Abstract: A method of decarburizing a molten alloy may generally comprise injecting a first gas comprising at least one of argon, carbon dioxide, and oxygen through a first fluid-conducting portion of a tuyere into the molten alloy below the surface of the molten alloy, and injecting a second gas comprising at least one of argon and carbon dioxide through a second fluid-conducting portion of the tuyere into the molten alloy below the surface of the molten alloy. The tuyere may comprise an inner portion concentrically aligned within an outer portion to define an annulus therebetween. The first gas may be injected through the inner portion, and the second gas may be injected through the annulus.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. According to the invention, the liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace (1), is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorization, desiliconization and desulfuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace (1) is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters (2, 3), where the required chemical process steps (of the DDD treatment and of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the DDD treatment being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter (2) and the decarburization being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter (3).

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. According to the invention, the liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace (1), is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorization, desiliconization and desulphuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace (1) and a DDD device (2) is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters (3, 4), where the required chemical process steps (of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the heating stage being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter (3) and the decarburization being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter (4).

Abstract: For the production of stainless steel of the ferritic AISI 4xx group of steels, particularly the AISI 430 group of steels, based on liquid pig iron and FeCr solids, the invention proposes the use of the AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) process in which oxygen and inert gas (inactive gas) together are blown into the bath through nozzles and top-blown onto the surface of the bath by a blowing lance. The aim of the treatment is to conclude a smelting charge within an optimal time period, to achieve the intended tapping temperature and composition, and to minimize chromium losses. This is achieved by a correspondingly applied technology and by means of a metallurgic process model which observes, prognosticates and controls the treatment of the smelting charge.

Abstract: A metal refining method particularly useful with a basic oxygen steelmaking process, wherein during an initial period, refining oxygen is provided into the furnace headspace surrounded by a shroud comprising oxygen and inert gas, and during a subsequent period refining oxygen is provided into the furnace headspace surrounded by a flame shroud.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified ladle refining process capable of efficiently heating a molten steel in a short period of time while scattering and adhesion of splashes and erosion of refractories are suppressed. A simplified ladle refining process for refining a molten steel in a ladle comprising inserting an immersion snorkel into a ladle and blowing an oxidizing gas onto the surface of a molten steel within the immersion snorkel through a lance while the molten steel is being stirred by blowing an inert gas through the bottom of the ladle, wherein the lance has a ratio (d0/dt) of a nozzle outlet diameter d0 (mm) to a nozzle throat diameter dt (mm) of from 1.2&agr; to 2.5&agr; wherein &agr; is defined as a function of a back pressure.

Abstract: A method of decarburizing refining molten steel containing Cr in such a manner that oxygen gas, inert gas or a mixture of inert gas and oxygen gas is blown to the surface of bath of molten steel containing Cr in a refining chamber and to a position below the surface of the steel bath. Inert gas is blown to the surface of the steel bath, and oxygen gas, the inert gas or a mixture of oxygen gas and inert gas is blown below the surface of the steel bath in a portion of or all of an overall period in which the concentration of C in the molten steel is in a range of 1 wt % and 0.05 wt %. Slag and molten steel are stirred so as to cause Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the slag and C in the molten steel to positively take part in a reaction represented by expression (1) below:Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 +3C.fwdarw.

Abstract: In a method for decarburizing metals and alloys, a two-gas component mixture consisting only of oxygen and carbon dioxide is introduced into molten metals or alloys at least during the first decarburization phase.

Abstract: A furnace bottom structure of a direct current electric furnace has at least one furnace bottom electrode and at least one gas injection tuyere provided in the furnace bottom refractory of the direct current electric furnace. Preferably, the furnace bottom electrodes and the gas injection tuyere are embedded in a substantially cylindrical refractory body with downwardly diverging tapered upper portion. The refractory body, the furnace bottom electrodes and the gas injection tuyere form an integral furnace bottom block which is detachably attached to the bottom of the electric furnace so as to close a bottom opening of the furnace.

Abstract: A method of operating an in-bath smelting reduction furnace comprises the step of forming a slag zone in an in-bath smelting reduction furnace supplied with oxygen through a top lance and with agitation gas by bottom bubbling through tuyeres below the metal bath surface, and the step of controlling the carbon material supply rate, the oxygen supply rate and the ore supply rate so as to maintain the apparent density of the slag within a prescribed range.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for post combustion of reaction gases generated in a molten iron bath above the bath by means of at least one jet of oxidizing gases, whereby energy thereby produced is transferred to the bath and whereby the or each jet of oxidizing gases is injected with a swirl through one or more tuyeres towards the surface of the bath or the or each jet of oxidizing gases is injected in the form of a hollow jet through one or more tuyeres towards the surface of the bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the forced production of exceptionally clean steel wherein a metallurgical vessel is insulated and sealed to maintain a neutral environment into which steel is tapped and cleaned by use of gas injection and impurity precipitation and removal.