Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reaction (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reactor (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for the production of liquid metal (4) from fine-grain metal oxide particles, the particles, together with hot reducing gas, are blown against a heated bulk material filter layer (9) of lump coal and/or ceramic pieces, a substantial proportion of the particles being retained on and in the filter layer and subjected to finishing reducing by the reducing gas. A high-temperature flame is produced in front of the filter layer (9) by an oxygen-bearing gas being blown against the filter layer, and the metallised particles which are retained in the filter layer are melted. They pass in the liquid condition through the filter layer (9) into a receiving space (3) for liquid metal (4).

Abstract: To increase the service life of a tuyere arrangement for the introduction of agents into a molten bath, comprising an apertured block (3) refractory material which can be fitted into the wall (1) of a vessel (12) and which includes a cylindrical body (4) with an inserted tuyere tube (6,7), the cylindrical (4) is axially displaceably fitted in the apertured block (3) the tuyere tip which is consumed is replaced by a follow-up movement of the cylindrical body (4).

Abstract: For heating sponge iron to temperatures of about 850.degree. C. without substantial oxidation losses, there are provided at least two separate preheating stages at different temperatures, to which the sponge iron is successively fed and in which the temperature and the gas atmosphere are respectively individually controlled in such a way that a chemically neutral gas atmosphere is set in the first preheating stage at the lowest temperature and a reducing gas atmosphere is set in the last preheating stage at the highest temperature. The hot gas for the preheater is obtained at least in part from the waste gas from the melting furnace, to which the preheated sponge iron is fed.

Abstract: To prevent burn-back at a coal dust injection lance which projects into a hot blast conduit of a blast furnace, cooling is effected using atomized coolant. Water is preferred as the coolant. The carrier gas used for the atomized water is either air or the oxygen which is injected through the lance for complete combustion of the coal dust.

Abstract: For the purposes of better cooling and improving the starting conditions of a direct current arc furnace, there is provided a hearth electrode which comprises at least one metal bar passing through the hearth wall and which is cooled by at least one cooling duct which extends along the metal bar to the inner end thereof and opens into the interior of the furnace.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for the production of liquid metal (4) from fine-grain metal oxide particles, the particles, together with hot reducing gas, are blown against a heated bulk material filter layer (9) of lump coal and/or ceramic pieces, a substantial proportion of the particles being retained on and in the filter layer and subjected to finishing reducing by the reducing gas. A high-temperature flame is produced in front of the filter layer (9) by an oxygen-bearing gas being blown against the filter layer, and the metallised particles which are retained in the filter layer are melted. They pass in the liquid condition through the filter layer (9) into a receiving space (3) for liquid metal (4).

Abstract: For the metallurgical treatment of a molten metal bath (1) in a metallurgical smelting and refining vessel (3), additive substances (43) which are capable of flow, in particular lime, are supplied in a granular to dust state, at least during a part of the refining phase, to the upper region of the inward side (15') of the vessel wall (11), distributed around the periphery thereof. At the vessel wall (11) the additive substances (43) form a barrier or protective layer which reduces the energy losses and increases the service life of the vessel (3).

Abstract: A charging arrangement for shaft furnaces, in particular blast furnaces, comprising a container which is arranged above the shaft furnace and which is subdivided by a separating wall into a lower distributor chamber and an upper lock chamber to which the charging material can be fed from above through a filling hopper. Outside its middle and distributed around its periphery the separating wall includes at least two individually closable bottom openings through which the charging material can be passed from the lock chamber into the distributor chamber. The charging material is fed to the shaft furnace through distributor pipes which connect the distributor chamber to the shaft furnace.

Abstract: Solid carbon and solid metal materials, preferably scrap, which are to be melted, are introduced into a crucible which accommodates a molten metal bath, and oxygen is blown into the molten metal through nozzles or lances. Better utilisation of the carbon is achieved by the carbon being charged into the crucible in the condition of being packed in sheet metal containers, the sheet metal containers being pressed into the molten bath by solid metal materials lying thereupon when the oxygen is injected.

Abstract: A charging material preheater for preheating the charging material for a metallurgical smelting unit comprising a container for accommodating the charging material to be preheated, which is provided at the bottom with a grid comprising individual mutually spaced-apart grid bars which are passed outwardly through passage openings in the wall of the container and which are mounted in groups in support beams which are movable by an actuating means between a closed position in which the grid bars project into the interior of the container and a release position in which the grid bars are withdrawn from the interior of the container.

Abstract: Provided for the tap hole in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel is a closure apparatus comprising a shut-off member which can close off the tap hole from below, and a pipe which is displaceable from above through the molten bath into a lowered blocking position in which it bears against the upper edge of the tap hole. An axially displaceable lance may be disposed in the pipe so that the pipe can be used for burning open the tap hole, by means of oxygen. Filling material which is capable of flow can also be introduced into the tap hole, through the pipe. The closure apparatus makes it possible to carry out a sump mode of operation, without tilting the vessel.

Abstract: In order to be able to heat the charging material (3) of a charging material preheater (1) in a more uniform fashion and to higher temperatures, while enjoying short flow paths, the charging material preheater (1) is in the form of a container (2) having a bottom opening (4) which can be closed by an axially displaceable hollow cylinder (13), the interior of the container is subdivided by a grid (6) which falls away in an inclined configuration towards the bottom opening (4), into a receiving space (7) for the charging material and a free lower annular space (8) into which opens an opening (9) for the heating gas, and the hollow cylinder (13) is incorporated into the flow path, by way of gas orifices (16, 17). In addition the heating gases are passed through the charging material (3) alternately in opposite directions.

Abstract: In an installation including a heating furnace in the rolling mill and a continuous casting apparatus, there is provided a transportable temperature holding chamber for the castings which are cut to length, in which chamber the castings are transported in groups from the continuous casting apparatus to the heating furnace, and are stored temporarily in the buffer mode. That makes it possible to save energy and to improve the quality of the steels.