Abstract: The heat insulating lining of the metallurgical vessel includes a permanent layer in a refractory material and a consumable layer arranged in the interior of the vessel and intended to be in direct contact with the liquid metal. This layer consists of a mixture of inorganic particles and of mineral and/or organic fibers embedded in an organic and/or inorganic binder. Between the permanent layer and the consumable layer is fitted a relatively compressible layer of an inorganic and/or organic fibre base resistant to the temperature pertaining at the contact of the consumable layer, these fibres being partially embedded in an organic and/or inorganic binder.

Abstract: A melting flux composition for submerged arc welding which comprises 6-15% by weight of MgO, 5-10% by weight of CaO, 10-20% by weight of CaF.sub.2, 14-19% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 20-25% by weight of TiO.sub.2, 15-20% by weight of SiO.sub.2, and 5-10% by weight of MnO. Optionally, the composition further comprises B.sub.2 O.sub.3 or other oxide components, such as iron oxide and alkali metal oxides.

Abstract: A treatment agent for use in the production of vermicular graphite cast iron is formed by compacting a mixture comprising particulate iron, magnesium, titanium and rare earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the charge distribution in a blast furnace is constituted by a large number of arms disposed in a circle in the top of the furnace, the upper end of each arm being attached to the shell of the furnace through a link so as to be tiltable relative to the shell, a plate fixed to the lower portion of the arm and facing toward the center of the furnace, and a mechanism including a push rod for inclining the arm with respect to the axis of the furnace in a direction for pushing the lower portion of the arm toward the furnace center. The link, arm and push rod make up a link mechanism. The linear motion of the push rod expands the paired link and arm and inclines the plate while pushing the plate inward.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring gases dissolved in molten metal. Also disclosed are method and apparatus for dissolving gases in molten metal and a method of forming a gas permeable but molten metal impervious ceramic tube. A ceramic member is leached by an invention process so as to be selectively gas permeable. The member is inserted into molten metal to submerge the permeable portion. Then a vacuum is applied to the member and dissolved gases are measured by the change in pressure caused by gases entering from the molten metal. In another embodiment gas is applied to the submerged member to cause it to dissolve in the molten metal.

Abstract: A hot-blast cupola furnace 1 has an inclined bottom 3 leading directly to a tapping conduit 4. The conduit 4 leads to a forehearth 5 having an iron discharge siphon 13, 14, 15 and two slag discharge siphons 16, 17. The forehearth 5 has an upper slag-holding part 10 and a lower iron-holding part 11, which also contains slag in its upper part down to the level of the tops of the siphons 16, 17. The part 10 is of greater horizontal cross-sectional area than the part 11. In this way the height of the slag column through which the iron passes in the forehearth is reduced and so is the area of the boundary layer in the forehearth. This causes the reaction between the iron and the slag to take place predominantly in the main furnace zone above the bottom 3 and not in the forehearth and in this way the life of the lining of the forehearth, which is a limiting factor on the possible continuous period of operation of the furnace, is prolonged.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recovery of precious metals which is accomplished by melting an alumina-containing spent catalyst having therein a minor amount of a precious metal. The melted alumina containing carrier material is heated to about 2100.degree. C. in an electric furnace. The alumina material is poured from the furnace for utilization in abrasives manufacture. The precious metal collects in the bottom of the furnace and is either poured off and allowed to solidify or allowed to solidify in the furnace. In one embodiment of the invention, the steps of melting spent catalyst and heating to form a molten mixture is repeated a multiplicity of times with pouring off of the molten carrier material. As a multiplicity of meltings and pourings are carried out, gradually there is an appreciable accumulation of the precious metals in the bottom of the furnace.

Abstract: An improved converter steelmaking process that achieves a great increase in the refining capability of top-blown oxygen is provided. The process applies to an oxygen top-blowing converter that also permits bottom blowing of gas and it is characterized by supplying oxygen from a top-blowing lance and a bottom-blowing nozzle substantially throughout the refining operation, with 2 vol. % to less than 17 vol. % of a predetermined total oxygen flow rate being supplied from the bottom-blowing nozzle whereas the remaining part of oxygen is blown onto the surface of the hot metal from the top-blowing lance.

Abstract: Vacuum distillation residue oil having a Conradson carbon value of 5 to 40% and a specific gravity of 0.9 to 1.10 is thermally cracked in the presence of iron ore particles in fluidized state in a thermal cracking reactor thereby to produce light oils and cracked gases and to form by-product carbon, which is caused to deposit on the iron ore particles, which are then transferred to and heated at 800.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. in a reducing furnace to be reduced in a solid state reaction, into sponge iron. Thus, heavy oil is thermally cracked and sponge iron is produced by an economical, integrated process.

Abstract: A method of recovering non-ferrous metals from their ores comprises introducing the ore into a molten sulphide carrier that is forcibly circulated through an extraction circuit, contacting the molten carrier containing the dissolved or melted ore with oxygen to oxidize at least part of the ore or carrier, recovering heat thereby generated by the molten carrier, and transmitting the heat by means of the carrier to endothermic sites in the circuit.

Abstract: A process for refining a steel melt in a furnace in which a steel melt is formed with a slag layer thereon, the thickness of which can be controlled by passing a stream of inert gas upwardly through the melt, while directing a first stream of oxygen into the melt from a lance positioned above the melt for the top-blowing refining thereof to produce carbon monoxide above the melt and feeding a second stream of oxygen from the lance for the post-combustion of the released carbon monoxide, while monitoring continuously the thickness of the slag layer, the height of the melt, the carbon monoxide post-combustion factor (%CO.sub.2 /%CO+%CO.sub.2) and the speed of decarburization of the melt and controlling the height of the lance above the melt and the discharge rates of total blown oxygen, the second stream of oxygen and the inert gas stream at any given time in accordance with a particular relationship.

Abstract: Antimony values are separated from a material containing a sulfo-antimony compound of copper, e.g. tetrahedrite ore concentrate, by a process involving establishing a pool of molten lead, adding a metallic alkali metal, e.g. metallic sodium, to the molten lead in an amount which is sufficient to reduce the combined antimony of the sulfo-antimony compound or compounds of copper of the tetrahedrite to metallic antimony, adding the tetrahedrite ore concentrate to the molten lead, and mixing together the alkali metal, molten lead, and tetrahedrite ore concentrate. The alkali metal and sulfo-antimony compound of copper are reacted together in the presence of the molten lead for a period which is sufficient to reduce the antimony of the sulfo-antimony compound of copper to metallic antimony and to form one or more sulfo-alkali metal compounds of copper, and a matte phase which separates from the molten lead.

Abstract: Solder pot apparatus comprising a tank divided into first and second sections by a common wall with holes therein below the level of molten solder in the sections for the transfer of molten metal between the sections. The wall has relatively low heat conductivity. The sections are heated by separately controlled heating elements, the heating elements for the second section having a heating capacity higher than that of the first section, so that solder ingots may be rapidly melted in the second section without substantially affecting the solder temperature in the first section. A ramp extends from the first section to the second section and a powered skimmer stirs metal, and removes dross from metal, in the first section and pushes the dross over the ramp into the second section. Also, the apparatus includes a metal surface level sensor in the second section and signals and an ingot feeder conrolled by the sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring gases dissolved in molten metal. Also disclosed are method and apparatus for dissolving gases in molten metal and a method of forming a gas permeable but molten metal impervious ceramic tube. A ceramic member is leached by an invention process so as to be selectively gas permeable. The member is inserted into molten metal to submerge the permeable portion. Then a vacuum is applied to the member and dissolved gases are measured by the change in pressure caused by gases entering from the molten metal. In another embodiment gas is applied to the submerged member to cause it to dissolve in the molten metal.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a ladle or converter has a wall having extending therethrough a bore. A tube is fixed in a gas tight manner within the bore. The tube has therethrough a cylindrical passage. At least one gas permeable insert is fitted in a gas tight manner within the passage. The insert may be a pre-shaped insert or may be a mass tamped and packed into the passage. The insert may be replaced by drilling the insert from the passage of the tube and fitting a new insert within the passage. A gas connection is connected to the outer end of the tube to supply gas into the tube and through the insert into the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and a means for introducing close-grained carbonaceous fuels, which are suspended in a carrier gas, and oxygen into a molten iron bath are described.In this method the fuel and the oxygen can be alternately introduced through the same introduction passage of a tuyere into a molten iron bath below the surface of the bath.The means provides for alternate supply of fuel or oxygen and is regulated by means of the oxygen line pressure.

Abstract: In a method for cooling tuyeres when molten iron is refined by blowing a refining gas containing oxygen, and by setting tuyeres below or above the meniscus of iron bath in a vessel for refining the molten iron, wherein concentric tuyeres are used and a refining gas containing oxygen gas is blown through the inner pipe of the concentric tuyere and a fluid for protecting the tuyeres is blown through the outer pipe of the tuyere so that the protecting fluid surrounds the refining gas in a sheath form to cool the top ends of the tuyeres, the protecting fluid being a mixture of gaseous or liquid carbon dioxide and carbon fine particles.

Abstract: A taphole assembly comprises three refractory pieces: (1) a monolithic central block with a hole for the passage of molten metal and (2) upper and lower wedge supports for the central block. The purpose of the assembly is to position the taphole between parallel layers of lining brick with the metal conducting hole at an angle to the lining brick surfaces. The assembly is installed by supporting the central block on a counterweighted bar in position in the furnace, and constructing the furnace lining around the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a refractory-lined pipe (5) with a removable cover (6) formed with an opening provided to communicate the interior of the pipe (5) with a compressed gas supply system (8) and a vacuum system (9). This pipe (5) is arranged in a stepped conduit (4) of a tubular structure (3) from a refractory material. Positioned beneath the lower end of the pipe (5) and coaxially therewith on a stepped protection (10) of the wall of the conduit (4) formed in the structure (3) is a sleeve (11) from a porous material. Formed between the external side surface of the sleeve (11) and the wall of the conduit (4) is an annular space (12) confined from below by an annular cover (16) with an opening (17) for communicating the space (12) with a refining gas supply source (18).

Abstract: A method of producing steel from ferrous hot metal containing carbon includes the steps of delivering oxygen and a surrounding sheath of hydrocarbon shielding fluid to the metal and beneath its surface to elevate the temperature to about 1350.degree. C. Pelletized iron material and carbon are then simultaneously delivered to the metal at controlled rates with the rate of carbon delivery being regulated so that the carbon level within the metal maintains in substantial equilibrium. After charging of the pellets has been completed, the delivery of carbon is terminated while the delivery of oxygen and hydrocarbon shielding fluid is continued until the metal carbon level is reduced a desired level.