Abstract: A compacted, passivated metallized iron product useful as a feed material for a steelmaking process, the product generally being formed by the compaction of hot metallized iron material, thus forming a product with a very dense face and a less dense center. The total iron present in the product is at least 75% in the metallic state and generally from 90% to 96% in the metallic state.

Abstract: A method for direct reduction of iron ore containing sulfur in a shaft type reduction furnace wherein two separate streams of spent reducing gas are withdrawn from the reduction furnace. One stream, being substantially free of sulfur, is recycled through a catalytic reformer to produce fresh reducing gas, the other stream, containing sulfur, is utilized in the process where sulfur is not of consequence.

Abstract: A shrouding apparatus protects a molten metal stream from atmospheric contamination by establishing a protective atmosphere around the molten metal stream. The apparatus is held tightly against the vessel from which the stream is poured. The apparatus includes means for elevating and lowering the shroud, means for aligning the shroud with the pouring stream, and means for introducing a protective atmosphere to the interior of the shroud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing particulate iron oxide to metallic iron utilizing solid carbonaceous fuel as reductant in a shaft type reducing furnace, in which a furnace burden is formed of a mixtue of iron oxide lumps or pellets and particulate solid fuel. Reacted top gas is upgraded and recirculated through the burden in counter-flow relationship thereby heating and partially reducing the burden. The heat for final reduction is generated by passing electric current through the burden.

Abstract: A method for continuous passivation of hot sponge iron material, by feeding hot sponge iron material to a compactor, compacting the material to a high density elongated strip-like mass, cutting the mass longitudinally into a plurality of strips while simultaneously compacting the freshly cut longitudinal edges, cutting the strips transversely of their longitudinal dimensions while simultaneously compacting these freshly cut transverse edges.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting rusting of sponge iron or any form of directly reduced iron when contacted by air, water, or other oxidant, by treating the sponge iron with a water soluble alkali metal silicate solution. The resulting product, a sodium silicate treated, rust-resistant metallized iron pellet, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing iron powder for powder metallurgy and other applications from particulate iron oxide by reducing the particle size of at least part of the particulate feed material chemically reducing the feed material to increase the percentage of metallization by contact with a gaseous reductant in a shaft furnace at high temperatures, and removing the reduced iron powder product from the furnace. Preferably the product is screened and oversized material is returned to the furnace for additional reduction. An alternative method contemplates additional steps of grinding, and further decrepitation to reduce the particle size of the larger particle fractions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the carbon content of metallized iron pellets produced by the continuous direct reduction of iron oxide in a vertical shaft furnace with a reducing gas having a high hydrogen and carbon monoxide content. According to the method, in addition to the standard reducing gases introduced to the reducing zone, methane or methane-containing gas is introduced to the shaft furnace at specified locations beneath the reducing zone and, by controlling the conditions in the furnace, a proportion of the injected gas is reformed in the furnace to reducing gases.

Abstract: A method of producing metallic iron pellets in a generally vertical furnace in which a gravitational flow of particulate material is reduced in a reducing zone by a countercurrent flow of a reducing gas containing a reductant, the spent reducing gas is removed and cooled and a portion is introduced as cooling gas in a cooling zone near the bottom of the furnace, and a portion of the cooling gas is upgraded in reducing potential and introduced to the reducing zone as reducing gas.

Abstract: A method of extending the useful life of a catalyst employed in the endothermic catalytic reforming of gaseous hydrocarbons in which a substantial portion of the sulfur contained in such gaseous hydrocarbons is removed by contacting them with an aqueous solution of a water soluble metallic salt having a free metallic ion which forms an insoluble precipitate with sulfur. A preferred salt is zinc chromate.

Abstract: A method of producing iron particles in a generally vertical furnace in which a gravitational flow of particulate material is reduced in a reducing zone by a countercurrent flow of a reducing gas containing a reductant, the spent reducing gas is removed and cooled and a portion is introduced as cooling gas in a cooling zone near the bottom of the furnace, and a portion of the cooling gas is upgraded in reducing potential and introduced to the reducing zone as reducing gas. Apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A spray apparatus for a continuous casting machine for delivering spray water to all faces of a partially solidified metal casting as it emerges from the bottom of a tubular mold, in which the spray apparatus includes a water source, a water distribution ring around the outside of the mold, and downwardly extending water pipes, each pipe carrying a nozzle at its lower extremity, which nozzle is directed toward a face of the hot casting as it emerges from the mold. The invention is characterized by the entire spray apparatus being protected by the walls of the mold from the effects of the heat and breakout of molten metal.

Abstract: A method of producing metallic iron pellets in a generally vertical furnace in which a gravitational flow of particulate material is reduced in a reducing zone by a countercurrent flow of a reducing gas containing a reductant, the spent reducing gas is removed and cooled and a portion is introduced as a cooling gas in a cooling zone near the bottom of the furnace while a second portion is employed as a fuel to heat a catalyst through which a gaseous hydrocarbon and steam are passed to form a reducing gas mixture for introduction into the furnace, and a portion of the cooling gas is upgraded in reducing potential and introduced to the reducing zone as reducing gas. Apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Method and device for aiding and enhancing rotational movement of a member journaled with another member by biassing one of the members to an offset position relative to the other member with the offset being unstable and tending to aid rotation as a restorative force. Particularly, a bearing device having inner and outer members which are interfaced and supported in the portion of the bearing closest to the direction from which the load is imposed and in which roller members sequentially and substantially continuously offset the inner member during rotation to maintain an offset having a constant orientation relative to the load applied through the bearing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous passivation of hot sponge iron material consists of a feeder, a roll compactor for forming a high density continuous elongated mass, and longitudinal and transverse shearing devices, along with the requisite control and transporting mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus for direct reduction of iron ore containing sulfur comprises a shaft type reduction furnace with means for withdrawing two separate streams of spent reducing gas. One stream, being substantially free of sulfur is recycled through a catalytic reformer to produce fresh reducing gas. The other stream containing sulfur, is connected to process equipment such as a burner where sulfur is not of consequence.

Abstract: A binder composition for agglomerating directly reduced metallized particles and mineral ore particles comprises pitch, hydrated lime, sodium silicate and water. An agglomerated product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating particulate material with hot gases wherein preheated gases are introduced to the particulate material to heat and treat such material and a second cooler gas is introduced to the heated material to impart some cooling to the material and to heat the second gas to treatment temperature followed by movement of the heated second gas through the bed of material in which it acts in the same manner as the hot treating gas.

Abstract: This application relates to a ball point pen and more particularly to a mechanism for turning or rotating the ink cartridge each time the plunger is depressed to project the ball point from the pen into the writing position.