Abstract: An apparatus for distributing charge material to a shaft furnace is presented which effectively reduces the segregation of the particles in a storage housing positioned above the shaft furnace. In the present invention, the storage hopper and the distribution device are movable about the vertical axis of the shaft furnace and are mounted inside a sealed chamber. Above the chamber are arranged at least two locks which are each provided with upper and lower sealing flaps. Preferably, the storage hopper and the bottom of each of the locks are in the configuration of tapered funnels, the conical wall of which forms an angle of less than or equal to about 30.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the furnace. The storage hopper is preferably supported by support and guide rollers which move on a circular rail integral with the wall of the sealed chamber and is subjected to the action of a drive mechanism for rotation about the vertical axis of the furnace.

Abstract: A rotatable drum, which bears beater bars and is intended for use in pulverizing metallurgical slag, is defined by abutting conduits which are welded to one another and to a tubular support. The arrays of conduits, through which a coolant is circulated, is interrupted at a number of locations spaced radially about the support where radially outwardly extending beater bars are welded to the same support. The beater bars are also provided with internal passages through which the coolant is circulated.

Abstract: Entrained particulate matter is separated from the pressurized gas released from an intermediate charge material storage hopper of a blast furnace charging installation, the hopper alternately being pressurized to the furnace pressure for release of charge materials into the furnace and the pressure being relieved to atmospheric to permit reloading, at a point upstream of the filters and/or silencers through which the pressurized gas is released to the ambient atmosphere. The separator comprises a series of perforated discs, which may be heated, associated with a collection chamber into which separated material will fall under the influence of gravity.