Abstract: A method of treating ferrous metal includes the steps of containing in a metallurgical vessel a quantity of ferrous metal which is at least partially solid in form, entraining finely divided carbon and a fluxing agent in a nonoxidizing gas and injecting the same in a first flow path and from beneath said metal, simultaneously injecting a first quantity of oxygen in a second flow path separate from said first flow path and beneath said metal for oxidizing the carbon to elevate the temperature of said metal. A second quantity of oxygen is injected into the metal in a third flow path and from above the metal for reducing the carbon content thereof. Additional fluxing agents may also be introduced from above the metal. After the desired metal temperature has been achieved, the delivery of carbon and fluxing agents through the first flow path is terminated while the flow of nonoxidizing gas is continued to promote mixing.

Abstract: A steel conversion method includes the steps of delivering a first quantity of oxygen and a surrounding sheath of hydrocarbon shielding fluid beneath the level of a quantity of molten ferrous metal or bath contained in a vessel by means of bottom tuyeres and simultaneously delivering a second quantity of oxygen to the bath from above through a top lance. The oxygen delivered through the bottom tuyeres is sufficient to promote mixing and is about 10% to 40% of the oxygen required for oxidation of impurities with the balance delivered through the top lance. An additional quantity of oxygen is delivered through the top lance to the space above the bath for post-combustion of off-gases to increase the thermal energy in the bath. Fluxes such as lime are added from above in lump form in the conventional manner or are entrained in the upper oxygen stream as required.