Method and apparatus for improved eaf steelmaking

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus for EAF steelmaking wherein the method provides additional thermal energy to the steel making process, carbon injection for the formation of foamy slag, and oxygen injection for the decarburization of the melt, the formation of foamy slag and post combustion burning of carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a unique burner configuration which has a central conduit for alternatively supplying fluid hydrocarbon fuel or particulate carbon with a carrier gas which are discharged through a exit opening. The fuel or carbon is mixed with a high speed, preferably supersonic, stream of oxidizing gas. The high speed stream of oxidizing gas is provided by an annular supersonic nozzle which causes the oxidizing gas to surround the fuel or the particulates with an annular flow. The annular nozzle design can be adjusted to direct the flows of particulates and oxidizing gases in the areas and shapes desired for efficient management of the steelmaking process. Optionally, the burner can have another conduit for the secondary supply of a pressurized flow of hydrocarbon fluid fuel to a series of apertures which surround the annular flow. Further, optionally, the burner can have another conduit for the supply of a pressurized flow of a secondary oxidizing gas to a series of apertures which surround the annular flow.