Method for converting a blast furnace installation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112022009593
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
1 / 30 “METHOD FOR CONVERTING A BLAST FURNACE INSTALLATION” FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[001] The invention relates to a method for converting a blast furnace installation. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE
[002] Despite alternative methods, such as scrap melting or direct reduction within an electric arc furnace, the blast furnace still represents the most widely used process for steel production today. One of the concerns of a blast furnace installation is the blast furnace gas that exits the blast furnace. Since this gas exits the blast furnace from the top, it is commonly referred to as “top gas”. Although in the early days this blast furnace gas could simply escape into the atmosphere, this has long been considered a waste of resources and an undue burden on the environment. One component of blast furnace gas is CO2, which is harmful to the environment and is mostly useless for industrial applications. In fact, blast furnace gas exiting the blast furnace typically comprises a CO2 concentration as high as 20% to 30% by volume. In addition, blast furnace gas usually contains considerable amounts of N2, CO, H2O, and H2.The N2 content, however, largely depends on whether hot air or (pure) oxygen is used for the blast furnace.
[003] Primarily to reduce the amount of coke used, it has been suggested to recover blast furnace gas from the blast furnace, treat it to improve its reduction potential, and inject it back into the blast furnace to assist in the reduction process. One method to do this is to reduce the CO2 content in the blast furnace gas by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA). PSA / VPSA plants produce a first gas stream that is rich in CO and H2 and a second gas stream rich in CO2 and H2O. The first gas stream can be used as reducing gas and fed back into the blast furnace. An example of this approach is the ULCOS (Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking) process where, in addition to the first recycled gas stream, pulverized coal and cold oxygen are used. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 41 / 86 2 / 30 fed into the blast furnace. This type of furnace is also known as a "top gas recycling OBF (oxygen blast furnace)". The second gas stream can be removed from the facility and, after extraction of the remaining calorific value, disposed of. This controversial arrangement involves pumping the CO2-rich gas into underground pockets for storage. Furthermore, while PSA / VPSA installations allow for a considerable reduction in the CO2 content of blast furnace gas from about 35% by volume to about 5% by volume, they are very expensive to acquire, maintain, and operate, and require a great deal of space.
[004] It has also been proposed to reform blast furnace gas to obtain a synthesis gas (also known as synthesis gas) that can be used for various industrial purposes. According to the most common reforming process, blast furnace gas is mixed with a fuel gas containing at least one hydrocarbon (e.g., CH4 and possibly higher molecular weight hydrocarbons). In a so-called dry reforming reaction, the hydrocarbons in the fuel gas react with CO2 in the blast furnace gas to produce H2 and CO. In a so-called wet reforming reaction, the hydrocarbons react with H2O in the blast furnace gas also to produce H2 and CO. In either case, a synthesis gas is obtained that has a significantly increased concentration of H2 and CO. It has also been proposed to use this synthesis gas as a reducing gas, which can be recycled, i.e., reintroduced into the blast furnace.
[005] According to one process, synthesis gas is fed into the blast furnace at the tuyere level along with hot wind (i.e., hot air) and / or cold oxygen and auxiliary fuel such as, for example, pulverized coal, natural gas, coke oven gas, or others. This type of furnace may also be referred to as a “synthesis gas blast furnace”. The hot wind is commonly generated in hot wind regenerators, also known as Cowpers. It has also been proposed to burn top gas to generate heat, which is transferred to the hot wind regenerator and from the regenerator to the hot wind. There are also other possibilities for how the synthesis gas can be introduced. For example, it can be introduced at a shaft level. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 42 / 86 3 / 30 above the tuyere level, while "conventional" hot air is introduced at the tuyere level. In general, the use of synthesis gas reduces the amount of hot air required for efficient blast furnace operation.
[006] When a blast furnace installation needs to be adapted for the use of syngas, this requires a variety of changes, such as providing reaction vessels for the reforming process, piping and injection systems to transfer the syngas to the blast furnace. Such changes are very expensive and should therefore be avoided if possible. On the other hand, it reduces the number or capacity of previously required hot wind regenerators, so at least some of them may need to be switched off. All these changes may require the blast furnace to be shut down for a considerable time, which is highly undesirable. PROBLEM WITH THE TECHNIQUE
[007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable an efficient conversion of a blast furnace installation for the use of synthesis gas. This object is solved by a method according to claim 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[008] The invention provides a method for converting a blast furnace installation. In particular, the blast furnace installation is converted from a state that does not facilitate the use of a synthesis gas in the blast furnace to a state that facilitates such use. In general, this requires the conversion or adaptation of some elements of the installation, as well as the construction of new elements and possibly the dismantling of old elements.
[009] Initially, that is, before the start of the conversion, the blast furnace installation comprises at least one blast furnace, a plurality of original regenerators adapted to generate hot wind, a top gas supply system to supply top gas from at least one blast furnace to each original regenerator, a cold wind supply system to supply cold wind to each original regenerator, a hot wind supply system to supply hot wind from each original regenerator to a hot wind injection system, which is Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 43 / 86 4 / 30 adapted to inject gas into at least one blast furnace at a tuyere level. Here and hereafter, the terms “one” and “at least one” have the same meaning. The original regenerators may also be referred to as blast furnace air regenerators, blast furnace regenerators, or cowpers. The term “original regenerator” simply designates that these regenerators are present at the beginning of the inventive method. As is known in the art, these regenerators are a type of regenerative heat exchanger or regenerator.
[010] Each original regenerator is connected to a blast furnace by the top gas supply system through which top gas can be supplied to the original regenerator. Top gas, which may also be referred to as blast furnace gas or BFG, is collected from the blast furnace and is a gas containing CO2. In addition to CO2, top gas usually contains other components such as CO, H2O, H2 or others. In particular, it may be a gas containing H2O. It may contain some N2. For conventional top gas, the N2 concentration is usually between 35 and 50% by vol. For enriched top gas, i.e., using synthesis gas, the N2 concentration is usually lower, for example below 20% by vol., below 10% by vol. or below 5% by vol. Typically, top gas needs to be cleaned to reduce its dust content. In addition, its H2O content is preferably drastically reduced by condensation.This can be done, for example, in a gas cleaning plant, where the gas temperature is reduced and water can condense. The top gas is then supplied to each original regenerator through the top gas supply system. Here and hereafter, “supply system” refers to a system comprising a single pipe or a system of pipes, which may be branched or unbranched. Furthermore, a supply system may comprise a plurality of portions that are not directly connected to each other. For example, the top gas supply system may have a first portion to supply top gas from a first blast furnace to a first group of original regenerators and a second portion to supply top gas from a second blast furnace to a second group of original regenerators. In this case... Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 44 / 86 5 / 30 In the case of the first and second portions, each may also be referred to as a first or second top gas supply system, respectively. In addition to at least one pipe, a supply system may comprise at least one device or installation that is not a pipe, for example, a gas cleaning plant, a gas reservoir, a condenser, or a compressor to increase gas pressure. It will be understood that such devices may be interposed within a supply system. For example, top gas may be supplied by the top gas supply system not directly from the blast furnace, but through at least one interposed device. The supply system may also be referred to as a “distribution system” or a “supply”. In some cases, no interposed device is present, so the supply system may also be referred to as a “pipeline”.
[011] The top gas is used for heating the respective original regenerator. On the one hand, the residual heat in the top gas from the blast furnace can be used. In addition, the top gas can be burned in a burner of the original regenerator to generate heat. In either case, the heat is transferred to the original regenerator (usually to checkered bricks inside the regenerator). Subsequently, this heat can be, at least partially, transferred to the cold wind received through the cold wind supply system, through which hot wind is generated. This hot wind is then transferred through the hot wind supply system to at least one blast furnace or, more specifically, to a hot wind injection system, which is adapted to inject gas into at least one blast furnace at a tuyere level. The tuyere level usually corresponds to the melting zone of the blast furnace.In a typical embodiment, the hot air injection system comprises a stirring tube that encircles the blast furnace and a plurality of tuyeres that originate from the stirring tube and extend into the blast furnace.
[012] Normally, hot wind, which is essentially hot air, is Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 45 / 86 6 / 30 combined with an oxygen-rich gas that can be supplied to the hot wind injection system via an oxygen supply system. Alternatively, the oxygen-rich gas can be supplied to the original regenerator(s) as part of the cold wind or along with the cold wind. That is, an oxygen supply system to supply the oxygen-rich gas can be connected to the cold wind supply system. The oxygen-rich gas is generally a gas that has a significantly higher O2 concentration than air. Typically, the oxygen-rich gas consists mainly of O2, i.e., it has an O2 concentration of more than 50% by vol. Preferably, it contains at least 60% by vol., preferably at least 80% by vol., more preferably at least 90% by vol. of O2.In some cases, the oxygen-rich gas may even be referred to as "oxygen," although it is understood that lower concentrations (e.g., < 5% by vol.) of other components such as N2 can hardly be avoided. Optionally, an auxiliary fuel such as pulverized coal, oil, natural gas, coke oven gas, etc., may also be injected along with the hot wind.
[013] The inventive method comprises at least the steps described below. In particular, the steps can be performed in the sequence in which they are mentioned. However, it is conceivable that some steps may be performed in a different sequence or simultaneously.
[014] According to one step of the method, which is at least partially (if not wholly) performed while operating the original regenerators to generate hot wind, at least one syngas regenerator is constructed. This syngas regenerator is adapted to produce a syngas by reforming a gas mixture comprising an industrial gas containing CO2- and / or H2O and a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons, and a syngas supply system is constructed, which is adapted to connect at least one syngas regenerator to at least one blast furnace. In other words, at least one syngas regenerator is constructed without interrupting the original operation of the Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 46 / 86 7 / 30 Blast furnace installation. The syngas regenerator is also a regenerator that operates on the same principle as the original regenerators. In contrast to the original regenerators, however, the syngas regenerator is adapted from the outset to produce syngas, or synthesis gas, which results from a reforming reaction of a gaseous combination. This reforming reaction can seriously damage a conventional air regenerator, depending on its original components. The main differences between the syngas regenerator and the original regenerators generally concern the refractory lining and possibly the mechanical components.
[015] The gas combination comprises an industrial gas containing CO2- and / or H2O- and a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons. The fuel gas may be, for example, coke oven gas (COG), natural gas, biogas, or a combination or mixture of any of these gases. It typically has a high concentration of low molecular weight hydrocarbons, in particular CH4. The industrial gas and the fuel gas may be supplied separately or together. In the gas combination, the industrial gas and the fuel gas may be more or less well mixed. Typically, the gas combination may also be referred to as a gas mixture. In some cases, it may be sufficient, for example, to inject the two gases into the regenerator so that mixing occurs more or less passively by convection and / or diffusion. It is understood, however, that the chemical reaction is intensified by a higher degree of mixing.
[016] Within the synthesis gas regenerator, the gases undergo a reforming process, thus producing synthesis gas, which typically contains a significant amount of CO and H2. The chemical mechanism of the reforming process is not limited to the scope of the invention, but typically comprises at least that the CO2 content of the industrial gas reacts with the hydrocarbon in the fuel gas, for example, according to the following reaction: CO2 + CH4 ^ 2 H2 + 2 CO. This may also be referred to as dry reforming. In addition, the H2O content of the blast furnace gas may react with the hydrocarbon in the fuel gas, by Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 47 / 86 8 / 30 example, according to the following reaction: H2O + CH4 ^ 3 H2 + CO. This can also be referred to as wet reforming. The reforming process typically requires high temperatures, for example, above 800 °C. These temperatures are provided by preheating the syngas regenerator. As with the original regenerators, heating can be achieved by burning top gas and / or using waste heat in the top gas. The reforming process can also be carried out under high pressure. In this case, the gas mixture can be compressed or the blast furnace gas and fuel gas can be compressed individually and combined. The reforming process can optionally be assisted by a catalyst which is usually introduced into the regenerator.
[017] However, the newly constructed syngas regenerator is not immediately used for syngas production. In a later stage of the method, a first syngas regenerator is connected to the top gas supply system, the cold wind supply system, and the hot wind supply system and is operated for hot wind generation. In other words, the first syngas regenerator is (temporarily) used to generate hot wind, i.e., it is operated like the original regenerators. This is possible because heating cold wind to generate hot wind is less damaging to the interior of the regenerator than supporting the reforming process. Furthermore, the syngas flow rate to be used in the blast furnace is generally much lower than the hot wind flow rate. However, syngas production requires a much higher energy input per Nm3 of syngas than hot wind production.For this reason, the sizing of the synthesis gas regenerator and the hot wind regenerator are similar, in particular the heat capacity and the burner section can be of similar size.
[018] In a further step, which is normally carried out after the start of operation of the first syngas regenerator to generate hot wind, a first original regenerator is disconnected from the top gas supply system, the cold wind supply system and the wind supply system. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 48 / 86 9 / 30 hot. It is understood that the first original regenerator is switched off before being disconnected from the aforementioned supply systems. Here and hereafter, “disconnect” generally refers to preventing any gas exchange, which can be achieved by closing a valve. However, it generally refers to dismantling a part of the supply system by which the respective regenerator is connected to the supply system.
[019] After being disconnected, the original first regenerator is converted to adapt it for the production of syngas. As indicated above, the overall structure of the original first regenerator does not need to be altered for this adaptation. Rather, this conversion may refer to adapting the quality / replacing the refractory lining and / or the support of its refractory lining and / or its mechanical components, such as, for example, valves. Here and below, “converting” an original regenerator always refers to adapting it for the production of syngas.
[020] After the first original regenerator has been converted, it is connected to the top gas supply system. As will become evident below, the first original regenerator, which is now adapted for synthesis gas production, can be used directly to produce synthesis gas or can be used temporarily to generate hot wind.
[021] In any case, the method still comprises disconnecting the first syngas regenerator from the cold wind supply system and the hot wind supply system, connecting the original first regenerator and the first syngas regenerator to a gas combination supply system to provide the gas combination and through the syngas supply system to the blast furnace. In other words, the generation of hot wind by the first syngas regenerator is interrupted and therefore it can be disconnected from the cold wind supply system and the hot wind supply system. If necessary, it can also be temporarily disconnected from the top gas supply system. The first syngas regenerator and the first Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 49 / 86 10 / 30 original regenerators are connected to a gas combination supply system to provide the gas combination. Typically, both gases are supplied together, i.e., they normally mix at least to some extent before reaching the regenerator. It would be conceivable, however, that the gas combination supply system comprises separate pipes for the two gases. To compress the gas combination as mentioned above, the gas combination supply system may comprise at least one compressor. Furthermore, the first syngas regenerator and the first original regenerator are connected to the blast furnace via the syngas supply system. On the one hand, this may refer to the connection of the regenerators to the syngas supply system; on the other hand, it may refer to the connection of the syngas supply system to the blast furnace so that the injection of syngas into the blast furnace is facilitated.
[022] Once the aforementioned steps have been carried out, the first original regenerator and the first syngas regenerator are operated to produce syngas, and the syngas is supplied to the blast furnace via the syngas supply system. Without limiting the scope of the invention, syngas is normally introduced into the blast furnace as a reducing gas. In particular, it can be introduced together with an oxygen-rich gas, which includes the possibility of supplying an oxygen-rich hot air. It is understood that by recycling, i.e., reforming and reintroducing, the top gas, the CO2 emissions from the blast furnace can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, as oxygen-rich gas contains significantly less N2 than air, the concentration of reducing gases such as CO and H2 is higher, which helps to increase the productivity of the blast furnace.
[023] If an auxiliary fuel is injected along with the hot air as mentioned above, this fuel injection can generally continue during and after conversion. However, in some cases, the auxiliary fuel injection may be (or needs to be) reduced or even stopped. For example, if a larger quantity of top gas can be converted into synthesis gas and a Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 50 / 86 11 / 30 high quantities of synthesis gas are injected into the furnace, which can render the auxiliary fuel (e.g., pulverized coal) obsolete.
[024] It will be understood that by employing the first syngas regenerator temporarily as a “backup” to generate hot wind, the necessary blast furnace shutdown time (or any reduced efficiency time) is minimized. It is also beneficial that the first syngas regenerator does not become obsolete after serving as a backup, but can be used to produce syngas.
[025] To avoid any undesirable interactions of the synthesis gas with the hot wind outside the blast furnace, the method may comprise constructing a synthesis gas injection system that is adapted to inject gas into the blast furnace and connecting the synthesis gas supply system to the synthesis gas injection system. The synthesis gas injection system may be constructed before, after, or while the synthesis gas supply system is constructed. Like the hot wind injection system, it may comprise a (second) agitation tube that surrounds the blast furnace as well as a plurality of tuyeres, lances, or injectors that originate from the agitation tube and extend into the blast furnace. When the synthesis gas is supplied through the synthesis gas supply system, it is injected separately from the hot wind.
[026] In some embodiments, the hot air injection system becomes obsolete, for example, if the blast furnace operation is changed to pure oxygen injection (i.e., injection of an oxygen-rich gas, in particular pure oxygen). In this case, constructing the syngas injection system may comprise at least partially converting the hot air injection system to adapt it to syngas injection. For example, the existing agitation tube may be converted by changing the refractory and new syngas tuyeres may be installed. Within each syngas tuyere, a separate lance may be arranged through which pure oxygen may be injected.
[027] Although the synthesis gas injection system is separate from the system Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 51 / 86 12 / 30 of hot air injection (if still present), it can be adapted to inject gas at the tuyere level. Roughly speaking, the hot air injection system and the syngas injection system can both be arranged at the tuyere level, thus allowing syngas and hot air to be injected separately, but in the same region of the blast furnace. The syngas injection system may have dedicated tuyere stocks that are arranged alternately with the tuyeres of the hot air injection system. Alternatively or additionally, the syngas injection system can be adapted to inject gas at a shaft level above the tuyere level. The shaft level largely corresponds to a reduction zone of the blast furnace, which typically has significantly lower temperatures than the melting zone. For example, temperatures at the shaft level may be between 800 °C and 1100 °C.Optionally, the synthesis gas can be cooled before being introduced through the synthesis gas injection system, or it can be mixed with another gas that has a lower temperature but, for example, a similar composition. Suitable gases for mixing with synthesis gas include BOF (basic oxygen furnace) gas and blast furnace gas. These measures can prevent any detrimental effect of the synthesis gas on the temperature distribution within the blast furnace.
[028] Preferably, the syngas injection system is at least partially constructed during the operation of at least one blast furnace. In other words, the blast furnace does not need to be shut down for the entire duration of the syngas injection system construction. For example, a stirring tube of the syngas injection system can be constructed while the blast furnace is in operation, as it is located entirely outside the blast furnace. Any components of the injection system that project into the interior of the blast furnace (such as the tuyeres, lances, or injectors mentioned above) require a temporary shutdown of the blast furnace for installation or construction. However, this typically takes a relatively short time. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 52 / 86 13 / 30
[029] While the inventive method aims to minimize the investment cost of converting an existing facility into a syngas-producing facility, it also aims to minimize blast furnace shutdown time. Some steps of the method, however, typically need to be performed during a shutdown of at least one blast furnace. For example, connecting a syngas regenerator to the top gas supply system, the cold wind supply system, and the hot wind supply system may require a shutdown. This shutdown may be performed to connect the first syngas regenerator as well as to connect another syngas regenerator mentioned below. Another step that may require a shutdown is connecting a regenerator to the syngas supply system. This may refer to an original (converted) regenerator as well as a syngas regenerator.Furthermore, as mentioned above, connecting the syngas injection system to the blast furnace requires the blast furnace to be shut down. This refers to the installation and / or construction of any syngas injection system components that are introduced inside the blast furnace. Additionally, if the hot air injection system is converted to adapt it for syngas injection, this will only be possible during a shutdown. Unless any of the steps requiring a shutdown are performed sequentially without other intermediate steps, it is preferable that blast furnace operation be resumed after each step.
[030] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps, which can be performed after disconnecting the first syngas regenerator from the cold wind supply system and the hot wind supply system. In one step, a second syngas regenerator is connected to the overhead gas supply system, the syngas supply system, and the gas combination supply system. It is understood that this second syngas regenerator is also adapted for syngas production and may optionally have the same size and configuration as the first regenerator. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 53 / 86 14 / 30 Synthesis Gas. While an important function of the first gas regenerator is to maintain sufficient heat generation during the conversion of the first original regenerator, this does not apply to the second gas regenerator. Instead, it is intended exclusively for the production of synthesis gas and to ensure a sufficient production rate, as the second synthesis gas regenerator, the first synthesis gas regenerator, and at least one converted original regenerator are operated to produce synthesis gas. Therefore, the second synthesis gas regenerator is not connected to the cold wind supply system or the hot wind supply system. In a further step, the second synthesis gas regenerator, along with the first synthesis gas regenerator and the first original regenerator, is operated to produce synthesis gas, and the synthesis gas is supplied to at least one blast furnace via the synthesis gas supply system.In other words, even if some original regenerators are still used to generate hot wind (and therefore are not converted), at least the three regenerators mentioned above can be used for synthesis gas production. It should be noted that the second synthesis gas regenerator can be connected to the synthesis gas supply system and the gas combination supply system immediately before, after, or simultaneously with the first synthesis gas regenerator and the first original regenerator. It is preferred in this embodiment that all three begin synthesis gas production at the same time. Therefore, the second synthesis gas regenerator is normally connected to the synthesis gas supply system and the gas combination supply system before the first synthesis gas regenerator and the first original regenerator begin synthesis gas production.
[031] It is conceivable that the second syngas regenerator could be built at the same time as, or even before, the first syngas regenerator is built. However, it is generally more efficient for the overall conversion schedule of the blast furnace plant if the second syngas regenerator is built after the first syngas regenerator is operational for wind generation. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 54 / 86 15 / 30 hot air has been initiated. At this stage, sufficient hot air generation is maintained by the operation of the first syngas regenerator. In particular, the second syngas regenerator can be built simultaneously with the conversion of the first original regenerator.
[032] Especially in cases where a second gas regenerator is built and put into operation, it may be sufficient to convert only the first original regenerator. In other cases, it may be necessary or desirable to convert a second original regenerator. According to such an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out after the conversion of the first original regenerator. In one step, the first original regenerator is connected to the overhead gas supply system, the cold wind supply system, and the hot wind supply system. It is understood that these connections facilitate the generation of hot wind with the first original regenerator. In another step, a second original regenerator is disconnected from the overhead gas supply system, the cold wind supply system, and the hot wind supply system. Then, the second original regenerator is converted to adapt it to produce synthesis gas.At least while the second original regenerator is being converted, the first original regenerator and the first syngas regenerator are operated to generate hot wind. This operation may begin before the conversion of the second original regenerator and / or may end after the conversion is completed. In yet another step, the first syngas regenerator and the first original regenerator are disconnected from the cold wind supply system and the hot wind supply system, and the first original regenerator, the second original regenerator, and the first syngas regenerator are connected to the gas combination supply system and through the syngas supply system to at least one blast furnace. After this step, all necessary connections have been established. Then, the first original regenerator, the second original regenerator, and the first syngas regenerator are operated to produce gas. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 55 / 86 16 / 30 synthesis and the synthesis gas is supplied to at least one blast furnace via the synthesis gas supply system.
[033] After the final stage of the aforementioned embodiment, three regenerators are operated to produce synthesis gas, which is generally sufficient for the effective operation of (at least one) blast furnace. According to a common configuration, the blast furnace installation may initially comprise three original regenerators. After the conversion of the first and second original regenerators, the remaining, unconverted original regenerator generally has insufficient capacity to maintain a hot wind supply for the blast furnace. Primarily, the second original regenerator is only converted if the hot wind generation is not intended for future blast furnace operation. On the one hand, the remainder of the original regenerator may be dismantled. Alternatively, it may also be used for synthesis gas production. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps.In one step, a third original regenerator is disconnected from the top gas supply system, the cold wind supply system, and the hot wind supply system. In another step, the third original regenerator is converted to adapt it to produce syngas. Then, the third original regenerator is connected to the gas combination supply system and, through the syngas supply system, to at least one blast furnace. Once these connections have been applied, the third original regenerator is operated to produce syngas, and the syngas is supplied to at least one blast furnace through the syngas supply system. These steps can be performed after the first original regenerator, the second original regenerator, and the first syngas regenerator have started producing syngas.Where possible, these steps can be performed during the operation of the first original regenerator, the second original regenerator, and the first syngas regenerator to produce syngas. It is understood, however, that some steps require the temporary shutdown of the blast furnace plant. However, apart from the third original regenerator, none. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 56 / 86 The 17 / 30 regenerator needs to be connected or disconnected; that is, the connections of the other regenerators can be maintained during the steps mentioned above.
[034] Although it is conceivable that industrial gas and fuel gas may be supplied separately to the respective regenerator or that these gases may mix to some degree within the gas combination supply system, it is often beneficial to use a dedicated mixing chamber where the gas combination is mixed to form a gas mixture before being introduced into the regenerator. Therefore, the method preferably comprises constructing a mixing chamber and connecting the mixing chamber to a fuel gas supply system to supply the fuel gas and to the gas combination supply system. The term “mixing chamber” should not be interpreted to mean that active mixing of the two gases is carried out within the chamber. Instead, the gases may be passively mixed due to convection, diffusion, or other processes.It is understood that the mixing chamber requires an additional connection to receive the industrial gas, which will be discussed below.
[035] Normally, top gas is used as industrial gas. It is a CO2-containing gas that is abundantly available inside the blast furnace. Therefore, the preferred method comprises connecting the top gas supply system to the mixing chamber and supplying the top gas from a blast furnace as industrial gas to the mixing chamber. Although reference is made to “top gas”, it will be understood that the top gas collected from the top of the blast furnace needs to be cleaned before it can be used for other purposes. In this context, it is possible to compress the top gas before it is introduced into the mixing chamber. In this case, connecting the top gas supply system to the mixing chamber comprises constructing at least one compressor, and supplying the top gas comprises compressing the top gas. Alternatively, the gas combination supply system may comprise at least one compressor.
[036] As already mentioned in the context of the (common) configuration of three original regenerators, all original regenerators can be converted to Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 57 / 86 18 / 30 adapt them for synthesis gas production. Of course, this may be applicable to cases where more or less than three original regenerators are present. Alternatively, some original regenerators may be converted while others remain adapted for hot wind generation.
[037] The blast furnace installation may comprise a single blast furnace so that all synthesis gas regenerators and all original regenerators – before and after conversion – are connected to a single blast furnace. However, the method is also applicable to blast furnace installations with a plurality of blast furnaces. According to one embodiment, the blast furnace installation comprises a first blast furnace connected to a first group of original regenerators via a first hot air supply system and a first top gas supply system, and a second blast furnace connected to a second group of original regenerators via a second hot air supply system and a second top gas supply system. It is understood that each of the first and second groups of original regenerators may be connected to a (first or second, respectively) cold air supply system.The original regenerators within a group may be arranged relatively close to one another, but the term "group" should not be interpreted as limiting the spatial arrangement of the original regenerators.
[038] In this embodiment, the method comprises at least the following steps. In one step, the first synthesis gas regenerator is connected to at least one of the first and second top gas supply systems. In particular, it may be connected to the first top gas supply system. As described above, the first synthesis gas regenerator is also connected to at least one hot wind supply system and at least one cold wind supply system. In particular, this may be the first hot wind supply system and the first cold wind supply system. After that, all the original regenerators of the first group are converted and connected to the gas combination supply system and the system of Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 58 / 86 19 / 30 Synthesis gas supply. In other words, the first original regenerator and, where applicable, the second and third original regenerators are selected from the first group. These original regenerators are converted one after the other as described above. This normally does not require the construction of a second synthesis gas regenerator. After the conversion of all the original regenerators from the first group, they are adapted for synthesis gas production. As mentioned above, they can still be operated to generate hot wind, but this is not their primary function. Therefore, the first hot wind supply system loses its purpose of supplying hot wind to the first blast furnace. Consequently, the second hot wind supply system is connected to the first blast furnace.The second hot air supply system typically branches out so that hot air can be supplied to both the first and second blast furnaces. At this stage, the first hot air supply system as well as the first cold air supply system can be dismantled. In a further step of the method, the syngas supply system is connected to the first and second blast furnaces. The syngas supply system can be connected to the blast furnace by a (first or second, respectively) hot air injection system or by a (first or second, respectively) dedicated syngas injection system.
[039] It is preferable that, after the conversion is completed, all the original regenerators of the first group be operated to produce synthesis gas while all the original regenerators of the second group be operated to generate hot wind. In other words, all the original regenerators of the first group have been converted and are now used to supply both blast furnaces with synthesis gas, while all the original regenerators of the second group remain adapted for hot wind generation and supply both blast furnaces with hot wind. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[040] The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 59 / 86 20 / 30 example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an initial blast furnace installation before the application of the inventive method; Figures 2 to 4 illustrate different phases of an initial embodiment of the inventive method; Figures 5 to 9 illustrate different phases of a second embodiment of the inventive method; Figure 10 is a schematic view of a second blast furnace installation before the application of the inventive method; and Figures 11 to 15 illustrate different phases of a third modality of the inventive method. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS
[041] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a blast furnace installation 1. It comprises a blast furnace 10, the general operation of which is known in the art and will therefore not be explained here. The hot air injection system 16 is arranged at a tuyere level 10.1 of the blast furnace 10. The hot air injection system 16 is connected to a hot air supply system 15 and an oxygen supply system 17. The oxygen supply system 17 supplies an oxygen-rich gas, which, for example, may have an O2 concentration of 95% by vol. and an N2 concentration of 5% by vol. As an alternative to the embodiment shown here, the oxygen supply system 17 may be connected to the cold air supply system 14, so that the oxygen-rich cold air is supplied to the original regenerators 31-33 and the oxygen-rich hot air is supplied to the hot air injection system 16.In fact, generally speaking, if hot wind is used in the blast furnace process, the oxygen supply system feeds oxygen to the cold wind, that is, upstream of the regenerators. If, on the other hand, the blast furnace is operated as a pure oxygen furnace, the supply system feeds oxygen directly to the blast furnace, at tuyere level, as shown in Figure 1. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 60 / 86 21 / 30
[042] In addition, an auxiliary fuel such as pulverized coal or oil may also be injected with the hot wind, which also applies to the second and third embodiments described below. The hot wind supply system 15 is connected to three original regenerators 31-33, which are configured as hot wind regenerators that receive cold wind from a cold wind supply system 14 and heat it to generate hot wind. Each of the original regenerators 31-33 is connected to a top gas supply system 11 that receives top gas (or blast furnace gas) from the top of the blast furnace 10. The recovered top gas may, in conventional blast furnace operation using hot wind, have an N2 concentration below 50% by vol., a CO and CO2 concentration of about 23% by vol. each and about 6% by vol. of H2. For a blast furnace being operated using synthesis gas, the recovered top gas may have a N2 concentration below 5% by volume., a concentration of CO and CO2 of approximately 40% by volume each and approximately 15% by volume of H2. The recovered top gas is fed to the top gas supply system 11 and is cleaned in a gas cleaning facility 13, primarily to remove particles from the gas and possibly condense some of the vapor contained in the top gas. The top gas is used to heat the original regenerators 31-33.
[043] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of an inventive method for converting blast furnace installation 1 to adapt it for the use of synthesis gas. As shown in Figure 2, a first synthesis gas regenerator 40 is constructed, which has basically the same configuration as the original regenerators 31-33, which is adapted to support a reforming process, in which a gaseous combination comprising an industrial gas containing CO2 (in this case, the top gas) and a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons (in this case, coke oven gas, optionally mixed or combined with natural gas) react to produce a synthesis gas (or synthesis gas). The chemical mechanism of the reforming process is not limited to the scope of the invention, but typically comprises at least that the CO2 content of the industrial gas reacts with the Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 61 / 86 22 / 30 hydrocarbon in the fuel gas, for example, according to the following reaction: CO2 + CH4 ^ 2 H2 + 2 CO. This can also be referred to as dry reforming. Furthermore, the H2O content of the industrial gas can react with the hydrocarbon in the fuel gas, for example, according to the following reaction: H2O + CH4 ^ 3 H2 + CO. This can also be referred to as wet reforming. The reforming process typically requires high temperatures, for example, above 800 °C. The high temperatures and the chemical properties of the substances involved in the reforming process can seriously damage any of the original regenerators 31-33 depending on their original configuration / quality. The first synthesis gas regenerator 40, on the other hand, is adapted from the outset to withstand the conditions of the reforming process, which is generally due to a different type of refractory lining and possibly a different type of support for the checkerboard bricks.
[044] As can also be seen in Figure 2, a synthesis gas supply system 18 is constructed, which is adapted to connect the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 to the blast furnace 10. In addition, an upper synthesis gas injection system 22 is constructed at a shaft level 10.2 above the tuyere level 10.1 and a lower synthesis gas injection system 23 is constructed at the tuyere level 10.1. The synthesis gas injection systems 22, 23 each comprise an agitated tube and injectors that project into the blast furnace 10, therefore the blast furnace 10 needs to be temporarily shut down during the installation of the injectors. Apart from this temporary shutdown, the operation of the blast furnace 10 is not interrupted. In the phase shown in Figure 2, the synthesis gas supply system 18 is not connected to the synthesis gas injection systems 22, 23 nor to any of the regenerators 31-33, 40.
[045] Figure 3 shows another phase of the method, where a first original regenerator 31 is disconnected from the top gas supply system 11, the cold wind supply system 14 and the hot wind supply system 15, while the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 is connected to these Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 62 / 86 23 / 30 supply systems 11, 14, 15. Again, a temporary shutdown of blast furnace 10 may be necessary, which is only for a limited period of time. The first syngas regenerator 40 is now operated to generate hot wind, which is possible because the conditions for hot wind generation are less severe than those for the reforming process. Meanwhile, the original first regenerator 31 is converted to adapt it for syngas production. This conversion may refer, if necessary, among other things, to the replacement of the refractory lining and / or possibly to the adaptation of the refractory lining support and / or replacing / adapting the mechanical components. In addition, a second syngas regenerator 41 is built, which is also adapted for syngas production and may be identical to the first syngas regenerator 40.
[046] Figure 4 illustrates a final stage of the method for converting blast furnace installation 1. The first original regenerator 31 and the second syngas regenerator 41 are connected to the top gas supply system 11, the first original regenerator 31, the first syngas regenerator 40 and the second syngas regenerator 41 are connected to the syngas supply system 18, which is also connected to the syngas injection system 22, 23. In addition, they are connected to a gas combination supply system 19 that provides a gas mixture of top gas and coke oven gas (and optionally natural gas). The mixing chamber 21 is constructed, to which the gas combination supply system 19 is connected.Furthermore, the mixing chamber is connected to the top gas supply system 11, through which it receives top gas, and to a fuel gas supply system 20, through which it receives coke oven gas (and optionally natural gas, as indicated by the dashed arrow). Since the reforming reaction normally requires high pressure, the gas combination supply system 19 may comprise a compressor. Alternatively, each of the top gas supply system 11 and the fuel gas supply system 20 may... Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 63 / 86 24 / 30 comprising a compressor, so that the top gas and the fuel gas are introduced into the mixing chamber 21 under high pressure. For simplicity, compressors are not shown here and below.
[047] Blast furnace installation 1 can resume its operation in a modified form, where a second and third original regenerator 32, 33 are operated to generate hot air, which is supplied to blast furnace 10 at tuyere level 10.1, while the first original regenerator 31 and the syngas regenerator 40, 41 are operated to produce syngas, which is supplied through the syngas supply system 18 and is injected through the upper syngas injection system 22 at shaft level 10.2 and through the lower syngas injection system 23 at tuyere level 10.1.
[048] While in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, the upper synthesis gas injection system 22 is built at the level of shaft 10.2 and additionally a lower synthesis gas injection system 23 is built at the level of tuyere 10.1, it would be possible to modify this embodiment so that only a single injection system 22, 23 is built at the tuyere level 10.1 or at the level of shaft 10.2 of blast furnace 10.
[049] If an auxiliary fuel is injected at tuyere level 10.1 as mentioned above, this fuel injection can generally continue during and after conversion. However, in some cases, depending on the amount of synthesis gas produced, the auxiliary fuel injection needs to be reduced or even stopped. For example, if coke oven gas is supplemented by natural gas, a larger amount of top gas may be converted into synthesis gas, which may render the auxiliary fuel (e.g., pulverized coal) obsolete. This also applies to the second and third embodiments discussed below.
[050] Figures 5 to 9 illustrate a second embodiment of a method for converting blast furnace installation 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a first phase of the conversion, which is similar to the phase shown in Figure 2 and will not be described again here. In this case, however, only an injection system of Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 64 / 86 25 / 30 top synthesis gas 22 at tank level 10.2 is constructed. In a second phase, shown in Figure 6, the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 is connected to the top gas supply system 11, the cold wind supply system 14, and the hot wind supply system 15 and is operated to generate hot wind. Meanwhile, the original first regenerator 31 is disconnected from the top gas supply system 11, the cold wind supply system 14, and the hot wind supply system 15, after which it is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[051] In a third phase shown in Figure 7, the first original regenerator 31, which has been converted, is reconnected to the top gas supply system 11, the cold wind supply system 14 and the hot wind supply system 15 and is operated to generate hot wind. Meanwhile, the second original regenerator 32 is disconnected from the top gas supply system 11, the cold wind supply system 14 and the hot wind supply system 15, after which it is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[052] In a fourth phase (shown in Figure 8), the second original regenerator 32, which has been converted, is reconnected to the top gas supply system 11. The mixing chamber 21 is constructed and connected to the top gas supply system 11 and the fuel gas supply system 20. The hot air injection system 16 is converted into a bottom syngas injection system 23, comprising the adaptation of the agitation tube and tuyere stocks and the installation of separate lances through which oxygen-rich gas from the oxygen supply system 17 is injected. Furthermore, the first original regenerator 31, the second original regenerator 32 and the first syngas regenerator 40 are connected to the syngas supply system 18 and through the gas combination supply system 19 to the mixing chamber 21.The synthesis gas supply system 18 is connected to the upper synthesis gas injection system 22 and the lower synthesis gas injection system 23. The first and second original regenerators 31, 32 and the first regenerator. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 65 / 86 Synthesis gas 40 is operated to produce synthesis gas, which is supplied to the blast furnace at the shaft level 10.2 via the synthesis gas supply system 18 and the synthesis gas injection system 22, 23. Meanwhile, the original third regenerator 33 is disconnected from the top gas supply system 11. The cold wind supply system 14 and the hot wind supply system 15 are dismantled. The original third regenerator 33 is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[053] Figure 9 shows a final stage of the conversion process. The original third regenerator 33 is connected to the top gas supply system 11, the synthesis gas supply system 18, and the gas combination supply system 19. It is then operated to produce synthesis gas. As can be seen by comparing Figure 4 and Figure 9, the second mode completely eliminates hot wind generation so that only oxygen-rich gas is injected at tuyere level 10.1 through the oxygen supply system 17 and the bottom synthesis gas injection system 23. All original regenerators 31-33 have been converted and are operated to produce synthesis gas, which is injected through the synthesis gas supply system 18 and the top synthesis gas injection system 22 at tank level 10.2 and the bottom synthesis gas injection system 23 at tuyere level 10.1.
[054] Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of a blast furnace installation 1, which basically comprises two blast furnace installations as shown in Figure 1. It comprises a first blast furnace 10 and a second blast furnace 50. A first hot air injection system 16 is arranged at a tuyere level 10.1 of the first blast furnace 10. The first hot air injection system 16 is connected to a first hot air supply system 15 and a first oxygen supply system 17. The first hot air supply system 15 is connected to a first group 30 of original regenerators 31-33, which receives cold air from a first cold air supply system (which is not shown for clarity) and heats it to Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 66 / 86 27 / 30 generate hot wind. Advantageously, the hot wind is enriched with oxygen. Each of the original regenerators 31-33 of the first group 30 is connected to a first top gas supply system 11 which receives top gas from the first blast furnace 10. In addition, a second hot wind injection system 56 is arranged at a tuyere level 50.1 of the second blast furnace 50. The second hot wind injection system 56 is connected to a second hot wind supply system 55 and a second oxygen supply system 57. The second hot wind supply system 55 is connected to a second group 37 of original regenerators 34-36, which receive cold wind from a second cold wind supply system (not shown) and heat it to generate hot wind. Each of the original regenerators 34-36 is connected to a second top gas supply system 51 which receives top gas from the second blast furnace 50.
[055] Figures 11 to 15 illustrate a third embodiment of the inventive method, by which blast furnace installation 1 shown in Figure 10 can be converted. As can also be seen in Figure 11, a synthesis gas supply system 18 is constructed, which is adapted to connect the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 to the first blast furnace 10 and the second blast furnace 50. In addition, a first upper synthesis gas injection system 22 is constructed at the shaft level 10.2 of the first blast furnace 10, a first lower synthesis gas injection system 23 is constructed at the tuyere level 10.1 of the first blast furnace 10, a second upper synthesis gas injection system 62 is constructed at the shaft level 50.2 of the second blast furnace 50, and a second lower synthesis gas injection system 63 is constructed at the tuyere level 50.1 of the second blast furnace 50.In the phase shown in Figure 11, the synthesis gas supply system 18 is not connected to any synthesis gas injection system 22, 23, 62, 63 nor to any of the regenerators 31-36, 40.
[056] In a second phase shown in Figure 12, the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 is connected to the first top gas supply system. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 67 / 86 28 / 30 11, to the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15 and is operated to generate hot wind. Meanwhile, the first original regenerator 31, which is part of the first group 30, is disconnected from the first top gas supply system 11, the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15, after which it is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[057] In a third phase shown in Figure 13, the first original regenerator 31, which has been converted, is reconnected to the first top gas supply system 11, the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15 and is operated to generate hot wind. Meanwhile, the second original regenerator 32, which is also part of the first group 30, is disconnected from the first top gas supply system 11, the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15, after which it is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[058] In a fourth phase (shown in Figure 14), the first original regenerator 31, which has been converted, is reconnected to the first top gas supply system 11, the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15. Meanwhile, the third original regenerator 33 is disconnected from the top gas supply system 11, the first cold wind supply system and the first hot wind supply system 15 and is converted to adapt it for synthesis gas production.
[059] Figure 15 shows a final stage of the conversion process. The mixing chamber 21 is constructed and connected to the first and second top gas supply systems 11, 51 and to the fuel gas supply system 20. In addition, the first original regenerator 31, the second original regenerator 32, the third original regenerator 33 and the first syngas regenerator 40 are connected to the syngas supply system 18 and via the gas combination supply system 19 to the mixing chamber 21. The syngas supply system 18 is connected to the first gas injection system. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 68 / 86 29 / 30 upper and lower synthesis systems 22, 23 and the second upper and lower synthesis gas injection system 62, 63. The first, second and third original regenerators 31-33 and the first synthesis gas regenerator 40 are operated to produce synthesis gas, which is supplied to both blast furnaces 10, 50 at tuyere level 10.1, 50.1 through the synthesis gas supply system 18 and the respective synthesis gas injection system 22, 23, 62, 63. The first cold wind supply system 14 and the first hot wind supply system 15 are dismantled. Instead of the first hot wind supply system 15, the second hot wind supply system 55 is connected to the first hot wind injection system 16.All original regenerators 31-33 from the first group 30 have been converted and are operated to produce synthesis gas, while all original regenerators 34-36 from the second group 37 remain unchanged and are operated to generate hot wind.
[060] Whereas in the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 15 there is a corresponding upper synthesis gas injection system 22, 62 arranged at the tuyere level 10.2, 50.2 and additionally a corresponding lower synthesis gas injection system 23, 63 arranged at the tuyere level 10.1, 50.1, it would be possible to modify this embodiment so that at least one blast furnace 10, 50 has only a single injection system 22, 23, 62, 63, which would be arranged at the tuyere level 10.1, 50.1 or at the tuyere level 10.2, 50.2 of the respective blast furnace 10, 50. LEGEND OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES: Synthesis gas supply system for blast furnace installation 18 10.50 blast furnace 19 gas combination 10.1, 50.1 tuyere level 20 fuel gas supply system 10.2, shaft level 21 mixing chamber Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 69 / 86 30 / 30 50.2 11, 51 Top gas supply system 22, 23, 62, 63 Synthesis gas injection system 13, 53 Gas cleaning plant 30 First group 14 Cold wind supply system 31-36 Original regenerator 15, 55 Hot wind supply system 37 Second group 16, 56 Hot wind injection system 40, 41 Synthesis gas regenerator 17, 57 Oxygen supply system Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, pp. 70 / 86
Claims
1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Method for converting a blast furnace installation (1), initially comprising at least one blast furnace (10, 50), a plurality of original regenerators (31-36) adapted to generate hot wind, a top gas supply system (11, 51) for supplying top gas from at least one blast furnace (10, 50) to each original regenerator (31-36), a cold wind supply system (14) for supplying cold wind to each original regenerator (31-36), a hot wind supply system (15, 55) for supplying hot wind from each original regenerator (31-36) to a hot wind injection system (16, 56), which is adapted to inject gas into at least one blast furnace (10, 50) at a tuyere level (10.1, 50.1), the method being characterized by comprising: - at least partially, by operating the original regenerators (31-36) to generate hot wind, construct at least one synthesis gas regenerator (40, 41),adapted to produce a synthesis gas by reforming a gaseous combination comprising an industrial gas containing CO2 and a fuel gas containing hydrocarbons, and construct a synthesis gas supply system (18) adapted to connect at least one synthesis gas regenerator (40, 41) to at least one blast furnace (10, 50); - connect a first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to the top gas supply system (11, 51), to the cold wind supply system (14) and to the hot wind supply system (15, 55) and operate the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) for hot wind generation; - disconnect an original first regenerator (31) from the top gas supply system (11, 51), from the cold wind supply system (14) and from the hot wind supply system (15, 55); - convert the original first regenerator (31) to adapt it to produce synthesis gas,if necessary replacing its refractory lining and / or the support of its refractory lining and / or its mechanical components; - connect the first original regenerator (31) to the top gas supply system (11,51); - disconnect the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) from the cold wind supply system (14) and the hot wind supply system (15, 55), connect the first original regenerator (31) and the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to a gas combination supply system (19) to supply the gas combination and through the synthesis gas supply system (18) to at least one blast furnace (10, 50); and - operate the first original regenerator (31) and the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to produce synthesis gas and supply the synthesis gas to at least one blast furnace (10, 50) via the synthesis gas supply system (18).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by comprising constructing a synthesis gas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63) that is adapted to inject gas into at least one blast furnace (10, 50) and connecting the synthesis gas supply system (18) to the synthesis gas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63).
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the construction of the synthesis gas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63) comprises at least partially converting the hot air injection system (16, 56) to adapt it to the injection of synthesis gas.
4. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the synthesis gas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63) is adapted to inject gas at the tuyere level (10.1, 50.1) and / or at a tank level (10.2, 50.2) above the tuyere level (10.1, 50.1).
5. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the synthesis gas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63) is at least partially constructed during the operation of at least one blast furnace (10, 50).
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 82 / 86 3 / 6 characterized by at least one of the following steps being performed during a shutdown of at least one blast furnace (10, 50): - connecting a syngas regenerator (40, 41) to the top gas supply system (11, 51), to the cold wind supply system (14) and to the hot wind supply system (15, 55); - connecting a regenerator (31-36, 40, 41) to the syngas supply system (18); and - connecting the syngas injection system (22, 23, 62, 63) to at least one blast furnace (10, 50).
7. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising the following steps: - connecting a second synthesis gas regenerator (41) to the top gas supply system (11, 51), to the cold wind supply system (14) and to the hot wind supply system (15, 55); and - operating the second synthesis gas regenerator (41), together with the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) and the first original regenerator (31), to produce synthesis gas and supply the synthesis gas to at least one blast furnace (10, 50) through the synthesis gas supply system (18).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the second synthesis gas regenerator (41) is constructed after the operation of the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to generate hot wind has been initiated.
9. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by comprising, after conversion of the first original regenerator (31): - connecting the first original regenerator (31) to the top gas supply system (11, 51), to the cold wind supply system (14) and to the hot wind supply system (15, 55); - disconnecting a second original regenerator (32) from the top gas supply system (11, 51), from the cold wind supply system (14) and Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 83 / 86 4 / 6 of the hot wind supply system (15, 55); - converting the second original regenerator (32) to adapt it to produce synthesis gas; - at least while the second original regenerator (32) is being converted, operate the first original regenerator (31) and the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to generate hot wind;- Disconnect the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) and the first original regenerator (31) from the cold wind supply system (14) and the hot wind supply system (15, 55), connect the first original regenerator (31), the second original regenerator (32) and the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to the gas combination supply system (19) and via the synthesis gas supply system (18) to at least one blast furnace (10, 50); and - operate the first original regenerator (31), the second original regenerator (32) and the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to produce synthesis gas and supply the synthesis gas to at least one blast furnace (10, 50) via the synthesis gas supply system (18).
10. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by comprising the following steps: - disconnecting a third original regenerator (33) from the top gas supply system (11, 51), the cold wind supply system (14) and the hot wind supply system (15, 55); - converting the third original regenerator (33) to adapt it to produce synthesis gas; - connecting the third original regenerator (33) to the gas combination supply system (19) and via the synthesis gas supply system (18) to at least one blast furnace (10, 50); and - operating the third original regenerator (33) to produce synthesis gas and supplying the synthesis gas to at least one blast furnace (10, 50) via the synthesis gas supply system (18). Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 84 / 86 5 / 6 11. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by comprising constructing a mixing chamber (21) and connecting the mixing chamber (21) to a fuel gas supply system (20) to supply the fuel gas and to the gas combination supply system (19).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterized by comprising connecting the top gas supply system (11, 51) to the mixing chamber (21) and supplying the top gas from a blast furnace (10, 50) as the industrial gas to the mixing chamber (21).
13. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that all the original regenerators (31-36) are converted to adapt them to the production of synthesis gas.
14. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the blast furnace installation (1) comprises a first blast furnace (10) connected to a first group (30) of original regenerators (31-36) through a first hot air supply system (15) and a first top gas supply system (11) and a second blast furnace (50) connected to a second group (37) of original regenerators (31-36) through a second hot air supply system (55) and a second top gas supply system (51), and the method comprises: - connecting the first synthesis gas regenerator (40) to at least one of the first top gas supply system (11) and the second top gas supply system (51); - convert all original regenerators (31-33) from the first group (30) and connect them to the gas combination supply system (19) and the synthesis gas supply system (18);- connect the second hot air supply system (55) to the first blast furnace (10); - connect the synthesis gas supply system (18) to the first blast furnace (10) and to the second blast furnace (50).
15. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, after the conversion is complete, all the original regenerators (31-33) of the first group (30) are operated to produce synthesis gas while all the original regenerators (34-36) of the second group (37) are operated to generate hot wind. Petition 870260036858, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 86 / 86