Abstract: A method for preparing iron powder for powder metallurgy and other applications from particulate iron oxide by reducing the particle size of at least part of the particulate feed material chemically reducing the feed material to increase the percentage of metallization by contact with a gaseous reductant in a shaft furnace at high temperatures, and removing the reduced iron powder product from the furnace. Preferably the product is screened and oversized material is returned to the furnace for additional reduction. An alternative method contemplates additional steps of grinding, and further decrepitation to reduce the particle size of the larger particle fractions.

Abstract: A method of extending the useful life of a catalyst employed in the endothermic catalytic reforming of gaseous hydrocarbons in which a substantial portion of the sulfur contained in such gaseous hydrocarbons is removed by contacting them with an aqueous solution of a water soluble metallic salt having a free metallic ion which forms an insoluble precipitate with sulfur. A preferred salt is zinc chromate.