Abstract: An automated apparatus for inspecting columnar bodies by an eddy current method includes a stockup zone, a feed zone and eddy current inspection equipment with the feed zone. The columnar bodies are fed via guide equipment end to end in an abutting relationship and detection equipment monitors blockages of the columnar bodies and enables dislodgement of the same.

Abstract: A process for determining the arrangement of the layered charges in a blast furnace prior to smelting. Positioned in the layered charges in the blast furnace are a plurality of upright tubes in each of which an eddy current probe is moved up and down. The layered charges are composed of alternate layers of coke and sintered iron ore. A first set of data indicating the position of the probe is obtained through an encoder, a position counter and a recorder. A second set of data indicating the content of the sintered iron ores in the charges at any level is obtained through an eddy current tester and the recorder due to the fact the sintered iron ores and the cokes are of different magnetic permeabilities. By contrasting the first set of data with the second set of data, the distribution of the sintered iron ores in the charges is detected.