Abstract: Disclosed is a lance head for a water-cooled oxygen lance for treating melts, especially for oxygen top-blowing onto steel melts in a converter, with at least one expansion nozzle which widens conically in the direction of the bath surface proceeding from a pipe portion having the narrowest nozzle cross section. This nozzle has, following the pipe portion that has the critical cross section, a first conical widening which opens into a cylindrical duct. At least one annular chamber is provided in the duct. A nozzle part which widens conically at least partially adjoins the annular chamber before the mouth of the expansion nozzle.

Abstract: A blowing lance and a coupling head are configured to permit facilitated exchange of the blowing lance as desired. The coupling head includes a receptacle in which an end portion of the blowing lance is receivable. The receptacle includes a tubular attachment which engages a portion of the blowing lance, creating a hermetically sealed connection therebetween for conduction of a blowing fluid, for example, oxygen. The coupling head further includes connections for coolant supply and discharge. The blowing lance includes a cooling jacket having an inlet and outlet, at least one of which emerges at a peripheral surface thereof. When the blowing lance is received in the receptacle of the coupling head, at least one chamber is formed therebetween, providing sealed communication between the coolant supply and/or coolant discharge connections of the coupling head and the inlet and/or the outlet of the cooling jacket of the blowing lance, respectively.

Abstract: A refining method for decarburization by blowing by using a top-blown lance having a gas-supplying pipe of at least one independent line, wherein the absolute secondary pressure P.sub.0 of nozzle of the lance of at least one line is maintained to be not smaller than 0.7 times but not larger than 2.5 times of the properly expanding absolute secondary pressure P.sub.0p of nozzle of the lance, and the oxygen supplying rate is so changed that a maximum value of the absolute secondary pressure of the nozzle is not smaller than 1.1 times of a minimum value thereof. The top-blown lance used here has not less than 2 but not more than 10 shielding portions arranged in the openings at the end of the lance in a concentric polygonal shape or a concentric circular shape in cross section, has a ratio B/h of the length h (mm) of the short side to the length B (mm) of the long side of the openings separated by the shielding portions of from 10 to 225, has slit-like nozzles of which the ratio (B.multidot.h)/R is from 0.

Abstract: A desulfurization apparatus which employs first and second separate independently movable spaced apart lances (10, 12), each lance having a single conduit (22) through which the desulfurization materials may flow from feed vessels (40, 42, 44, 46) into the molten iron in a ladle (16). First and second independently operable raising and lowering apparatus (28, 30) are provided, the first raising and lowering apparatus (28) being connected to the first lance (10), and the second raising and lowering apparatus (30) being connected to the second lance. Each of the first and second raising and lowering apparatus (28,30) is capable of moving the associated lance (10, 12) from between a raised position where the lower end of the associated lance is spaced above the surface of the molten iron in the ladle and a lowered position where the lower end of the associated lance is spaced within the ladle at a proper location for desulfurization of the molten iron.

Abstract: A device for sealing a lance (12) in an opening in a container under pressure, in particular a shaft furnace, is described. The device comprises a first casing (46) with an end wall on the shaft furnace side and on the environment side, which are each provided axially with an opening for a lance (12), and a sealing element (14), which is arranged in the first casing (46). The sealing element (14) comprises at least one packing (50) and at least one axially movable annular piston (52), which are arranged coaxially with an axis (24) of the device, the packing (50) being arranged between the piston (52) and one of the end walls of the first casing (46) in the actuating direction of the piston (52). The packing (50) is pressed axially against one of the end walls of the casing (46) by actuation of the piston (52), the packing (50) extending radially and being laid around the lance (12) to form a seal.

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 burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid material and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas. The burner/injector can also be arranged as a water-cooled burner/injector lance accompanied with a water-cooled oxygen injecting lance, both movable through the slag door opening toward the furnace interior.

Abstract: A two stage reaction for the production of steel from iron carbide is carried out in two separate but interrelated reactors. In the first reactor, iron, carbide, with slag formers, is fed into a feed end and the reaction is well-mixed by the vessel geometry, the stirring action below-surface injection of oxygen and iron carbide feed, and the evolution of gases from the liquid metal bath. The product, containing about 0.5-2% carbon, is fed into the second reactor where it is refined with subsurface-injected oxygen. The second reaction is autogenous, and the evolved carbon monoxide is fed to the first reactor where it is burned with oxygen in a foamy slag, which, with post-combustion burning in the slag of CO evolved in the first reactor, and with iron carbide preheating with the sensible heat of the off-gas from the first reaction, makes that reaction also essentially autogenous.

Abstract: A steelmaking furnace is cleaned and maintained using a lance which includes an elongated lance body including at least one first nozzle opening proximal to an end that extends into the furnace and at least one other second nozzle opening spaced upwardly from the first nozzle opening. Structure defines at least one passageway extending through the body to the first nozzle opening and to the second nozzle opening. Gas supply means selectively introduces different gases into the passageway. The lance apparatus can be operated to emit either different gases or the same gas from the first and second nozzle openings at the same time. The gases emitted include an oxygen-containing gas and a gas that includes an inert gas.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous fuel and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas into space that has been previously occupied by the impinging flame. The burner/injector may be equipped to inject a solid slag forming materials and/or slag deoxidizing materials and/or to inject an additional oxidizing gas for burning a small portion of preheated scrap, post-combustion of CO and iron-carbon melt refining. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A lance for blowing fluid-state substances inside furnaces, particularly for steel production. The lance comprises an elongated body inside which at least two ducts are provided which lead outside the body proximate to one of its longitudinal ends. These ducts can be connected to means for feeding fluid-state substances to be blown inside the furnace, and a chamber for the circulation of a coolant is formed inside the body of the lance at least proximate to its end to be inserted in the furnace.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous fuel and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas into space that has been previously occupied by the impinging flame. The burner/injector may be equipped to inject a solid slag forming materials and/or slag deoxidizing materials, and/or to inject an additional oxidizing gas for burning a small portion of preheated scrap, post-combustion of CO and iron-carbon melt refining. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A self-cleaning lance includes a lance body elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, the lower end portion being spaced apart from the upper end portion along the longitudinal axis. One or more main nozzles are located proximal to the lower end portion and are adapted to release an oxygen-containing gas. One or more deskulling nozzles are spaced upwardly from the lower end portion and are adapted to release a deskulling gas. The lance body has a first portion that extends axially from the deskulling nozzles to the main nozzles and a second portion above the deskulling nozzles. The first portion has a smaller outer perimeter than the outer perimeter of the second portion. Each of the deskulling nozzles extends by an angle of not greater than 25 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An oxygen blowing lance capable of directing oxygen jet streams onto a molten metal in an electric furnace, the lance being insertable into an electric furnace through a sidewall working port, the lance being positionable above the molten metal in the electric furnace. The lance includes a horizontal segment and an angled segment, the angled segment being positioned on the distal portion of the horizontal segment and being inclined relative to the horizontal segment. The lance also includes a tip, the tip being positioned on the distal portion of the angled segment, with the distal portion of the tip being directed toward the molten metal. The horizontal segment, the angled segment and the tip define an oxygen flow channel and a cooling water flow channel. The oxygen flow channel extends substantially the length of the lance, and the cooling water flow channel surrounds the oxygen flow channel.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous fuel and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas into space that has been previously occupied by the impinging flame. The burner/injector may be equipped to inject a solid slag forming materials and/or slag deoxidizing materials, and/or to inject an additional oxidizing gas for burning a small portion of preheated scrap, post-combustion of CO and iron-carbon melt refining. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas.

Abstract: Method and top blowing lance for decarburization refining chromium molten ferrous metal in which dust formation and chromium loss due to oxidation are suppressed and high productivity is achieved. Decarburization of molten ferrous metal is achieved by blowing gaseous oxygen into the molten metal in a refining furnace provided with a top blowing lance having a plurality of gas blowing nozzles at the tip of the lance. The gas blowing nozzles include at least one sub-nozzle provided at or near the lance axis and a plurality of main nozzles at an outer section of the lance. Blowing refining is carried out with oxygen flow from a plurality of the main nozzles at a flow rate higher than that from the sub-nozzle(s), when the carbon content in the molten metal is about 1 wt % or more.

Abstract: An annular nozzle for an oxygen lance, e.g. an oxygen lance for blowing steel in a converter, gives an annular hot spot on the liquid steel in the converter. When exiting the nozzle, the annular jet has disruptions that result in ambient atmosphere being sucked towards the center of the annular jet. Thus, a sub-pressure is prevented which would otherwise prevent the jet from diverging conically. In one embodiment, the nozzle can be switched during a blowing operation between forming a tight jet and forming a divergent jet.

Abstract: A two stage reaction for the production of steel from iron carbide is carried out in two separate but interrelated reactors. In the first reactor, iron carbide, with slag formers, is fed into a feed end and the reaction is well-mixed by the vessel geometry, the stirring action below-surface injection of oxygen and iron carbide feed, and the evolution of gases from the liquid metal bath. The product, containing about 0.5-2% carbon, is fed into the second reactor where it is refined with subsurface-injected oxygen. The second reaction is autogenous, and the evolved carbon monoxide is fed to the first reactor where it is burned with oxygen in a foamy slag, which, with post-combustion burning in the slag of CO evolved in the first reactor, and with iron carbide preheating with the sensible heat of the off-gas from the first reaction, makes that reaction also essentially autogenous.

Abstract: A burner/injector for providing a localized impingement flame or multiple flames for scrap heating and melting through use of a fluid fuel and at least one oxygen rich oxidizing gas. The burner/injector includes a liquid-cooled combustor for generating an impinging flame directed toward a scrap pile and a structure for injecting a controllable amount of a solid carbonaceous fuel and a controllable flow of high velocity oxidizing gas into space that has been previously occupied by the impinging flame. The burner/injector may be equipped to inject a solid slag forming materials and/or slag deoxidizing materials, and/or to inject an additional oxidizing gas for burning a small portion of preheated scrap, post-combustion of CO and iron-carbon melt refining. The burner/injector may be arranged as a simple liquid-cooled combustor permanently mounted through the furnace wall or roof, and may be equipped with single or multiple channels for injection of solid material and high velocity oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A post-combustion lance for use in refining molten metal and recovering heat by combustion of combustible gases evolved from the molten metal bath is provided with a plurality of pairs of post-combustion nozzles arranged about the periphery of the lance above the lower end thereof. The nozzles of each pair are directed downwardly toward the lower end of the lance and at an angle to a radius of the lance, such that supersonic oxygen jets emanating from corresponding nozzles of adjacent pairs intersect, whereby the momentum of the individual supersonic jets is partially cancelled thereby forming a single, subsonic oxygen jet which burns combustible off-gases above the surface of the molten metal bath, reducing heat loss by the anti-post-combustion reaction and minimizes furnace lining wear due to shorter flames.

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: An improved oxygen blowing/fuel burner lance assembly for introducing, at selected times, a flow of oxygen and/or carbonaceous fuel material, such as fine-grained carbon or hydrocarbon gas (e.g., natural gas and the like), into an electric furnace vessel. The lance assembly includes a housing portion, a straight barrel having a first and connected to the housing portion and a second end connected to a lance tip. The lance tip includes a nozzle structure having at least one oxygen injection nozzle and at least one carbonaceous material injection nozzle which together define a burner assembly for dispensing a combined flow of carbonaceous fuel and oxygen from the lance which may be ignited to produce a flame for preheating a scrap charge in an electric furnace vessel.

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: An igniter for an exothermic lance has an inner peripheral wall about the lance, the inner peripheral wall defining dual purpose teeth for centering the lance relative to the igniter and holding various lances of differing diameters. The teeth space the inner wall from the lance so as to form a flue between the inner wall and the lance. Outside the inner peripheral wall and concentric therewith is an outer peripheral wall thicker than the inner wall. A flammable substance is between the inner and outer walls, the flammable substance being more rapidly combustible than the inner wall and outer walls. A match head element at the fore end of the igniter is the mechanism to initiate combustion of the flammable substance, which can be a Thermit mixture. A gap between the match head element and the lance allows oxygen from the lance to enter the flue and accelerate lance ignition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for blowing oxygen over a metal melt under a vacuum. The oxygen is to be applied over a large surface with a large intermediate phase area while avoiding overcooling in the metal bath by simple, easily maintained structural means. The flow of oxygen in the lance is accelerated and compressed into plug-shaped oxygen pulses, which leave the lance in succession and which form an oxygen bell over the vacuum above the metal melt, having an oxygen casing and an oxygen core, the core moving at a speed similar to that of the casing. At the base of the wall 41 of the blowing lance 40 there is an annular nozzle 42. At a distance behind the annular nozzle 42 in the direction of flow of the oxygen there is a blind tube 44 forming a fan-shaped compartment 43. Between the bottom 46 of the blind tube 44 and the head of the blowing lance 40 there is a pre-nozzle chamber 48 and in the head of the blowing lance 40 there is at least one base nozzle 50 directed toward the melt.

Abstract: An improved fuel lance and blow pipe system for injecting supplemental fuel into a blast furnace includes a lance support on the blow pipe housing by use of a quick disconnect coupling for releasably coupling the lance to the blow pipe and accurately fix the lance to discharge supplemental fuel into the hot blast. The coupling can be manually operated to disconnect the lance, without use of tools, to permit the lance to be retracted for inspection or replacement, or to facilitate packing of the tuyeres directing the hot blast into the furnace.

Abstract: A method for submerged injection of materials into a liquid pyrometallurgical bath by means of a lance, characterised in that a first gas consisting of or containing oxygen is conveyed to said bath along a first path within the lance, a combustible fluid is conveyed to said bath along another path within the lance, and a further gas consisting of or containing oxygen is conveyed to said bath along a further path within the lance, the first path being arranged so that the first gas acts as a coolant for the lance.

Abstract: A device is presented which equips an opening made in a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace, for the axial insertion of a lance. This device comprises an axial sealing member, a casing, a first fixed seat, a second axially movable seat and a closure element. The closure element is fitted with a separation spring which produces an axial clearance with respect to the first seat. Closure springs apply the second seat onto the closure element and the closure element onto the first seat. Active opening members, for examples jacks, act against the closure springs. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a spacer element which is identical to the closure element except that it is provided with a through opening for the lance.

Abstract: A converter for the production of steel from solid and/or liquid charging substances, such as pig iron and/or scrap and/or sponge iron, includes a refractorily lined refining vessel, a refining device for feeding oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas, and a heating device. In order to obtain the maximum output possible at high scrap charging as well as a high purity of the steel, the heating device includes at least one self-consuming graphite electrode and the refining device, independent of the heating device, either is formed by an oxygen-blowing lance or includes oxygen-containing bottom and/or lateral tuyeres located below the melt bath level.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for the combined injection of pulverized coal and a gaseous oxidant into a crucible of a shaft furnace, especially a blast furnace, through a hot-air blast tuyere. In the region of the nozzle end of the tuyere in the crucible, the pulverized coal is injected into the hot-air blast, in the form of a hollow annular jet and the gaseous oxidant is injected inside the hollow annular jet. A lance for implementing the method comprises two coaxial tubes and a distributing unit provided with a central bore for the pulverized coal.

Abstract: A lance for submerged injection of a feed composition, such as a waste, into a molten metal bath includes a perforate refractory tube which extends substantially coaxially about an injection tube. The perforate refractory tube shields the injection tube from the molten metal bath during partial submersion of the lance into the molten metal bath. A perforate support liner extends between the injection tube and the perforate refractory tube and supports the perforate refractory tube. The perforate support liner and the injection tube define an annulus. The method includes conducting a coolant from a coolant source through the annulus to perforations defined by the perforate support liner and the perforate refractory tube, whereby coolant can be directed through the perforations and into the molten metal bath to cause a protective coating of metal to form on the lance.

Abstract: A steel making process is disclosed that utilizes solid ferrous metallic material as a substantial part of the metallic charge and uses heat released by combustion of two different types of carbonaceous materials and steel scrap that have been strategically charged inside of at least a partially refractory lined steel making vessel. One of the carbonaceous materials contains a high content of volatile hydrocarbons and is primarily responsible for early preheating and partial melting of the solid ferrous material. The second carbonaceous material contains a low content of volatile hydrocarbons and is primarily responsible for providing a reducing capability to the slag, for carburizing the melt and for providing additional heat generated by combustion which is used to enhance heating and melting of solid ferrous materials.

Abstract: An oxygen/carbon blowing lance assembly for directing a supersonic flow of oxygen and a flow of graphite against the surface of molten bath in a steelmaking electric furnace. The two flows impinge upon the slag surface at discrete separate areas in the slag and the supersonic oxygen flow acts to emulsify the slag. The lance assembly includes a coolant shut off valve to prevent loss of coolant upon failure of the nozzle. The housing of the lance assembly includes a modular design for ease of maintenance.

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 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 metallurgical lance incorporates an indirect cooling system, separate from and independent of the reactants which are fed through a center passageway (12) to a melt, bath or the like. An outer passageway (10) extends around the center passageway (12) and its outer wall (14) is exposed to heat flux. A coolant flows through the outer passageway (10). Auxiliary means (22) are positioned within the outer passageway (10) to enhance the take-up of heat from the outer wall (14). The coolant is a two-phase mixture, preferably gas and water. The auxiliary means may be a helical fin (22) or a wire packing within the coolant flow path. Enhanced cooling is achieved by (a) the extended metal surface area provided by the auxiliary means, and/or (b) surface evaporation of a film of liquid deposited on the auxiliary means and/or on the inside of the outer wall (14).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for improving fluxing gas dispersion in treating molten aluminum by increasing the fluxing gas surface area. The process includes the use of a molten body of aluminum and a gas dispersing unit in the body of molten aluminum, the dispersing unit having at least two, upper and lower dispersers (rotors) mounted on a shaft extending into the molten aluminum. The dispersing unit is rotated, and simultaneously with the rotating, a fluxing gas is added to the molten aluminum adjacent the lower disperser. The fluxing gas is dispersed by the lower disperser to provide finely divided bubbles and then re-dispersed with the upper disperser to effectively increase the fluxing gas surface area in the molten body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying media to a blowing lance, particularly a blowing lance used in the production of steel by a top blowing process. A vertically movable lance carrier comprises a media connection device having a vertical connection surface. Before coupling, the blowing lance is first locked on the lance carrier by a fastening device. The connection device is movable horizontally in guide rails on the lance carrier from a waiting position towards the coupling head of the blowing lance.

Abstract: Fuel and combustion gas are supplied to the blast pipes and tuyeres of a blast furnace through injection lances which have an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is generally used to carry the fuel, while the space formed between the inner and outer tubes is used to carry the combustion gas. Such a lance can have a heat resistant tip which has a bore for forming an extension of the inner fuel supply tube, and which also has a number of helical channels disposed about the bore for forming an extension of the space between the tubes. It is advantageous to have more than one such lance in each blast pipe and to have the lances extend obliquely into the hot blast channel that is formed by the blast pipe and the tuyere.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a molten metal (5) in a metallurgical vessel (3) with a gas and fine-grain solid materials comprising a water-cooled first lance (117) for the supply of the gas and a second lance (119) for the supply of the solid materials. The supply of the solid materials is effected in such a way that, after leaving the outlet opening of the second lance (119), the materials are deflected by the gas (127) issuing from the outlet opening of the first lance (117), and are fed with said gas to the molten metal (5). The lances are inserted through the side wall of the vessel (3).

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 self-cooling lance or tuyere for the conveying of gases, liquids or solids into or onto a metallurgical bath comprises a heat pipe or thermosiphon made of two tubular members adapted to be immersed in a furnace environment at one end, such tubular members defining a closed annular chamber therebetween for containing a working substance adapted to evaporate in the region of the heat pipe which is in the furnace environment and flow toward the end which is out of the hot environment where it condenses and flows back to the evaporator region. Means are provided for introducing the gases, liquids or solids to be conveyed into the bath through the inner tubular member of the lance.

Abstract: The top-submergable injection lance has an elongate conduit which extends between upper and discharge ends and defines a bore, for the supply of reactants, through the conduit and an annular, alloy steel tip at the discharge end. The conduit comprises an inner pipe defining the bore, an outer pipe, and a third pipe which divides an annular volume between the inner and an outer pipes for circulation of coolant fluid. The tip is defined by inner and outer peripheral surfaces merging at a sharp lower edge and a top surface extending between the peripheral surfaces. The top surface of the tip joins the inner and outer pipes so as to be contactable by the coolant fluid. The frusto-conical inner peripheral surface provides a continuation of the bore which increases in cross-section to an opening at the lower edge.

Abstract: A blowing lance for refining metals by blowing a gas onto a surface of a metal bath is presented. This lance has an adjustable tuyere for generating a supersonic refining gas flow and a blowing head with a set of fixed tuyeres opening into a front dome of the blowing head and dividing the supersonic gas flow into individual free jets. A cyclic modulator modulates a flow rate through the set of fixed tuyeres so that the flow rate in a first subset of tuyeres does not vary synchronously with the flow rate in a second subset of tuyeres, i.e., the flow rates in both subsets of tuyeres increase or decrease at the same time and they do not reach their minimum value or their maximum value at the same moment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blowing lance suspension with integrated medium supply. In accordance with this invention, a U-shaped medium collector box having a horizontal top plate as carrier arm and a first connection surface is provided on the lance carriage. The medium connection pipes lead into this first connection surface. A lance carrier plate is provided, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the lance, on the top part of the lance. The underside of the lance carrier plate forms a second connection surface into which the medium distributor pipes of the lance lead fittingly. After the lance has been laid down on the carrier arm of the lance carriage, the lance carrier plate is carried by the horizontal top plate, so that between the first and second connection surfaces, the connection of the medium pipes is made through the action of gravity.

Abstract: A consumable lance for simultaneously reheating and desulfurization of a molten metal bath includes an internal circuit for delivering oxygen below the slag metal interface and an external circuit for delivering a desulfurizing agent to the slag metal interface. Improved desulfurization and reheating results are achieved.

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 lance comprising a first elongate tube extending through an elongate tubular shroud, is used for top submerged injection of a fluid into a liquid pyrometallurgical bath comprising slag or having slag on its surface. The first tube defines a duct for the flow of the fluids. The shroud defines a flow passage for a coolant such as air. The shroud terminates above the lower end portion of the first tube. In use, the coolant cools the lance and discharges into the bath when the outlet of the first tube is inserted into the bath.

Abstract: The maximum useful rate of aluminum refining is substantially increased by the incorporation of baffle means across the refining chamber under the rotor of a spinning nozzle assembly positioned in the refining chamber during aluminum refining operations.

Abstract: For the introducing gases, wires and powders to metal melts, a multi-ducted refractory body is installed in the wall of a vessel for the melt. The body has passage closing elements preventing melt entering the passages (A, B, C). Two passages (A and C) serve respectively for introducing gas, and fluidized powders, to the melt; each has a movable pipe (for gas or fluidized powder). Upon moving the gas pipe towards the melt, it dislodges closing element whereby gas from the pipe can enter the melt via capillar bores. Wire is fed along passage (B) to the melt: when it reaches the closing element the wire can itself dislodge this element to gain access to the melt. A method of introducing substances to liquid related to use of this apparatus is disclosed, as well as metallurgical process involving the method.