Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace with a lower bell comprises lower means of blockage allowing an upper hopper to be isolated in a sealed manner from a lower hopper and allowing the retention of the charging material. In their open position, these lower means of blockage are positioned so that they unblock a free central passage for the flux of material. This flux is established in the form of a compact and focused flux. Means for moving the lower bell are positioned so as not to disturb the focusing of this flux. Positioned above the lower bell is a deflecting surface, which causes the focused flux to diverge with axial symmetry. Inter alia, a better symmetry in the filling of the lower hopper is obtained.

Abstract: A coupling device for the automatic coupling of a teeming ladle to several gas pipes is presented. The coupling device comprises a first coupling part connected to a gas supply and a second coupling part attached to the teeming ladle, with several gas outlets being arranged in the first coupling part and several gas inlets being arranged in the second coupling part. Each individual gas outlet can be closed by a closing element in the first coupling part, wherein, when being coupled to the second coupling part, this closing element is pressed inwards into the first coupling part and opens the corresponding gas outlet. To bring about self-cleaning of the coupling parts before they are coupled together, the closing elements are designed in such a way that, when the two parts of the coupling are coupled together, before the sealing union of the two coupling parts, a single gas outlet is first opened, before the other gas outlets are opened.

Abstract: A device for the distribution of materials in bulk comprises a chute (10) suspended from a first rotor (18) so as to be driven in rotation and to be capable of pivoting about a pivoting axis (33). A pivoting ring (38) is connected to the chute (10) so as to be capable of pivoting about an axis (36) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (33) of the chute (10). A guide means, preferably comprising a large diameter suspension bearing (52), is supported by a second rotor (40). It defines for the pivoting ring (38), in a reference frame attached to the second rotor (40), an inclined plane of rotation which makes an angle .alpha. with a horizontal reference plane. The pivoting ring (33) creates, during a relative rotation in this inclined plane of rotation, a pivoting of the chute (10) about the pivoting axis (33).

Abstract: A suspension device for a heavy body, such as a rotating hopper for a shaft furnace, is presented. The suspension device has an annular running surface, a number (n) of rollers greater than three, and an elastically compressible component to permit elastic deformations sufficient substantially to correct an unequal distribution of weight of the heavy body over the rollers resulting from slight defects in the coplanarity of the rollers.

Abstract: A shaft furnace charging device with rotating chute comprises a supporting structure (22) overhanging the shaft furnace (10), a mounting flange (18) fixed rigidly to the shaft furnace (10), a batch hopper (26, 28) supported by the supporting structure (22), a drive housing (30) for the chute (32) which is connected in a sealed manner at one end to the batch hopper (26, 28) and at the other end to the mounting flange (18), and at least one large diameter roller ring (40) mounted in the housing (30) in order to support the chute (32) with the ring (40). In order to increase the working life of the roller ring (40), at least one deformable linking element (70) is incorporated in the chain of rigid elements connecting the mounting flange (18) to the roller ring (40), in such a way that a rigid transmission of deformations of the mounting flange (18) to the roller ring (40) is largely prevented.

Abstract: An ingot mould for a continuous casting plant is described, comprising an ingot mould body (22), which defines an axial flow channel (18) for molten metal and which contains a circuit for cooling this axial flow channel (18). The ingot mould body (22) is surrounded, at least partially, by an outer casing (44) in which it is supported axially using a hydraulic/pneumatic suspension device, for example a cylinder with rotational symmetry whose axis of symmetry is coaxial with the casting axis. This hydraulic/pneumatic suspension device is preferably controlled by a hydraulic/pneumatic control system (72) designed to make the ingot mould body (22) oscillate about a reference position.

Abstract: Charging device for supplying liquid metal to an electric furnace with a shaft 15, the device consisting of a balcony 19 extending the shaft 15 of the furnace 10 laterally and communicating with the hearth of the furnace 10.

Abstract: A description is given of an ingot mould for a continuous casting plant comprising an ingot mould tube (12) and an ingot mould body (22). The ingot mould tube (12) is movable axially with respect to the ingot mould body (22). Sealing elements, preferably metal diaphragms (88, 90) allow an axial displacement of the ingot mould tube (12) with respect to the ingot mould body (22), while ensuring the sealing of a sealed chamber (23) containing the circuit for cooling the ingot mould tube (12). A device for generating mechanical oscillations, preferably a hydraulic cylinder (46), is connected to the ingot mould tube (12) through the intermediary of a lever (54) supported by the ingot mould body (22).

Abstract: A gastight isolation valve for solid materials is presented. The body of the valve has a lower edge which, defines, in the leaktight closed position, an air seal. The air seal is surrounded by a projecting element of the closure member which comprises, on the outer side, an outer peripheral flank having a first gradient. A peripheral sealing surface extends the outer peripheral flank. The sealing surface interacts with a sealing seat of the valve body to provide gastightness.

Abstract: A sealing ring of relatively large diameter made from an elastomer material, particularly for fitting into a gastight valve is presented for the purpose of preventing and/or alleviating stresses that cause tearings in and on the surface of the sealing ring. This is accomplished by modifying the cross-section of the sealing ring relative to the cross-section of a receiving channel such that the cross-section of the sealing ring forms a central foot which lies in bearing contact with a base surface of the receiving channel and is radially limited by two concave indentations. The two concave indentations are dimensioned so they form, with the corresponding boundary surfaces of the channel, a respective cavity, into which a substantial part of the elastomer material can yield whenever a surface load is applied to the exposed sealing surface without substantially altering the concave configuration of the indentations.

Abstract: A device in which a mixture of steam and contaminated air is first of all channelled into an upward stream and that the mixture subsequently flows as a downward stream in a vessel maintained at reduced pressure. The device further includes an arrangement for spraying an alkaline aqueous solution into the downward stream of the mixture of steam and contaminated air. The decontaminated uncondensed gases are thereby removed from the vessel by a forced and adjustable stream which creates and maintains a reduced pressure inside the vessel.

Abstract: A device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to a flexible conduit comprises a first half-coupling mounted on the metallurgical carriage and a second half-coupling connected to one end of the flexible conduit. A coupling station is located near a predefined coupling position for the metallurgical carriage. This coupling station comprises a supporting block designed to receive and support the second half-coupling, driving means to move the supporting block from a parked position in the direction of the first half-coupling and vice versa. The second half-coupling is equipped with a locking device which can be actuated by a control device on the coupling station. In a first position of the locking device, the second half-coupling is coupled and locked to the first half-coupling; and in a second position of the locking device, the second half-coupling is coupled and locked to its support on the coupling station.

Abstract: A process for feeding a second stream of pulverulent materials into a pneumatic conveying line carrying a first controllable flow of pulverulent materials is presented. The second stream of pulverulent materials is fed at a controlled rate and the control of the first flow is rendered insensitive to disturbances caused by the feeding of the second stream by directly or indirectly controlling the first flow upstream of the injection point of the second stream.

Abstract: A distributing chute for installation in a furnace, particularly suitable for use in a bell-less charging system of a blast furnace, comprises heat-resistant ceramic tiles on its underside. These ceramic tiles are inserted between, and secured by, hollow sections which are attached to the chute body and through which a cooling medium is passed. The ceramic tiles preferably include lateral grooves; the hollow sections being fitted in the lateral grooves for securing the ceramic tiles.

Abstract: A distributor chute for bulk material, in particular for use in a bell-less blast furnace top charging device, has several inclined transverse plates in the region of its impact zone. The transverse plates create retaining pockets between their inner faces and the surface of the distributor chute. Two adjacent transverse plates limit between the outer face of the first transverse plate and the inner face or the second transverse plate a retaining chamber. If the inclination of the chute is reduced, the bulk material moves from the retaining pocket to the retaining chamber.

Abstract: Device for plugging a tap hole comprising an expulsion piston fitted in a plugging chamber, a first double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the piston and a first channel passing through the piston for the passage of a piercing rod, and the first actuator. The device further comprises a second double-acting hydraulic actuator positioned behind the first actuator, equipped with a second channel for the passage of a rod, a control means for imposing a to-and-fro movement on the second actuator, and a first gripping means movable by the second actuator. This first gripping means makes it possible to grip and release a rod in order to push it, by successive travels, through the two channels in the direction of the plugging nose-piece.

Abstract: A device is presented which equips an opening made in a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace, for the axial insertion of a lance. This device comprises an axial sealing member, a casing, a first fixed seat, a second axially movable seat and a closure element. The closure element is fitted with a separation spring which produces an axial clearance with respect to the first seat. Closure springs apply the second seat onto the closure element and the closure element onto the first seat. Active opening members, for examples jacks, act against the closure springs. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a spacer element which is identical to the closure element except that it is provided with a through opening for the lance.

Abstract: A machine is provided for piercing a taphole for a shaft furnace for applying the piercing rod method. The machine comprises a mounting (20), a drive means (42, 44), a clamp (34) for coupling the drive means to the rod (26) during its extraction. It is characterised by a push-member (34) transmitting the said thrust force to the rear end of the rod (26) during the insertion of the rod (26) into the taphole clay and by intermediate guides (55i) surrounding the rod (26) at several places during the insertion of the rod (26) into the taphole clay. The said guides (55i) being successively placed in a position in which they do not hinder the advance of the said push-member (34, 78) on the mounting (20).

Abstract: A device is presented for inserting, from a support structure a lance axially through a side opening in a pressurized container, in particular a blast furnace. This device comprises a support bench on which a support carriage can slide. A front elastic support for the lance is mounted so as to follow the level variations of the side opening. When the lance is inserted into the container, the front elastic support yields and the lance bears on an internal support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for blowing preheated air into a shaft furnace, comprising several separate tubular elements, wherein an outer shielding made of steel and an inner lining made of cast refractory concrete are connected in pairs by a ball joint and a compensator. The ball joint includes a convex pivot which is integral with a first tubular element and which can pivot in a concave dish integral with a second tubular element. At least the convex pivot of the ball joint comprises a profiled refractory brick anchored in the inner refractory lining made of cast refractory concrete.