METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF STEEL FROM ORE OR THE LIKE

摘要

A charge of ore, pellets, sinter and the like is admitted into the top of a shaft furnace. In the upper region of the furnace, there are provided inlets through which a reducing gas is introduced into the furnace. Direct reduction of the charge takes place in the upper region of the furnace and yields iron sponge. The iron sponge forms a column in the furnace which extends from the upper region of the furnace into the lower region of the latter. A burner extends into the lower region of the furnace and continuously directs a flame against the lower end of the sponge column. As the iron sponge in the lower portion of the column melts, fresh iron sponge descends through the furnace and becomes exposed to the flame so that the iron sponge is continuously melted. The molten material is continuously withdrawn from the furnace. The charge may include alloying elements so as to permit alloying of the molten material to produce a steel having a desired composition.