SPONGE METAL MANUFACTURE METHOD AND APPARATUS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: method involves obtaining sponge iron from burden materials formed as lumps and/or pellets comprising metal ore and additives; supplying reducing gas comprising CO and H₂ from two sources of basic gas into reduction zone of reducing reactor; upon reaction with metal ore in reducing zone, discharging reducing gas in the form of export gas. Prior to supplying, basic gas is subjected to compression, cleaning from CO₂, heating, with following supplying in the form of reducing gas into reducing reactor. In case one of gas sources fails to operate, part of reducing gas is compensated by recirculation of at least part of export gas subjected to compression, cleaning from CO₂ and heating, and supplied into reduction zone together with reducing gas from other serviceable gas source. Apparatus has two gas sources made in the form of reducing reactors, each equipped with melting gasificator. EFFECT: increased efficiency by stable reduction process and improved quality of sponge metal. 20 cl, 4 dwg