| abstract |
A process for processing metal ore is described which comprises the following steps: reducing a metal ore, particularly a metallic oxide, in a blast furnace shaft; producing furnace gas containing CO 2 , in the blast furnace shaft; discharging the furnace gas from the blast furnace shaft; directing at least a portion of the furnace gas directly or indirectly into a CO 2 -converter; and converting the CO 2 contained in the furnace gas into an aerosol consisting of a carrier gas and C-particles in the C02-converter in the presence of a stoichiometric surplus of C; directing at least a first portion of the aerosol from the CO 2 - converter into the blast furnace shaft; and introducing H 2 O into the blast furnace shaft. By virtue of the reaction C + H 2 O→ CO 2 + 2H, nascent hydrogen is produced in the blast furnace which causes rapid reduction of the metal ore. The speed of reduction of the metal ore is thus increased, and it is possible to increase either the throughput capacity of the blast furnace or to reduce the size of the blast furnace. An aerosol in the form of a fluid is easily introducible into the blast furnace shaft. |