Abstract: A process of producing metal from a metal ore containing metal oxides includes the steps of: obtaining a reducing gas containing at least one of carbon and hydrogen from solid substances containing at least one of carbon and hydrocarbons; bringing the ore into reaction contact with the reducing gas in a metallurgical blast furnace; and injecting a comminuted, fluidized plastics material into a blast current in a hearth region of the blast furnace, the plastics material comprising an agglomerate including plastics particles having a particle size substantially between 1 mm and 10 mm.

Abstract: A system for inerting a casting vessel, such as a traversable ladle or torpedo vessel, used for transporting molten metal, the vessel being positioned below the molten metal outlet opening at a transfer station, and the vessel cavity being flushed with an inert gas both prior to the molten metal inletting and during the inflow of the molten metal in such a manner as to avoid contact between the molten metal surface and the vessel and the atomospheric oxygen. A blowpipe is arranged in the vicinity of the molten metal outlet opening but does not intersect the molten metal stream, is located outside the free space profile of the vessel at least during the approach and return of the vessel, and terminates a distance from the vessel inlet opening and produces at its terminal end an inert gas stream which enters the cavity of the vessel adjacent the molten metal stream at an acute angle.

Abstract: It is proposed, in the case of at least one transport and discharge runner installed at a tapping orifice of the metallurgical furnace and a transfer station having a swivel or tilting runner in which the molten metal flows from the discharge runner by way of a distribution system into the outlet openings from which it flows into a preferably movable casting vessel, to cover the discharge runners conveying the molten metal from the tapping orifice of the metallurgical furnace with cover hoods, to screen off the transfer station in a substantially gastight manner, to sweep these interiors with inert gas and in addition to screen off the molten metal discharge stream from the outlet opening to the casting vessel by means of a pressurized inert gas covering which prevents air access and is substantally annular in cross-section. By these means, fume production is effectively avoided.

Abstract: Iron oxide powder, e.g., ore, is reduced in a CO/N.sub.2 atmosphere at a temperature between 750.degree. to 1200.degree. C., whereby prior to the onset of precipitation of metallic iron the content of H.sub.2 is limited to 15% (vol) of the CO content, and SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, COS or another suitable gaseous sulphur compound is developed or maintained in the reducing atmosphere at a range from 0.0005 to 0.1% (vol), preferably 0.001 to 0.01% (vol) in relation to the CO content.

Abstract: Iron oxide particles are made by spray calcination and the oxide is reduced at least substantially in CO at temperatures between 800.degree. and 1000.degree. C. The oxide is heat-treated prior to calcination or CaO is added to enhance formation of iron fibers. The reducing atmosphere may in parts include hydrogen or the last phase of reduction is carried out in hydrogen. The iron cake is cooled and broken up in a grinder. The resulting powder has low bulk density due to a fiber-like, non-porous consistency of its particles. Grinding may continue to increase bulk density.