METHOD FOR REDUCING METAL OXIDE IN ROTARY HEARTH FURNACE HEATED WITH OXIDIZING FLAME

摘要

Method of reducing metal oxide using a furnace having an annular platform and at least one fuel burner involves: (i) placing a mixt. contg. the oxide and a reductant on the platform as a first layer; (ii) rotating the platform past a burner to heat the first layer with an oxidizing flame; (iii) covering the first layer with a second layer of reductant; and (iv) heating both layers to at least partially reduce the mixt.. The second layer prevents reoxidation of the partially reduced first layer. Also claimed are: (a) a method as identified above but where in step (ii) the first layer is heated to 1000[deg]C. and in step (iv) both layers are heated for 30 mins., where the partially reduced mixt. contains at least 1% metal; and (b) a method of reducing oxygen-bound iron and chromium.