of the lance of the top submerged lance furnace. In terms of the method, the lance is caused to rotate, and a fluid is passed through the lance before it is inserted into the molten material bath inside the crucible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating a top submerged lance furnace, and more particularly but not exclusively to a method of coating an end of a lance of a top submerged lance furnace with a slag layer, as well as a method of maintaining a uniform heat distribution about the periphery of the lance of the top submerged lance furnace. In terms of the method, the lance is caused to rotate, and a fluid is passed through the lance before it is inserted into the molten material bath inside the crucible.

Abstract: A furnace for conducting a high temperature process under oxidising conditions comprises an outer shell made from a metal, one or more cooling channels formed on or joined to the outer shell and a furnace lining. The furnace lining comprises a backing lining comprising a relatively high thermal conductivity layer positioned adjacent to an inner wall of the outer shell and a working lining positioned inwardly of the layer of relatively high thermal conductivity. The backing lining can comprise a graphite lining or a graphite-containing lining. The rate of heat transfer through the backing lining is sufficiently high to form a protective freeze on the backing lining in the event that the working lining wears away.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a launder assembly (10) for conveying molten material from a metallurgical furnace, The assembly is made up of launder sections (12) arranged end to end with connections between adjacent ends of the launder sections. Each launder section includes a base (14) and spaced apart side walls (16, 18). At each connection between the adjacent ends of two launder sections, the bases of the launder sections are formed with recesses (28) which, in combination, form a cavity (32). A connector (34) is located in the cavity and in that the bases of the launder sections are connected to one another through the connector. In the preferred arrangement, the bases of the launder sections are connected to the connector by fasteners, typically bolts (38) which engage the bases and in threaded holes (42) in the connector.