METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTION OF METALLIC IRON Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: production of metallic iron of high purity by means of using furnace with compressed layer. SUBSTANCE: invention provides reduction of compacted powder billets comprising, at least, carbon-containing reducing agent and material containing ferric oxide. Compacted powder billets are charged on grate in furnace with compressed layer. Fuel is burnt below grate for heating compacted powder billets, ferric oxide is reduced up to 90 % reduction degree or higher and then reduced ferric oxide is melted. Through channel for gas supply located above grate oxygen-containing gas is conveyed. Additional fuel mixed with oxygen-containing gas or into direction of space above grate is also supplied. This method allows metallic iron to be produced even under low temperature of 1300 C within short period of time, at reduced amount of consumed carbon material and fuel; overall dimensions of equipment can be reduced. EFFECT: production of metallic iron even under low temperature within short period of time. 11 cl, 5 dwg