Abstract: A direct smelting vessel (3) for operating a molten bath-based direct smelting process under pressure conditions in the vessel is disclosed. The vessel includes a forehearth (67) for tapping molten metal continuously from the vessel. The forehearth includes an open connection (97) that extends through a side wall of the vessel into the interior of the vessel. The open connection is formed to dampen the impact of sudden changes in pressure in the vessel on molten metal flow in the forehearth that could result in an undesirable surge of molten metal from the forehearth. The open connection is also formed so that molten metal does not freeze in the connection for at least 6 hours when molten metal is not being discharged from the vessel into the forehearth via the open connection.

Abstract: A direct smelting vessel (3) for operating a molten bath-based direct smelting process under pressure conditions in the vessel is disclosed. The vessel includes a forehearth (67) for tapping molten metal continuously from the vessel. The forehearth includes an open connection (97) that extends through a side wall of the vessel into the interior of the vessel. The open connection is formed to dampen the impact of sudden changes in pressure in the vessel on molten metal flow in the forehearth that could result in an undesirable surge of molten metal from the forehearth. The open connection is also formed so that molten metal does not freeze in the connection for at least 6 hours when molten metal is not being discharged from the vessel into the forehearth via the open connection.

Abstract: A method of relining a vessel that is used to carry out a direct smelting process that produces molten metal under conditions requiring molten bath temperatures of at least 1000° C. is disclosed. The vessel is of the type that has a floor that is refractory lined, a side wall that is at least partially refractory lined, and a top wall, and at least two access openings to the interior of the vessel. The relining method includes the steps of cooling down the vessel, gaining access to the interior of the vessel via the access openings, relining the vessel, and re-starting operation of the process in a period of time of 21 or less days.

Abstract: A method of relining a vessel that is used to carry out a direct smelting process that produces molten metal under conditions requiring molten bath temperatures of at least 1000° C. is disclosed. The vessel is of the type that has a floor that is refractory lined, a side wall that is at least partially refractory lined, and a top wall, and at least two access openings to the interior of the vessel. The relining method includes the steps of cooling down the vessel, gaining access to the interior of the vessel via the access openings, relining the vessel, and re-starting operation of the process in a period of time of 21 or less days.