Metallurgical processes and appartus.

摘要

An apparatus for performing a metallurgical process comprises a main reactor (4) for performing reactions that convert carbonaceous material to a reducing gas and for melting metal, the main reactor (4) having a least one inlet (20 or 22 or 24) for the introduction of pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air into the main reactor (4) to take part in one or more reactions; a secondary reactor (2) separate from said main reactor for partially oxidising particulate coal to form a particulate char and a calorific gas, the second reactor (2) having an inlet (6) for said coal and an inlet (8) for oxidising gas; and means for introducing at elevated temperature at least part of the char but none or only some of the calorific gas into the main reactor (4) so as to provide a part or all of said carbonaceous material.