Gas-fired steelmelting process
US5066326A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S75/958
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Process and apparatus for the rapid efficient melting of solid ferrous metal scrap without direct exposure to water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases, using natural gas and/or other caloric gaseous fuels. The apparatus includes a furnace having a refractory base, means for introducing ferrous metal such as solid steel scrap to the well area, means for providing a slag layer over the solid steel scrap, and gas burner means for emitting one or more forced gas flames for superheating the slag layer to a liquid which covers the scrap and for agitating and circulating the molten slag to form a highly-efficient heat-transfer medium for melting and refining the steel scrap while it is insulated against contact with gases, particularly water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. The process may operate continuously and can recover heat for scrap preheating, turbine power and other efficient uses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.