Abstract: A method for the gaseous reduction of particulate iron ore to sponge iron product in a vertical shaft reactor having a reduction zone in the upper portion thereof, a cooling zone in the lower portion thereof and an intermediate zone between the reduction and cooling zones. In order to reduce the tendency of the hot sponge iron to sinter and agglomerate, and stick to the walls of the reactor, and to give a more uniform product, a cool gas stream is introduced into the intermediate zone and caused to flow downwardly along the wall of the intermediate zone to cool the peripheral portion of the body of reduced ore flowing from the reduction zone through the intermediate zone.

Abstract: A method for the desulfurization of sour natural gas containing sulfur contaminants wherein the natural gas is first heated to a temperature in the range of 250.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. and then contacted with a bed of sponge iron to remove at least a portion of the sulfur contaminants to form a sweet natural gas.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for achieving improved reduction efficiency and economy in the reduction of particulate metal ores, e.g. iron ore, in a vertical shaft, moving bed reactor having a reduction zone in which a heated reducing gas is caused to flow through a portion of the ore bed to reduce the metal ore thereof to metal; e.g. sponge iron. The improved efficiency and economy is achieved through an integrated reduction system in which a conventional reformer is used without the need to upgrade the reformed gas prior to feeding it directly to the reduction reactor as a reducing gas.