Abstract: A rotary valve adapted to be used in regulating the flow of a particulate material comprises a casing with inlet and outlet conduits and a rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in the casing. The rotor has a ring of open and closed pockets to meter the particulate material passing through the valve and its periphery is spaced inwardly from the interior of the casing an amount sufficient to prevent squeezing and disintegration of the particulate material between the rotor and inlet conduit. A baffle structure is provided to prevent particulate material from flowing downwardly in the space between the rotor and casing at the up-turning of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary valve adapted to be used in regulating the flow of a particulate material comprises a casing with inlet and outlet conduits and a rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in the casing. The rotor has a ring of partially closed pockets to meter the particulate material passing through the valve and its periphery is spaced inwardly from the interior of the casing an amount sufficient to prevent squeezing and disintegration of the particulate material between the rotor and inlet conduit. A baffle prevents particulate material from flowing downwardly in the space between the rotor and casing at the up-turning of the rotor.

Abstract: A discharge flow regulating device for regulating the discharge of sponge metal from the bottom of a vertical, moving bed reduction reactor. A frustoconical baffle near the bottom of the reactor directs the flow of particles toward a horizontal plate spaced from the baffle and having a diameter sufficient to block the passage of the particles. Gas under pressure is supplied to the center of the plate and directed radially outward to blow particles over the rim of the plate. The supply of pressurized gas is regulated to regulate the rate at which particles are forced to and over the perimeter of the plate. The gas also serves to cool the sponge metal in the lower portion of the reactor.