Patent ID: 9551044
Date: 2017-01-24
CPC Classifications: C21B,C21C,C22B,F27D,Y02P

Claim:
1. A method of starting a molten-bath based process for smelting a metalliferous feed material in a smelting apparatus, with the apparatus including a smelting vessel that includes a main chamber for containing a molten bath, a forehearth for discharging molten metal from the main chamber during a smelting campaign, and a forehearth connection that connects the main chamber and the forehearth, and with the method including the steps of: (a) preheating the main chamber, the forehearth, and the forehearth connection; (b) pouring a charge of hot metal into the main chamber via the forehearth; (c) commencing supplying cold oxygen-containing gas and cold carbonaceous material into the main chamber within at most 3 hours after completing the hot metal charge before an insulating layer of crusty slag forms on the metal charge to an extent that it prevents molten metal igniting carbonaceous material and igniting the carbonaceous material and heating the main chamber and molten metal in the main chamber; (d) continuing supplying oxygen-containing gas and carbonaceous material into the main chamber and combusting carbonaceous material and heating the main chamber and molten metal in the main chamber for a period of at least 10 minutes; and (e) commencing feeding a metalliferous material into the main chamber in order to initiate metal production.