Abstract: A method for the gaseous reduction of particulate ores to metals in a moving bed, vertical shaft reactor using a reducing gas externally supplied from a solid or liquid fossil fuel gasification unit. The reducing gas is reformed in a reforming zone located within the reactor and treated prior to injection into the reduction zone of the reactor. A portion of the reducing gas produced in a coal gasification unit may be used to cool the metal in the cooling zone of the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the percentage reduction of iron ore in a vertical shaft, moving bed, gaseous reduction reactor. Reducing gas comprising hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is fed from a source of such gas to the bottom of the reduction zone of the reactor and is heated to an elevated temperature before being introduced into the reactor. The flow and composition of the reducing gas are determined at a first location before the gas enters the reactor. The effluent gas from the reactor is cooled and its flow and composition determined at a second location after the gas has been cooled. The measured flows and compositions are correlated with the rate of sponge iron production to obtain a measurement of percentage reduction of the ore and this measurement is used, either manually or automatically, to regulate the rate of removal of sponge iron from the reactor to maintain the percentage reduction at a predetermined desired value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the percentage reduction of iron ore in a vertical shaft, moving bed, gaseous reduction reactor. Reducing gas comprising hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is fed from a source of such gas to the bottom of the reduction zone of the reactor and is heated to an elevated temperature before being introduced into the reactor. The flow and composition of the reducing gas are determined at a first location before the gas enters the reactor. The effluent gas from the reactor is cooled and its flow and composition determined at a second location after the gas has been cooled. The measured flows and compositions are correlated with the rate of sponge iron production to obtain a measurement of percentage reduction of the ore and this measurement is used, either manually or automatically, to regulate the rate of removal of sponge iron from the reactor to maintain the percentage reduction at a predetermined desired value.