Patent ID: 6565798
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: F27B,F27D

Abstract:
A method of relining a vessel that is used to carry out a direct smelting process that produces molten metal under conditions requiring molten bath temperatures of at least 1000Â° C., which vessel has a floor that is refractory lined, a side wall that is at least partially refractory lined and includes water cooled panels, a top wall, at least two access openings to the interior of the vessel, with at least one access opening in the side wall in a hearth region of the vessel and at least one access opening in an upper section of the vessel, and at least one lance for injecting oxygen-containing gas into an upper region of the vessel, whereby after shutting down operation of the direct smelting process, the relining method includes the steps of:(a) cooling down the vessel; (b) gaining access to the interior of the vessel via the access openings by isolating the vessel from sources of feed materials, removing said at least one lance, and opening the access openings; (c) relining the vessel; and (d) re-starting operation of the process in a period of time of 21 or less days.