Patent ID: 6328783
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: C21B,C21C

Abstract:
A method of producing molten iron having a carbon concentration of at least 2 wt % from iron carbide which comprises the steps of:(i) injecting solid iron carbide into a molten bath comprising molten iron and slag and dissolving the iron carbide in the molten bath and thereby maintaining the molten bath in a reducing environment and generating solid and/or gaseous combustible material, at least some of which is released into a gas space above the surface of the molten bath;(ii) injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the gas space above the surface of the molten bath and causing combustion of at least a portion of combustible material in the gas space;(iii) causing splashes and/or droplets of molten iron and/or slag to be ejected upwardly from the molten bath into the gas space above the bath surface to form a transition zone in which heat generated by combustion of combustible material is transferred to the splashes and/or droplets of molten iron and/or slag and thereafter is transferred to the molten bath when the splashes and/or droplets of molten iron and/or slag return to the molten bath; and(iv) periodically or continuously tapping molten iron having a carbon concentration of at least 2 wt %.