Process of and apparatus for the treatment of zinc ores and other zinciferous materials

摘要

268,201. Job, W. July 22, 1926. Shaft furnaces.-In a shaft furnace for treating zinc ores the heated gases which effect the smelting of the charge are passed upwardly mainly through the central portion of the charge, so that smelting of the charge in contact with the furnace walls is prevented. The object is secured by employing a furnace which is bellied out at A, and of which the walls of the hearth C, containing the tuyeres D, are brought closer together than usual, e.g. the width of the hearth for a furnace 5 metres high is only 65 centimetres. Additionally the discharge openings of the tuyeres are made one quarter or less of the usual size, to prevent accumulation of solid masses of reduced iron on the hearth. The ore is charged at G and preferably meets an additional air blast, supplied at F, shortly after entering the furnace. Volatilized oxides pass off by the conduit H.