Cooling devices and corresponding furnaces for metallurgical furnaces

Abstract

A cooling device (10) for a metallurgical furnace (100) having at least one container (110) in the metallurgical furnace having at least one peripheral wall (130), the device (10) comprising at least one cooling module (11) associated at least with the peripheral wall (130) and having a plurality of nozzles (15) disposed therein, the nozzles being arranged to spray cooling fluid supplied thereto toward a first element (200) of the peripheral wall (130) directly facing a melting chamber (160); each of the nozzles (15) being arranged to define a spray cone (16) that sprays cooling fluid onto the first element (200) at a certain angle (α) and being positioned at a first distance (D1) from an adjacent nozzle (15), at least the ratio between the angle (α) and the first distance (D1) such that each spray cone (16) defines a spray area (17) on the first element (200) and defines an intersection portion (19) with the spray cones (16) of the adjacent nozzles (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooling device for a metallurgical furnace (e.g., an electric arc furnace (EAF)) and the furnace itself. More specifically, this invention relates to a cooling device integrated with the wall (and possibly the furnace roof) of a metallurgical furnace. The device is formed by a housing structure having nozzles supplied with cooling fluid installed inside. The nozzles define a certain amount of heat exchange by spraying, thereby maintaining the temperature of the wall facing the inside of the metallurgical furnace within suitable limits. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional metallurgical furnaces, such as the well-known electric arc furnace, have a perimeter wall and a furnace roof, both made of refractory material, and cooling devices are installed on the perimeter wall and furnace roof to perform the desired heat exchange.

[0003] Generally, cooling devices are known to be supplied with cooling fluid (usually water), which is supplied by a suitable supply system.

[0004] Cooling devices may include coils in which cooling fluid flows, or they may have one or more box-shaped elements to house multiple nozzles inside, the nozzles being able to spray cooling fluid onto the surface of the furnace wall, which directly faces the furnace's melting chamber.

[0005] In both cases, over time, a certain amount of slag will adhere to the side facing the melting chamber. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the slag, it acts as an insulator, thereby protecting the cooling device and improving the efficiency of the process being carried out in the furnace.

[0006] While coiled solutions are effective for heat exchange, they require cooling fluid pressures in the loop to be higher than atmospheric pressure, thus proving unattractive to some markets. This is because, in addition to the need for auxiliary booster pumps, any leaks under extreme conditions can lead to dangerous situations, especially with perforated pipes. Therefore, solutions that operate at atmospheric pressure, such as those with nozzles, are preferred.

[0007] In fact, the nozzle-equipped solution provides a low-pressure (approximately close to atmospheric pressure) supply to the cooling fluid, so even in the event of a liquid leak, the risk is more manageable than with a coil panel (where the fluid is at high pressure).

[0008] To ensure optimal operation of this type of solution, the cooling fluid must be sprayed onto the panel wall in a substantially uniform manner to achieve heat removal exceeding the expected minimum.

[0009] However, since the nozzles are housed inside the box-shaped element and are not directly visible, in the event of failure or blockage of more than one nozzle, localized cooling loss may occur in more than one area, which cannot be immediately identified.

[0010] Publicly known solutions are disclosed in documents such as: EP0393970B2, relating to cooling of hot objects; JPHO755363A, relating to conduits for high-temperature gases; document EP0044512A1, relating to a method and apparatus for cooling components of containers for metallurgical furnaces (especially electric arc furnaces); document US5601427A, relating to a furnace and method for smelting waste; and document JPH0395391A, relating to a cover for a furnace.

[0011] To date, there is no direct method to detect potential cooling losses that could damage the furnace and its components, as this could also jeopardize some operating parts of the hearth or top.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to improve the cooling devices used in metallurgical furnaces to address at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0013] Therefore, the following technical problem must be solved: improving the cooling reliability and efficiency of a cooling device for a metallurgical furnace that uses nozzles to cool at least the panels forming the sidewalls of the furnace, even in the event of failure or blockage of more than one nozzle.

[0014] One object of the present invention is to provide a low-pressure cooling device for a metallurgical furnace that can ensure a cooling efficiency higher than a certain minimum even in the event of failure or blockage of more than one nozzle.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device for a metallurgical furnace, wherein heat extraction can be independently managed according to the area of ​​the furnace being cooled.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device for a metallurgical furnace, wherein each nozzle or nozzle group can be monitored to verify whether cooling is proceeding normally.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a metallurgical furnace, particularly an electric arc furnace, equipped with the above-described cooling device with nozzles.

[0018] The applicant designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The independent claims set forth and describe the invention. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0020] In accordance with the above objectives, the aforementioned technical problems are solved in a novel and original manner, while also achieving considerable advantages compared with the prior art. The cooling device according to the present invention is applied to a metallurgical furnace, which is provided with at least a container, the container having at least one peripheral wall that internally defines a melting chamber, into which metal charge can be selectively placed for subsequent melting.

[0021] The cooling device according to the invention includes at least one cooling module associated with a peripheral wall, and a plurality of nozzles disposed therein.

[0022] By relating it to the surrounding wall, we refer both to an external element that is attached to the wall and operates in conjunction with the furnace wall, and to a component of the wall, such as the hollow space that defines the working of the nozzle.

[0023] According to the present invention, the following approach is not excluded: a single cooling module can be provided, which affects the entire peripheral wall; alternatively, several modules connected together can be provided.

[0024] The nozzles are supplied with cooling fluid and are arranged to spray the cooling fluid onto a first element that is directly facing the peripheral wall of the melting chamber, such that each nozzle locally cools the first element.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, each nozzle is arranged to define a spray cone having a certain angle of amplitude α, and is positioned at a first distance D1 from the adjacent nozzle. The ratio between the angle of amplitude α and the first distance D1 can be selected such that each spray cone defines a spray area on a first element and defines a portion that intersects (or partially overlaps) with the spray areas defined by the adjacent nozzle.

[0026] At least one cooling module includes a supply line for cooling fluid, nozzles hydraulically connected to the supply line, the supply line being arranged to define multiple rows or columns of nozzles, and hydraulically connected to at least one cooling fluid supply manifold, the manifold being annular and positioned along a circumferential wall during use.

[0027] In this way, according to the present invention, the distribution is substantially achieved over the entire portion of the first element affected by the action of the cooling module, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the cooling performed.

[0028] Furthermore, according to this solution, by ensuring a dense spray density on the first element, cooling efficiency exceeding a certain minimum can be achieved even in the event of failure or blockage of more than one nozzle. In fact, in these cases, the interference portion allows for at least partial compensation for the cooling loss of more than one adjacent nozzle, thereby limiting the temperature rise to a minimum and thus limiting the possibility of negatively interfering with the melting process or causing operational damage to some components of the furnace.

[0029] In addition, this solution ensures that the cooling fluid is efficiently and rapidly distributed to the nozzle, which allows for further improvement in spray density and uniformity.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, each supply line can be selectively isolated from other supply lines by a corresponding shut-off valve so as to supply cooling fluid to a single row and / or a single column of nozzles or a group of multiple rows and / or multiple columns of nozzles.

[0031] In this way, if needed, differentiated cooling can be selected for different areas of the furnace, or only certain areas of the furnace can be cooled.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the columns of the nozzles arranged in sequence are separated by a first distance, and the rows of the nozzles arranged in sequence are separated by a second distance, the first distance and the second distance allowing for a high convergence portion in which three or more spray areas overlap.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the first distance is between 300 mm and 400 mm, and the second distance is between 350 mm and 500 mm. These values ​​allow for a considerably high convergence portion, further improving the uniformity and efficiency of cooling.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the supply line includes a side branch that delivers cooling fluid to the nozzle.

[0035] Advantageously, the ratio between the phase angle α and the first distance D1 is chosen to ensure that the surface area of ​​the intersection between two adjacent jet cones is between approximately 5% and approximately 65% ​​of each jet region. Advantageously, this percentage is approximately 30%.

[0036] The selection of this specific percentage range, along with other interference portions defined between all spray zones, further ensures effective and uniform cooling of the first element of the peripheral wall.

[0037] This ensures that the main critical areas of the melting chamber can be effectively and adequately cooled, thereby further improving the reliability and efficiency of cooling.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, the metallurgical furnace includes a closed furnace top for selectively closing the melting chamber from above, a cooling module that can be associated with the closed furnace top, together with a peripheral wall or alternative peripheral wall, each nozzle of which is arranged to define a spray cone that sprays cooling fluid onto a second element; similarly in this case, a spray area and a junction of the spray areas of the spray cones of adjacent nozzles are defined.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, each nozzle is positioned at a second distance D2 from the first element, the second distance D2 being between 150 mm and 300 mm.

[0040] In this advantageous embodiment of the invention, all nozzles are positioned substantially at the same distance from the first element, thereby ensuring uniform cooling of the first element itself, which is beneficial to the quality of cooling and repeatability over time. Furthermore, adjusting the second distance D2 can affect the width of the spray zone, and consequently the defined intersection between adjacent spray zones, thus increasing feasible design options depending on the specific operating conditions of the metallurgical furnace.

[0041] In some variations, one or more parameters defining the injection area can be selectively and possibly individually modified to achieve different operating states, for example, to compensate for nozzle malfunctions or to locally enhance cooling at desired locations on the peripheral wall.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the nozzles of the same cooling module are supplied individually or in groups by one or more cooling fluid supply lines, each group including between 5 and 11 nozzles, and the number of nozzles between a cooling module and possible other cooling modules may be different.

[0043] For example, multiple rows or columns of nozzles can be arranged within each independent cooling module, with the nozzles arranged substantially parallel to each other in a matrix, quincunx, or other layout. As mentioned earlier, each row or column of nozzles can be supplied individually or in groups via specific supply lines, thereby defining different cooling areas for the first or second element within the same cooling module.

[0044] In this way, the cooling of the surrounding walls or the sealed furnace top can be modified, improved, or concentrated in certain areas, for example, based on the temperature value detected by a specific melting step or a thermal sensor.

[0045] Therefore, the scheme according to the invention allows for heat extraction, which can be managed independently according to the area of ​​the furnace being cooled.

[0046] According to another aspect of the invention, a single cooling module can be provided, which is arranged to partially or completely cover the perimeter wall or the furnace roof; similarly, multiple cooling modules can be provided, for example, between two and seven, advantageously five, which are distributed on the perimeter wall as designed; similarly, the enclosed furnace roof can be composed of more than one connecting section.

[0047] Advantageously, each cooling module can be supplied individually and have different operating states, or be different from the states of other modules, and include a loop for collecting and discharging waste cooling fluid.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes at least one temperature sensing element arranged to detect the cooling temperature of the peripheral wall. Preferably, the mounting point of the sensing element is at the location with the greatest exposure relative to the electrode, and thus defines the shortest straight-line distance between the cooling module and the electrode.

[0049] In this way, each cooling module or group of cooling modules can be monitored to verify whether cooling is proceeding normally.

[0050] Advantageously, a command and control unit can also be set up, which is connected to the detection element to compare the data detected by each detection element with, for example, system data, and to provide the comparison to the operator or a programmed computer in order to keep the operating parameters of the metallurgical furnace within certain limits.

[0051] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a metallurgical furnace having at least one container having at least one peripheral wall that internally defines a melting chamber.

[0052] According to the present invention, the metallurgical furnace is associated with a cooling device, the cooling device being provided with at least a cooling module, and the cooling module being associated with the peripheral wall.

[0053] Multiple nozzles are provided inside the cooling module. The nozzles are supplied with cooling fluid and are arranged to spray the cooling fluid onto the first element that is directly facing the peripheral wall of the melting chamber.

[0054] According to the present invention, each nozzle is arranged to define a spray cone with a certain amplitude α and is positioned at a first distance D1 from the adjacent nozzle. Thus, the ratio between the amplitude α and at least the first distance D1 causes each spray cone to define a spray area on a first element and to define an intersection portion with the spray areas of the spray cones of the adjacent nozzles. Furthermore, at least one cooling module includes a cooling fluid supply line, the nozzles being hydraulically connected to the supply line, the supply line being arranged to define multiple rows or columns of nozzles and hydraulically connected to at least one cooling fluid supply manifold, which is annular and positioned along its circumferential wall during use.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, the furnace includes a single cooling module integrated into a hollow cavity in the peripheral wall, the hollow cavity being defined on at least one side by a first element.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the manifold is arranged in a ring within the hollow cavity and has an outer opening toward the peripheral wall through at least one pipe joint.

[0057] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more access doors are provided on the peripheral wall of the furnace container to allow for the maintenance of the cooling module or its components. Attached Figure Description

[0058] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, which are non-limiting examples given with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a metallurgical furnace using the cooling device according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial 3D view of the furnace; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Magnified details III; Figure 4 From Figure 1 The view seen from the IV direction; Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 1 The operating status of the cooling device; Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 5 The first possible operating scheme; Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 5 The second operating option.

[0059] It must be clarified that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the illustrations in the accompanying drawings (including how they are described), serve only to better illustrate and explain the invention, and are intended to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0060] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible to identify the same common elements in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0061] refer to Figure 1The cooling device 10 according to the invention is used to cool or at least perform cooling heat exchange in a desired internal area of ​​a metallurgical furnace 100 (in this example, an electric arc furnace (EAF)), particularly in the smelting steps of metallic materials, so as to both reduce wear on the components of the metallurgical furnace 100 and improve the efficiency of the smelting process carried out in the furnace 100.

[0062] In short, the furnace 100 includes a generally cylindrical container 110 having a lower hearth 120, a peripheral wall 130 disposed above the hearth 120 and open at the top, and a selectively openable furnace top 150 positioned to close the peripheral wall 130, through which the electrode 300 can at least partially pass. The cross-section of the container 110 has a shape other than circular, for example, it can be elliptical.

[0063] In addition, the container 110 defines a melting chamber 160, in which metal charge M can be selectively added for subsequent melting, and the combustion smoke generated during the melting process circulates.

[0064] The hearth 120 has a concave bottom, in which the wear area is made of refractory material and can withstand temperatures above 1600°C, within which the metal charge M is smelted. As with the prior art, the hearth 120 is typically provided with a discharge port through which molten slag-removed steel can be selectively discharged.

[0065] The peripheral wall 130 includes or is formed by a first element or panel 200, which in this specific embodiment is substantially cylindrical and has its inner surface 210 directly facing the melting chamber 160. An outer surface 220 is disposed opposite to the inner surface 210. For simplicity, we refer to the general panel 200 herein and in the following description, but this does not preclude the possibility that the panel 200 may be formed by a set of panels suitably connected to each other to define the peripheral wall 130.

[0066] The furnace top 150 includes or is composed of a second element or panel 250 having an inner surface 260 directly facing the melting chamber 160 and an outer surface 270 opposite to the inner surface 260, which may also be implemented by more than one interconnected panel.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the device 10 according to the invention includes a single cooling module 11 integrated into a hollow cavity 12 of a peripheral wall 130, which is defined at least on one side by a panel 200. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral wall 130 itself is at least partially defined by the cooling module 11.

[0068] Also within the scope of the invention is a scheme in which a plurality of cooling modules 11 are provided, for example, between 2 and 7, advantageously 5, which are distributed on the peripheral wall 130 as designed.

[0069] It is not excluded that one or more cooling modules 11 can be applied to the exterior of the peripheral wall 130, but they are always directly connected to the panel 200.

[0070] Advantageously, the peripheral wall 130 is provided with one or more access doors 13, which are provided to allow operators to directly inspect the cooling module 11 or its components, for example, during operation scheduling, maintenance or other situations.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown only schematically, the cooling module 11 can also be effectively associated with the furnace top 150 and directly cooperate with the panel 250, having the same spray operation characteristics as described for application to the peripheral wall 130.

[0072] The cooling module 11 includes a plurality of nozzles 15, which are supplied with low-pressure cooling fluid and are arranged to spray the cooling fluid directly onto the outer surface 220 of the panel 200.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each nozzle 15 is arranged to define a spray cone 16 with a certain angle α, for example, the angle α is between 90° and 150°, advantageously about 120°, and is positioned at a first distance D1 from the adjacent nozzle 15, for example, the first distance D1 is between 300 mm and 400 mm, advantageously between 320 mm and 350 mm. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each nozzle 15 is also arranged at a second distance D2 from the panel 200, for example, the second distance D2 is between 150 mm and 300 mm, advantageously between 190 mm and 210 mm, and at a third distance D3 from the adjacent upper or lower row of nozzles 15, for example, the third distance is between 350 mm and 500 mm, advantageously between 420 mm and 460 mm.

[0074] According to the invention, the ratio between angle α and the first distance D1 is such that each spray cone 16 defines a spray area 17 on the outer surface 220 of the panel 200. Figure 4 , 5 And 6), and defines the intersection portion 19 with the spray area 17 defined by the spray cone 16 of the adjacent nozzle 15.

[0075] Advantageously, each junction portion 19 has a surface area that is at least between about 5% and about 65% of each spray region 17, and advantageously 30%.

[0076] The cooling module 11 also includes a cooling fluid supply line 20, with nozzles 15 hydraulically connected to the supply line.

[0077] In particular, the cooling module 11 may include a variable number of supply lines 20 and a variable number of nozzles 15, for example, between 5 and 11. In a configuration with multiple cooling modules 11, the number of nozzles for each cooling module 11 may also vary between one cooling module 11 and another, depending on the heat extraction arrangement. Each supply line 20 may supply one or more pairs of nozzles 15 located on opposite sides thereof, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 or Figure 4 Therefore, the supply pipeline 20 basically includes the side branch pipe 28 ( Figure 4 The side branch pipe delivers cooling fluid to the nozzle 15, and, for example, allows the nozzle 15 to be positioned in the desired cooling area of ​​the furnace and to effectively distribute the cooling fluid.

[0078] In the arrangement shown in the accompanying drawings, each supply line 20 is supplied sequentially by at least one generally annular manifold 21, which is positioned along the peripheral wall 130 during use. The supply lines 20 are thus hydraulically connected to the manifold 21. In particular, the manifold 21 is arranged annularly within the hollow cavity 12 and has an opening towards the outer side of the peripheral wall 130 via a pipe fitting 22. The pipe fitting 22 is hydraulically connected to a cooling fluid supply device, which is of a generally known type and is not shown in the drawings.

[0079] Furthermore, each supply line 20 can be selectively isolated from other supply lines 20 via a corresponding shut-off valve 23, which can regulate or even interrupt the flow rate of the cooling fluid. Advantageously, an access door 13 is provided corresponding to the shut-off valve 23 to facilitate optimized operation and maintenance.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As schematically shown, within a single cooling module 11, the supply lines 20 can be arranged to define multiple rows of X or multiple columns of Y nozzles 15, the nozzles 15 being arranged substantially parallel to each other in a matrix. Figure 5 ), plum blossom shape ( Figure 6 (or other layouts). Distance D1 defines the space between two parallel columns positioned sequentially, while distance D3 defines the space between two parallel rows X positioned sequentially.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the distances D1 and D3 between the nozzles 15 can be selected to define a high confluence portion 19a in which three or more spray regions 17 overlap, thereby further improving the efficiency and uniformity of the cooling effect.

[0082] By intervening in the shut-off valve 23, each row X or each column Y can be supplied individually or in groups to define different cooling zones within the same cooling module 11.

[0083] The cooling module 11 includes at least one loop in the lower part of the hollow cavity 12 for collecting and discharging waste cooling fluid. The outlet pipe joint 25 is shown only schematically in the figure, from which the fluid leaves and is sent to its collection point.

[0084] Furthermore, the device 10 includes at least one temperature sensing element 26, which is of a basically known type and is only used in... Figure 3 The detection element 26 is arranged to detect the cooling temperature of the peripheral wall and is connected to the command and control unit 27, which compares the detected data with predetermined system data to issue an alarm to the user equipment and may intervene in the process steps of the furnace 100 or the apparatus 10.

[0085] Advantageously, the detection element 26 can be mounted on the panel 200 in a position that is more exposed relative to the electrode 300, and thus in a position where the straight-line distance between the panel 200 and each electrode 300 is shortest.

[0086] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the apparatus 10 as described above and the furnace 100 equipped with such apparatus 10 without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0087] It is also obvious that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will be able to realize other equivalent forms of cooling devices for metallurgical furnaces and metallurgical furnaces equipped with such devices, having the features described in the claims, and thus all fall within the scope of protection defined therein.

[0088] In the following claims, the reference marks in parentheses are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and should not be regarded as limiting factors on the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A cooling device (10) for a metallurgical furnace (100), wherein at least one container (110) in the metallurgical furnace is provided with at least one peripheral wall (130), the peripheral wall (130) being associated with at least one cooling module (11), the cooling module (11) being provided with a plurality of nozzles (15), the nozzles (15) being arranged to spray cooling fluid onto a first element (200) of the peripheral wall (130), characterized in that, Each of the nozzles (15) defines a spray cone (16) that sprays the cooling fluid onto the first element (200) at a certain angle (α) and is positioned at a first distance (D1) from another adjacent nozzle (15) such that the ratio between the angle (α) and the first distance (D1) is such that each spray cone (16) defines a spray area (17) on the first element (200) and defines an intersection portion (19) with the spray cones (16) of the adjacent nozzles (15); wherein the at least one cooling module (11) includes a cooling fluid supply line (20) to which the nozzles (15) are hydraulically connected, the supply line (20) being arranged to define multiple rows (X) or multiple columns (Y) of nozzles (15) and hydraulically connected to at least one cooling fluid supply manifold (21), the manifold (21) being annular and positioned along the peripheral wall (130) during use.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each supply line (20) can be selectively isolated from other supply lines (20) by a corresponding shut-off valve (23) so as to supply cooling fluid to a single row (X) and / or a single row (Y) nozzle (15) or a group of multiple rows (X) and / or multiple rows (Y) nozzles (15).

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The columns (Y) of the sequentially arranged nozzles (15) are separated by a first distance (D1), and the rows (X) of the sequentially arranged nozzles (15) are separated by a second distance (D3), the distances (D1, D3) allowing the formation of a high confluence portion (19a) in which more than three spray areas (17) overlap.

4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first distance (D1) is between 300 mm and 400 mm, and the second distance (D3) is between 350 mm and 500 mm.

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The supply line (20) includes a side branch (28) that delivers cooling fluid to the nozzle (15).

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The surface area of ​​the intersection portion (19) is between approximately 5% and approximately 65% ​​of each spray area (17).

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metallurgical furnace (100) includes a closed furnace top (150) capable of selectively closing the smelting chamber (160) of the peripheral wall (130) from above, the peripheral wall (130) being provided with a second element (250) directly facing the smelting chamber (160), characterized in that the cooling module (11) is associated with the closed furnace top (150), each of its nozzles (15) being arranged to define a spray cone (16) for spraying the cooling fluid onto the second element (250), thereby defining a spray area (17) and an intersection (19) with the spray cones (16) of adjacent nozzles (15).

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the nozzles (15) is positioned at a second distance (D2) from the first element (200) or the second element (250), the second distance (D2) being between 150 mm and 300 mm.

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cooling module (11) includes at least one supply line (20) capable of supplying the cooling fluid individually or in groups to the nozzle (15).

10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It may provide a single cooling module (11) partially or entirely distributed on the peripheral wall (130) or the furnace top (150), or provide multiple cooling modules (11) distributed on the peripheral wall (130) or the furnace top (150), wherein the multiple cooling modules are between two and seven.

11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each cooling module (11) includes between five and eleven nozzles (15), and the number of nozzles (15) varies between cooling modules (11), and the nozzles are supplied individually or in groups by the supply line (20).

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Each cooling module (11) includes a loop (25) for collecting and discharging waste cooling fluid.

13. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It includes at least one element (26) for detecting the cooling temperature of the first element (200) and at least one command and control unit (27) connected to the detection element (26).

14. A metallurgical furnace (100) having at least one container (110) having at least one peripheral wall (130), the metallurgical furnace being associated with a cooling device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cooling device (10) comprising at least one cooling module (11), the cooling module (11) being associated at least with the peripheral wall (130) and having a plurality of nozzles (15) disposed therein, the nozzles (15) being arranged to spray cooling fluid onto a first element (200) of the peripheral wall (130), characterized in that, Each of the nozzles (15) is arranged to define a spray cone (16) that sprays the cooling fluid onto the first element (200) at a certain angle (α) and is positioned at a first distance (D1) from the adjacent nozzle (15), the ratio between the angle (α) and the first distance (D1) being such that each spray cone (16) defines a spray area (17) on the first element (200) and defines an intersection portion (19) with the spray cone (16) of the adjacent nozzle (15), wherein the at least one cooling module (11) includes a cooling fluid supply line (20) to which the nozzles (15) are hydraulically connected, the supply line (20) being arranged to define multiple rows (X) or multiple columns (Y) of nozzles (15) and hydraulically connected to at least one cooling fluid supply manifold (21), the manifold (21) being annular and positioned along the peripheral wall (130) during use.

15. The metallurgical furnace (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, It includes a single cooling module (11) integrated into a hollow cavity (12) of the peripheral wall (130), the hollow cavity (12) being defined on at least one side by the first element (200).

16. The metallurgical furnace (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The manifold (21) is arranged in a ring within the hollow cavity (12) and has an opening to the outside of the peripheral wall (130) via at least one pipe joint (22).

17. The metallurgical furnace (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One or more access doors (13) are provided on the peripheral wall (130) to allow access to the cooling module (11) or its components.

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