Abstract: In a method for closing and opening a tapping hole of a metallurgical vessel, in which method a closure body (4), which leaves clear an annular gap between the closure body (4) and the wall of the tapping hole, can be moved out of a waiting position (I) into a closure position (II), in which it covers the tapping hole, and back, and in which method, at least in the closure position (II), a pressurized gas is introduced into the tapping hole counter to the outflow direction of a molten material contained in the metallurgical vessel, in order to avoid skull formation, the closure body (4) is moved out of the waiting position (I) into the closure position (II) and back with directions of movement which lie in different areas.

Abstract: In a plant for the production of pig iron and/or sponge iron, comprising at least one fluidized bed reactor adapted to receive fine ore, a reducing-gas feed duct leading to said fluidized bed reactor, an off gas discharge duct departing from the fluidized bed reactor and a discharge means, preferably a briquetting means, provided for the reduction product formed in the fluidized bed reactor, the off gas discharge duct of the fluidized bed reactor runs into a purification means, such as a scrubber, subsequently into a heating means and finally into the reducing gas feed duct of the fluidized bed reactor. To produce a product having a high quality standard at a minimum energy input, the heating means is constructed such that it comprises two stages including a heat exchanger as the heating means for the reducing gas and, connected serially therewith, a partial combustion means for the reducing gas with an oxygen feeding means.