Abstract: A system and method for fluidized reduction of iron ore powder. Use of oxidation increases the iron ore reduction rate. Use of high-gas-velocity processing accelerates iron ore reduction speed and greatly improves the gas-treatment capabilities of a unit-cross-sectional fluidized bed. Use of parallel-connections involving reduced coal gas lessens the volume of gas passing through a single-stage fluidized bed. The invention achieves the highly-effective reduction of iron ore powder in a fluidized bed under near-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a refining device for producing molten steel of outstanding cleanliness, and more particularly provides a method and device for refining inclusions by forming droplets from molten steel and dropping same into slag during pre-processing in a continuous casting process in a steel-making process.

Abstract: A process for direct reduction of iron oxide in a shaft furnace. The process includes feeding iron oxide to the furnace, passing the iron oxide successively downwardly through a pre-reduction zone, a transition zone, a metallization zone, and a cooling zone while passing rich fuel gas produced by external partial combustion with a sub-stoichiometric volume of air upwardly through the pre-reduction zone in counter-current flow so as to partially reduce the iron oxide, and passing reducing gas downwardly through the metallization zone in co-current flow so as to substantially complete the reduction of the iron oxide to metallic iron. The reducing gas is first pre-heated in a gas heater and then subjected to partial combustion with oxygen to further increase its temperature. The process includes removing a metallized iron product from the cooling zone.

Abstract: A method of ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes hot transferring and hot charging the high-temperature coke, sinter and pellet into the ironmaking furnace through transferring and charging device, and injecting oxygen and hydrogen-rich combustible gas at a predetermined temperature into the ironmaking furnace through the oxygen tuyere and the gas tuyere disposed at the ironmaking furnace, respectively. It also provides an apparatus for ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes a raw material system, a furnace roof gas system, a coke oven gas injecting system, a dust injecting system, a slag dry-granulation and residual heat recovering system and an oxygen system. Additionally an apparatus and method for hot transferring and hot charging of ironmaking raw material is disclosed.

Abstract: A steelmaking plant including a pressurized direct reduction reactor for continuous production of hot direct reduced iron with a batch-melting furnace and a standby cooler, all three being capable of being situated side-by-side, with such DRI being able to be alternatively fed to the furnace or to the cooler. The furnace is selectively charged through a diverter valve by a pneumatic transport system with the hot DRI being entrained in a carrier gas fed into a receiving bin (having an upper DRI/gas disengagement space and a lower DRI buffer portion). A pressurized charge of the DRI accumulated in such disengaging/buffer bin is periodically fed down into a dosing/depressurization bin which in turn depressurizes the DRI and feeds a batch of DRI down into the furnace. Upon sensing that the buffer portion is full, the DRI is then pneumatically diverted to the cooler, such as during furnace maintenance shut down.

Abstract: An installation for producing stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. The liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace, is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorisation, desiliconisation and desulphuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters, where the required chemical process steps (of the DDD treatment and of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the DDD treatment being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter and the decarburization being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter.

Abstract: Device and method for separating metals and metal oxides thereof, in particular in non-ferrous alloys, such as zinc. To this end, zinc residues (dross) is placed in a rotary drum and heated. After a certain treatment time, pure metal located in the bottom part of the drum is poured out. The invention proposes that the drum be held rotatably on a drive mechanism arranged in the cover of the furnace. This facilitates handling of the drum, more particularly when placing it on its drive mandrel. As a result, it is possible to use larger drums, resulting in a larger capacity and a more efficient process.

Abstract: An installation for producing stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. The liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace, is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorization, desiliconization and desulphurization), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace and a DDD device is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters, where the required chemical process steps (of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy. The heating stage is carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter and the decarburization is carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter.

Abstract: A plant for the production of ore comprising a proportion of fines, additives and green agglomerates optionally containing a binder, provided with an outer coating consisting of a combustible containing fine-grained carbon, such as coke. In the plant, the ore is mixed with the additives and the optionally available binder. The mixture is pelletized and the green agglomerates thus formed are coated with the combustible, whereby the combustible is introduced into an agglomeration drum. In order to enable continual production of homogeneous-quality green agglomerates, the mixture is pelletized in the agglomeration drum and the combustible is added in an area of the longitudinal extension of the agglomeration drum where the size of the green agglomerates formed in the agglomeration drum is sufficient for further processing.

Abstract: In order to be able to carry out a multiplicity of continuously recurring activities at a continuous casting plant having at least one multifunction robot for implementing a plurality of different process-controlled or automated interventions at the continuous casting plant, at least one working region at the continuous casting plant and at least one multifunction robot assigned to each working region. The multifunction robot is arranged on a pivotable arm at a rotary column fastened to the pouring platform of the continuous casting plant and the robot can be pivoted with the pivot arm between a retraction position and a working position. The robot is also movable with respect to its arm.

Abstract: A device (10), for moving a runner (12) of a shaft furnace between an upper tapping floor level (42), where the runner is in an operational position in front of a taphole of the furnace, and a lower service level (40), where the runner is accessible for replacement. The device (10) comprises a first support (28) and a second support (34) forming a base member (38), a carrier member (20) for bearing the runner, the carrier member having a first and a second longitudinal portion, a first lifting member (22) connected via a first articulation (26) to the first longitudinal portion and via a second articulation (30) to the first support, and a second lifting member (24) connected via a third articulation (32) to the second longitudinal portion and via a fourth articulation (36) to the second support. The base member (38), the carrier member (20) and the first and second lifting members (22, 24) together with the four articulations (26, 30, 32, 36) form a four-bar equivalent mechanism.

Abstract: A method for producing steel products (1) with optimum surface quality wherein the molten steel (1b) is produced in a process route (10, 100; 12; 13) that is selected according to a desired final microstructure (9), by melting in a furnace (2b) with an electrode system (31), and in a vacuum degassing system; or by melting in a furnace installation (35) or an individual furnace vessel (30), in a ladle furnace (25), and in a differential-pressure vacuum degassing system (43); or by melting in a furnace (2b) with additions of alloying materials (26), a partial-quantity degassing in the ladle furnace (25), or a vacuum degassing system (27) and a ladle degassing (27).

Abstract: Method of building a direct smelting plant comprising a metal smelting vessel (11) and ancillary plant components such as the components of a hot air supply station (24), an offgas treatment station (32), a solids feed station (41), a hot metal desulphurization station (47) and hot metal and slag launders extending from the smelting vessel (11). The ring track (53) of a ringer crane (51) is installed in front of location at which vessel (11) is to be installed. Crane boom (54) is laid out along elongate stretch of the building site which becomes a corridor (60) between major ancillary components when plant is fully erected. Boom (54) is connected to crane carriage (52) and hoisted to provide high lift capacity over a ground area embracing proposed site of vessel (11) and ancillary components. Prefabricated components are then lifted by crane (51) into appropriate position for final installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous production of steel using metal charge material (8) that is preheated in an upper part of a melting vessel (2), is then melted in a lower part (9) of the melting vessel l(2) with fossil fuels (23) and the molten material (16) is continuously discharged into a treatment vessel (3) in which the desired steel quality is adjusted while gases (22) are introduced into the melting vessel (2) from the exterior to afterburn the melting exhaust gases (13). The aim of the invention is to improve the aforementioned afterburn step while at the same time reducing oxidation of the iron-containing charge materials.

Abstract: A process for recycling composite materials includes the steps of feeding a quantity of composite material composed of at least one polymer and aluminum into at least one first reactor; heating the composite material in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the at least one polymer and form a hydrocarbon by-product and aluminum in the at least one first reactor; feeding the aluminum free of the at least one polymer into a second reactor; and heating the aluminum in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to melt the aluminum in the second reactor.

Abstract: The invention features a molten metal flow powered device including a housing, a rotor rotatably supported by the housing, the rotor being configured and arranged to be powered by a stream of molten metal discharged from a pump, and a gas transfer conduit having an upper end adapted to engage a gas source and a lower end supported by the housing from which gas is fed to the rotor. The invention also features a pumping and degassing system that includes the pump and a source of pressurized gas. The system can also include a machine for directing flux into the pressurized gas, for passage along the gas transfer conduit to the rotor.

Abstract: A process for producing desulphurised iron in a solid form. The process includes (a) direct smelting an iron-containing metalliferous feed material and producing molten iron; (b) desulphurising molten iron produced in the direct smelting (a); and (c) casting desulphurised molten iron from the desulphurisation (b) into a solid form, such as pigs.

Abstract: A steel-member manufacturing facility that can suppress distortion occurring in a quenching process while preventing increase in manufacturing cost includes: a die-cutting apparatus to form a washer; a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose as well as a mold-constraining cooling apparatus that heat the washer as formed and thereafter cool the washer so as to quench-harden the washer; and a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for tempering purpose that heats the quench-hardened washer so as to temper the washer. The high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose can heat the washer by induction heating to the temperature of at least Ac1 point. The mold-constraining cooling apparatus uses a mold to constrain the heated washer while using the mold as a cooling member, thereby cooling the washer to the temperature of at most Ms point.

Abstract: The invention features a molten metal flow powered device including a housing, a rotor rotatably supported by the housing, the rotor being configured and arranged to be powered by a stream of molten metal discharged from a pump, and a gas transfer conduit having an upper end adapted to engage a gas source and a lower end supported by the housing from which gas is fed to the rotor. The invention also features a pumping and degassing system that includes the pump and a source of pressurized gas. The system can also include a machine for directing flux into the pressurized gas, for passage along the gas transfer conduit to the rotor.

Abstract: A plant is provided for the melting of primary and secondary aluminium, provided with a rotating furnace, internally equipped with a spiral element (11), that causes the melting of the aluminium not requiring use of a salty bath. The plant includes a pouring channel (13) adjacent an exit hole (4) of the rotating furnace and material from the pouring channel enters the spherical store basin (16) positioned below if, the spherical store being equipped with a rotating joint (17) having a common inclination with the pouring channel (13) so that what is obtained is the direct and continuous flow of the fused metal in the spherical store without interruption of the process of melting. The plant is also equipped with an automatic and continuous system of selection and recovery of the slag of fusion, integrated in the same plant, and a double system of canalization of the gases that allows cleaning of the pollutant agents and energy conservation in the melting furnace.

Abstract: A solids feed means for a direct smelting plant is disclosed. The solids feed means includes 2 or more pairs of lances for injecting solid feed materials for a direct smelting process into a direct smelting vessel. The solids feed means also includes a main supply line and a pair of branch lines for supplying solid feed material to the lances of each pair of lances with the branch lines interconnecting the main supply line and the lances of the pair of lances. The lances are arranged around the vessel in pairs of diametrically opposed lances. At least one pair of lances is provided for injecting metalliferous feed material (such as iron-containing materials, particularly iron ore fines) and at least one of the other pairs of lances is provided for injecting solid carbonaceous material (such as coal) and optionally fluxes. The pairs of lances are arranged around the vessel so that adjacent lances are lances that are provided to inject different materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process plant for the production of molten steel from primary and/or secondary ferrous materials in which no free oxygen is permitted to contact directly carbon-containing iron melts, comprising:—i) at least three pairs of furnaces (1,2; 3,4;5,6), each furnace of a pair having a hearth base (36) and being interconnected so as to form a continuous flowpath loop for molten metal, the first pair (1,2) defining an iron making loop (A) and the second and third pair (3,4;5,6) defining primary and secondary steel refining loops (B,C) respectively, (ii) means (8) for transferring molten metal from the ironmaking loop (A) to the first refining loop (B) and from the first refining loop (B) to the second refining loop (C), (iii) means for controllably supplying heat to, and removing heat from metal in the furnaces (1,2,3,4,5,6), whereby, in use a central region of metal (19a) in the furnace (1,2,3,4,5,6) becomes or is maintained in its molten state and a peripheral region of the metal (2

Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material is disclosed. The plant includes a fixed smelting vessel to hold a molten bath of metal and slag and a gas space above the bath. The plant also includes means for supplying solids and gas feed materials to the vessel and for tapping molten material from the vessel. The plant also includes at least two platforms for supporting plant operators at different heights of the vessel. The metal tapping means and the slag tapping means are located so as to be accessible by plant operators on a cast house platform and the end metal tapping means and the end slag tapping means are located to be accessible by plant operators on an end tap platform that is at a lower height than the cast house platform.

Abstract: In order to design a blast furnace in a space and cost-saving manner, the invention provides for an especially compact blast furnace (10) having no hearth, wherein the burden is transported to the charging platform by vertical conveyers (20) and a compactly designed burdening (30) and pouring bay (50) are placed in the immediate proximity of said installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing steel. The invention device comprises a container (1, 101, 201). The metal used is molten, blown and refined in said container which comprises an upper component (5, 205) having at least one opening, a lower component (2, 202) and means for tapping the melt and slag from the container. Electrodes (21) can be charged into the container through said opening. The aim of the invention is to improve said device in such a way that said device can be constructed in a more simple manner in comparison with known devices. A bottom tapping system is provided for tapping the melt and optionally the slag.

Abstract: An electric steel-making furnace has a furnace roof carried by an upper furnace shell on a lower furnace shell to substantially envelop an atmosphere above liquid steel and slag floating thereon in the lower furnace shell. A transfer car supports the lower furnace shell for transport from a furnace-operating site to a remote exchange site for exchanging one or more of the furnace roof, the upper furnace shell and the lower furnace shell. The furnace transfer car has a furnace support platform engaged with the lower furnace shell and supported for tilting of the furnace on the transfer car by actuators at the furnace operating site in a direction to increase the depth of slag at the deslagging passageway for decanting slag floating on liquid steel in the lower furnace shell. Actuators are also provided to tilt the furnace on the transfer car to increase the depth of liquid steel at a tap hole assembly during tapping of a steel heat.

Abstract: A Preheater-Steelmaking Furnace and closed loop Process System for semi-continuous melting of integrally preheated recycled or virgin ferrous charge, by using highly energy efficient combustion process of natural gas combusted by oxygen as the main heat source, after preheating of the cold charge, by fully exploiting thermal energies of the melting process off-gases, in a gas tight, low noise, ecologically friendly PSF with scant CO and drastically reduced CO2 in exhaust gases for semi-continuous, batch self-charging, sealed pairs of eccentrically rotating quasi cylindrical, permeable half drums hoppers creating separate preheating chambers.

Abstract: A granulation plant for aqueous granulation of a product includes a granulation tank fitted for the injection of granulation water in order to granulate the product. The granulation plant further includes a sedimentation tank, separate from the granulation tank, in which the granulated product settles in the form of granules, as well as a distributor to transfer the water/granule mixture from the granulation tank into the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing electric arc furnace (“EAF”) dust through a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) to recover iron value from the EAF dust and concentrate zinc from the EAF dust into a material useful as a feed in zinc manufacturing processes. The method results in the reduction of the burden for the regulatory tracking of EAF dust. In addition, the method provides economic savings which result from the reduction of processing fees and the recovery of the value of iron and zinc materials. The apparatus involves the use of existing equipment that is used to recover iron value from other materials generated at steel making facilities, or the installation of new equipment for the purpose of iron reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a metal formed product comprises a molten metal-holding furnace; a semisolidified metal-producing mechanism; a cooling member-restoring mechanism arranged adjacent to the semisolidified metal-producing mechanism, for applying a restoring treatment so that chillers have a desired function; a forming machine for forming semisolidified metal to have a predetermined shape; and an articulated robot capable of transporting a crucible to the molten metal-holding furnace, the semisolidified metal-producing mechanism, and the forming machine. The semisolidified metal-producing mechanism includes first to third agitators. The cooling member-restoring mechanism includes first to third treating sections. These components are arranged in a direction of back and forth movement of the articulated robot. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently obtain the metal formed product having a high quality.

Abstract: An existing steel making installation having a basic oxygen furnace facility is converted to an electric arc furnace facility for refining steel by modifying the furnace support pedestals to form spaced apart horizontal rail support pads and spaced apart rails are mounted on the pads and a superstructure extending horizontally at one side of the space formally occupied by the basic oxygen furnace. An electric arc furnace is mounted on a furnace transfer car for movement along newly installed horizontal rails between a furnace operating position and a furnace exchange position. The electric furnace having a tapping orifice for discharging treated steel and a slag discharge trough. Ladle transfer cars previously used for handling slag and steel from the basic oxygen furnace are reused for the same purpose during operation of the electric arc furnace. A fume opening in the electric furnace roof is connected by a vertical fume section and an elbow to the existing fume system.

Abstract: Direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material induces a smelting vessel 11 to hold a molten metal and slag bath beneath a hot gas space. Solids injection lances 27 extend downwardly and inwardly through side walls of the vessel and hot oxidising gas is directed downwardly into the gas space by a central vertical gas injection lance 26. The plant layout is divided into four functional zones spaced circumferentially around vessel 11 and radiating outwardly from the vessel. Zone 1 contains an overhead hot gas delivery duct 31 supplying gas to lance 26 and an offgas duct 32; Zone 2 contains a forehearth 19 and forehearth tapping launder 34; Zone 3 contains slag notches 45 and slag launders 46; and Zone 4 contains a primary slag drain taphole and launder 48. This layout minimises the potential for interference between the transport of the hot gases, the metaliferous feed material, and the molten metal and slag.

Abstract: Several methods and production facilities are provided in order to solve several problems encountered in conventional methods and facilities for producing reduced iron by reducing raw material pellets of a mixture of an iron oxide powder and a reducing material powder in a rotary bed-type reducing furnace and by melting the reduced iron in a sealed-type electro-blast furnace.

Abstract: In a method of effectively utilizing dusts incurring in the reduction of iron ore by means of a reducing gas and separated on that occasion in a scrubber in the form of sludges, the sludges at first are dehydrated and are used as starting materials for the production of cement (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A frame for supporting structural components of a blast furnace includes a bottom section connected to a foundation, a middle section and a top structure arranged above the furnace top, wherein the frame is manufactured as a latticework construction and/or framework construction and extends in four planes. The bottom section of the frame is provided in the four planes thereof with support members which extend toward each other and meet each other in a base point.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing molten pig iron by using a fine iron ore are disclosed. Coal is used to produce a reducing gas, and a fine iron ore is used to produce a molten iron and a reduced iron in a simple and efficient manner. The apparatus for manufacturing a molten iron by directly using coal as the fuel is as follows. A high temperature reducing gas is sent from a melter-gasifier to a fluidized bed lime stone calcining furnace to calcine the lime stone. The reducing gas is supplied to a second fluidized bed reducing furnace so as to manufacture a reduced iron directly. An off-gas from the second fluidized bed reducing furnace is supplied to a first fluidized bed reducing furnace (disposed above the second fluidized bed reducing furnace) to pre-heat and pre-reduce the fine iron ore. The calcined lime stone and the finally reduced iron are supplied to a melter-gasifier to manufacture a molten pig iron.

Abstract: In a process for producing molten pig iron or steel preproducts from fine-particulate iron containing material in a meltdown gasifying zone of a melter gasifier, under the supply of carbon-containing material and oxygen-containing gas at the simultaneous formation of a reducing gas in a bed formed of solid carbon carriers, the iron-containing material is melted when passing the bed.

Abstract: In order to preheat pieces of iron scrap of various sizes and shapes highly effectively while avoiding the fusion of the pieces of iron scrap, a rotary kiln type preheating furnace and a shaft type preheating furnace are arranged in parallel with each other in the front stage of a melting furnace in which iron scrap is melted, and preheated iron scrap is charged from both preheating furnaces into the melting furnace. A damper is provided between the shaft type preheating furnace and the melting furnace, so that exhaust gas discharged from the melting furnace is prevented from directly flowing into the shaft type preheating furnace and introduced into the rotary kiln type preheating furnace. Exhaust gas which has passed through the rotary kiln type preheating furnace is introduced into the shaft type preheating furnace preferably from an upper portion and discharged from a lower portion.

Abstract: An improved dumping bay particularly adapted for preventing the escape of hazardous fumes into other areas of a facility is disclosed. The dumping bay is fully enclosed and utilizes a unique air flow routing technique for collecting fumes, such as from a ladle during a slag dumping operation.

Abstract: A comprehensive fume collection system, particularly adapted for the collection of lead-containing fumes or gases typically emitted during the manufacture of leaded steel, is disclosed. The preferred fume collection system comprises four sections, each serving a particular portion of the steelmaking process--(i) a casting floor fume collection system, (ii) a ladle slag dumping fume collection system, (iii) a tundish cooling fume collection system, and (iv) a torch cutting fume collection system.

Abstract: In a process for the production of molten pig iron (12) or steel pre-products from fine particulate iron-containing material, in particular reduced sponge iron, in a meltdown gasifying zone (6) of a melter gasifier (5) the iron-containing material is melted in a bed (16) formed of solid carbon carriers, under the supply of carbon-containing material and oxygen-containing gas at the simultaneous formation of a reducing gas. To prevent the fine particles of the iron-containing material charged to the melter gasifier from being discharged, the iron-containing material is supplied into the a melter gasifier (5) centrally, closely above the bed (16) but in its immediate vicinity, by means of an oxygen-burner (15) under the formation of a high-temperature combustion zone (21).

Abstract: A plant for producing metal includes a electricity supply system and a direct-current electric arc furnace connected thereto, where in order to make do with an electricity supply system possessing a relatively small short-circuit capacity, the direct-current electric arc furnace has at least two electrodes and the electricity supply system has a system short-circuit capacity S.sub.k which is at least equal to ##EQU1## wherein S.sub.i is the nominal power per electrode and i represents an index for the electrodes that varies from 1 up to the maximum number of electrodes in the direct-current electric arc furnace.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises steps (1) through (8) which are sequentially arranged, and the steps or equipment from the production of billets to end products are connected in the same single continuous manufacturing line:(1) a step of producing a round billet by continuous casting,(2) a step of cooling the billet to a temperature not higher than an A.sub.r1 transformation temperature,(3) a step of heating the billet to a temperature which allows piercing of the billet,(4) a step of piercing, at a strain rate of not higher than 200/sec, the billet to obtain a hollow shell,(5) a step to form a steel pipe by elongating and finish rolling the hollow shell using a continuous elongating mill and a finish rolling mill which are directly connected to each other, at a predetermined average strain rate, a predetermined reduction ratio, and at a predetermined finishing temperature,(6) a step of recrystallizing the steel pipe at a temperature of not lower than an Ar.sub.

Abstract: With a process for the direct reduction of particulate iron-containing material by fluidization, reformed gas, at least partially freed from CO.sub.2, is supplied to a fluidized-bed reduction zone as a reducing gas and is carried off from the same as a top gas and at least a portion of the top gas together with reformed gas is utilized for direction reduction. To economize on parts of the plant that are impinged on by reducing gas and in order to achieve savings in terms of heating costs, CH.sub.4 and N.sub.2 are, in addition to CO.sub.2, at least partially removed by adsorption, from 50 to 100% of the reformed as and 0 to 100% of the top gas, and the tail gas removed from the reformed gas and/or the top gas by adsorption is utilized as a heating gas.

Abstract: A plant for a smelting reduction process for pig iron production using coal and oxygen-containing gas is obtained by converting an existing blast furnace plant by replacing the blast furnace by apparatus including at least one metallurgical vessel for carrying out the smelting reduction process, while retaining at least partly at least one of the following components of the existing blast furnace plant:i) storage bins for iron oreii) storage bins for coke, as storage bins for coaliii) a casting house, for tapping of the metallurgical vesseliv) a gas discharge system for hot gas including dedusting means,v) a cooling water supply system.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the earth melter described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,618. The improvement is the use of rubble for retaining walls. More specifically, the retaining walls rest on ground level and extend above ground level piling rubble around a melt zone. A portion of the melter may be below grade wherein sidewalls are formed by the relatively undisturbed native soil or rock, and the rubble may be used as a backfill liner for the below grade sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for charging fine-grained ore into a reactor pressure vessel through which process gas flows. The heated ore at first is introduced into a conveying pressure vessel, is pressurized within the same by compressed gas and subsequently is conveyed into the reactor pressure vessel through a conveying duct by aid of the compressed gas. In order to ensure favorable utilization of the reactor pressure vessel under uniform stress and to safeguard troublefree progression of reduction while directly charging the ore, a portion of the ore is introduced into at least one further conveying pressure vessel and is pressurized within the same also by compressed gas. Charging of the ore into the reactor pressure vessel is effected continuously by alternately feeding once from the one conveying pressure vessel and subsequently from the other conveying pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of operating the apparatus, wherein a feed material is converted into a glassified condition for subsequent use or disposal. The apparatus is particularly useful for disposal of hazardous or noxious waste materials which are otherwise either difficult or expensive to dispose of. The apparatus is preferably constructed either by excavating a melt zone in a quantity of soil or rock, or by constructing a melt zone in an apparatus above grade and lining the melt zone with a back fill material if refractory properties are needed. The feed material is fed into the melt zone and, preferably, combusted to an ash, whereupon the heat of combustion is used to melt the ash to a molten condition. Electrodes may be used to maintain the molten feed material in a molten condition, and to maintain homogeneity of the molten materials.

Abstract: A collecting pit for receiving molten metal and draining cooling water. The collecting pit (1) is equipped with a drainage layer (5, 6) formed of slag granulate, the grains of the slag granulate being interconnected by means of a binder while maintaining small channels present between these grains. The drainage layer mass also may contain thermally expanding silicic acid. The binder of the drainage layer mass may be a water-activatable heat-resistant binder containing cement, e.g. high-alumina cement. The drainage layer material exhibits a good permeability for water and vapor over a long period of time.

Abstract: A fluidized bed direct steelmaking plant for reducing raw iron ore fines and directly producing an iron product in a virtually closed gas system comprises an ore feed assembly, a multi-stage reactor assembly with a compacting assembly, a gasifier/smelter assembly, and, a reducing gas assembly. Reducing gases utilized in the plant are produced from processed offgas from said smelter assembly and recycled reducing gases from said reactor assembly. The processed offgas is 100% utilizable as reducing gas by balancing the reduced iron ore between the gasifier/smelter and compacting assemblies. The iron product is refinable into steel with a standard available refining assembly, such as a ladle or basic oxygen furnace, for removal of impurities prior to casting.