Apparatus and method for the melt reduction of iron oxides
US3940551A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1974 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/134
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A tubular electrode contains a feeding tube forming an annular passage between its outside and the inside of the electrode. With the electrode forming a cathode, an arc is formed between it and a carbonaceous iron bath in an enclosed hearth having a gas outlet. Iron oxide material in flowable form is fed through the inner tube to the arc while a non-oxidizing gas is fed via the passage formed between the two tubes, to the arc. The carbonaceous iron bath is made the anode and the action of the current forms an upward bulge in the metal in the arc, gravitationally freeing the bath from any slag at the arc. In this way the iron oxide material is melt reduced, the iron component being continuously added to the bath which may be continuously tapped to provide a supply of crude iron.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.