Abstract: Iron ore is reduced to molten iron by introducing the ore into a reactor while combusting coal with pure oxygen in the reactor. The molten iron phase, which forms at the bottom of the reactor, is stirred by injecting carbon monoxide into the molten iron. In a preferred embodiment, finely pulverized iron ore is injected with pure oxygen tangentially into a cyclone section of the furnace situated on top of a converter section, thereby causing melting and preliminary reduction of the ore to take place in the cyclone section. Primary reduction of the iron oxide occurs in the converter section of the furnace.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for indirectly exchanging heat between first and second fluids. The heat exchanger is provided with a plurality of parallel plates to define first and second heat exchange passages for the first fluids to undergo indirect heat transfer. Corrugated fin-type material is positioned within the first and second heat exchange passages to increase the heat transfer area within the first and second heat exchange passages. Liquid distribution means are provided for distributing liquid composed of the second fluid to the second heat exchange passages. Overflow weirs are provided in such distribution means from which liquid overflows and falls into the second heat exchange passages. The overflow weirs are positioned to feed both sides of the second heat exchange passages and the corrugated fin-type material of the second heat exchange passage extend above the second heat exchange passage to ensure entry of the liquid into each corrugation. In such wetting of all corrugations is promoted.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between first and second fluids. A plurality of vertically oriented passages are defined between alternating first and second passage walls. The first and second passages are provided for bringing the first and second fluids into a heat transfer relationship. To this end, the first passage incorporates an inlet and an outlet, for instance, to admit gaseous nitrogen into the top of the first passages and to discharge condensed nitrogen from the bottom of the first passages. An inlet is provided to introduce the second fluid into the second passages. The second fluid, which is a liquid is to be at least in part vaporized within the second passages. Liquid film, composed of the liquid, is distributed within the second passages by way of an arrangement of slotted dividing bars having staggered slots along the length of such slotted dividing bars to urge liquid against the passage walls defining the passages.