System and method for making metallic iron with reduced CO2 emissions
US8858678B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for making metallic iron nodules with reduced CO2 emissions is disclosed. The method includes: assembling a linear hearth furnace having entry and exit portions, at least a conversion zone and a fusion zone, and a moving hearth adapted to move reducible iron bearing material through the furnace on contiguous hearth sections; assembling a shrouded return substantially free of air ingress extending adjacent at least the conversion and fusion zones of the furnace through which hearth sections can move from adjacent the exit portion to adjacent the entry portion of the furnace; transferring the hearth sections from the furnace to the shrouded return adjacent the exit portion; reducing reducible material in the linear hearth furnace to metallic iron nodules; and transporting gases from at least the fusion zone to the shrouded return to heat the hearth sections while in the shrouded return.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.