Abstract: The present invention provides a reformer tube apparatus, including: an axially aligned tubular structure including a flange section, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section; wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a first portion having a first wall thickness; wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a second portion having a second wall thickness; and wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a third portion having a transitioning wall thickness that joins the first portion to the second portion. The flange section includes a concentric flange disposed about a top portion thereof. The bottom section of the tubular structure includes a plurality of concentric wedge structures disposed about the interior thereof. The bottom section of the tubular structure also includes a recess disposed about the exterior thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reformer tube apparatus, including: an axially aligned tubular structure including a flange section, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section; wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a first portion having a first wall thickness; wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a second portion having a second wall thickness; and wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure includes a third portion having a transitioning wall thickness that joins the first portion to the second portion. The flange section includes a concentric flange disposed about a top portion thereof. The bottom section of the tubular structure includes a plurality of concentric wedge structures disposed about the interior thereof. The bottom section of the tubular structure also includes a recess disposed about the exterior thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing mechanism of a feeding device for feeding lumps and/or powder to a moving-hearth heating furnace. The feeding device includes a vibrating feeder having a trough in which a hole for feeding the lumps and/or powder to the furnace is formed and a duct for guiding the lumps and/or powder dropped through the hole to a hearth of the heating furnace. The sealing mechanism includes a water sealing mechanism having a skirt plate, a weir plate, a side surface of the duct, and liquid. The skirt plate is provided on the lower surface of the trough. The weir plate is provided above a ceiling of the heating furnace. The liquid is kept in a tank serving as a pool of liquid which is formed by the side surface of the duct and the weir plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging cold product or a combination of cold and hot products from a continuous supply of hot direct reduced iron (“DRI”) comprising a product cooler connected to a shaft furnace, with downward movement of the hot DRI and upward concurrent flow of cooling gas through the product cooler. The method and apparatus provides for diverting of hot DRI from an upper portion of the cooler for gravitational transfer to an adjacent storage unit located at a lower elevation than the furnace. The product cooler is situated at a lower height in relation to the furnace, for gravity transfer of a continuous supply of hot DRI through an entry point into the cooler. Cooler provides for cooling gas injection into the lower portion of the cooler, with gas flow upward and counter-current to the hot DRI that descends through the cooler. Recovered cooling gas is scrubbed, cooled, and recycled back for injection into the bottom portion of the cooler.

Abstract: A screening and sizing apparatus for handling clusters or clumps of particulate material in which a roller table is provided with a series of equally spaced anvils or lugs for moving clusters of particulates across the rolls of the roller table and for breaking large lumps or clusters of material by forcing them against adjacent rolls or lugs. An alternative embodiment includes a tramp door through which large particles are passed to a separate bin or receptacle. Another alternative embodiment includes a cooperating, eccentrically mounted cluster breaker above the roller table.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting a packed bed of particulate material with a treating gas includes a downwardly converging bin, hot gas distributors and a cooling gas distributor. The method whereby the apparatus is used as a reactor dryer to treat particulate sponge iron is also disclosed.