Feeder apparatus

Abstract

A feeder apparatus for a furnace includes a vessel for feed material, the vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace, and a feeding apparatus located at least partially within the vessel, the feeding apparatus being configured for controlling the rate of feed flow from the vessel, through the feed port and into the furnace, the apparatus preventing escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and the feed port.

1 . A feeder apparatus for a furnace comprising a vessel for feed material, said vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace, and feeding means located at least partially within the vessel, said feeding means being adapted to control the rate of feed flow from the vessel, through the feed port and into the furnace, said apparatus preventing escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and the feed port. 
     
     
         2 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel comprises one or more walls defining an internal region in which the feed material is retained. 
     
     
         3 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the vessel is substantially conical across at least a portion of its height. 
     
     
         4 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the portion of the vessel that is conical tapers inwardly from an upper portion of the vessel to a lower portion of the vessel at or adjacent the feed port of the furnace. 
     
     
         5 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vessel is positioned such that the feed port surrounds the lower portion of the vessel. 
     
     
         6 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the lower portion of the vessel forms a seal with an edge of the feed port. 
     
     
         7 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the feeding means is adapted to control the rate of flow of feed material between the vessel and the furnace. 
     
     
         8 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein a variable speed feeding means is used to control the rate of flow of feed material between the vessel and the furnace. 
     
     
         9 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the feeding means comprises a screw feeder. 
     
     
         10 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is provided with cleaning means adapted to prevent the buildup of feed material in the feed port. 
     
     
         11 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the position of the feeding means within the vessel is adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . A feeder apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the position of the feeding means within the vessel is adjusted by raising or lowering the feeding means relative to the vessel. 
     
     
         13 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the feeding means and the vessel are removable from the roof of the furnace. 
     
     
         14 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the feed material is incapable of flowing past the feeding means when the feeding means is not operational. 
     
     
         15 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the feeder apparatus is provided with one or more sensing means to determine the level of feed material within the vessel. 
     
     
         16 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the level of feed material within the vessel is maintained at such a level that the feed material forms a substantially gas impermeable plug or barrier. 
     
     
         17 . A feeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the furnace is a top submerged lance furnace. 
     
     
         18 . A feeder apparatus for a metallurgical furnace comprising a vessel for feed material, said vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace so as to prevent the escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and the feed port, a vertical screw feeder positioned at least partially within the vessel, and drive means for driving the vertical screw feeder, wherein the flow of feed material from the vessel into the furnace is controlled to ensure that a sufficient quantity of feed material is retained in the vessel to reduce the egress of fugitive gases from the furnace through the feed port. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for reducing emissions from a metallurgical furnace comprising a vessel for feed material, said vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace so as to prevent the escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and he feed port, feed transfer means for transferring feed material into the vessel and feeding means located at least partially within the vessel and adapted to control the rate of feed flow from the vessel into the furnace, wherein the rate of flow of feed material from the vessel into the furnace is substantially the same as the rate of flow of feed material from the feed transfer means into the vessel so as to ensure that a sufficient quantity of feed material is retained in the vessel to reduce the egress of fugitive gases from the furnace through the feed port.