GB533150A - Improvements in or relating to the production of refined iron steels and alloy steels - Google Patents

Abstract

533,150. Iron and steel alloy steels. LOW MOOR ALLOY STEEL WORKS, Ltd., and NESFIELD, A. C. July 25, 1939, No. 21576. [Classes 72 and 82 (i)] In the production of refined iron which may be used for the manufacture of steel and alloy steels a pig iron is first melted in a furnace, preferably a reverberatory furnace, some of the impurities being removed by slag action, and then other impurities other than carbon, e.g. silicon and manganese, are removed by blowing a stream of oxidizing gas across the surface of the metal to remove the slag and oxidize the silicon and manganese, the blast being stopped prior to the removal of the carbon., A portion of the charge is then removed and transferred to a second furnace, preferably an open-hearth furnace, the carbon being removed from the charge maintained above its melting point by reaction with iron oxide, which may be incorporated in the housing, in a reducing atmosphere with the charge out of contact with the flame. The charge in this furnace may be puddled or stirred. :Before the transfer of this portion from the first furnace, a fresh charge of pig iron, to replace this portion, is preheated and then charged into that furnace after the removal of that portion. The refined iron may be converted into steel or alloy steel by the addition of carbon or alloying ingredients, such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum or tungsten.