APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR SURFACE GASIFICATION IN A REDUCTION REACTOR SHAFT

The invention relates to an apparatus for production of metal sponge or pig iron from metal oxide-containing material in piece form using a reduction gas, comprising a reduction reactor shaft (1) and several reduction gas inlet lines which end in the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1) for introduction of reduction gas into the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1). It is characterized in that a reduction gas channel body (11) which passes through the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1) is present for distribution of reduction gas into the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1), wherein at least one reduction gas supply line for supply of reduction gas below the reduction gas channel body into the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1) is present essentially vertically below the reduction gas channel body (11) at at least one inner-wall end of the reduction gas channel body (11), and the reduction gas channel body (11) has a carrier tube through which a cooling medium can flow. According to the invention, a first portion of the reduction gas is introduced into the bed by means of several reduction gas inlet lines which end in the interior of the reduction reactor shaft, and a second portion of the reduction gas is distributed into the bed by means of a reduction gas channel body which passes through the interior of the reduction reactor shaft. The second portion of the reduction gas is supplied essentially vertically below the reduction gas channel body into the interior of the reduction reactor shaft.