Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a filling material for use in connection with an opening in a container used in molten metal processing including: recovering used refractory bricks; crushing the used refractory bricks into particles; and covering the opening with the particles.

Abstract: A method for desulfurizing molten steel in a ladle employs high MgO content calcium-aluminate synthetic slag. A preferred slag composition contains 0.1-3.0% by weight of vanadium oxide. A particularly preferred composition is the slag obtained from the production of vanadium or ferrovanadium by aluminum reduction of vanadium oxides.

Abstract: A premelted synthetic slag for ladle desulfurizing molten steel and a related method for desulfurizing molten steel employ high MgO content calcium-aluminate synthetic slag. A preferred slag composition contains 0.1-3.0% by weight of vanadium oxide. A particularly preferred composition is the slag obtained from production of vanadium or ferrovanadium by aluminum reduction of vanadium oxides.

Abstract: A multi-band liquid crystal film for visual observation of two or more patterns is prepared by laminating at least two polyurethane films, each containing discrete aggregates of liquid crystals against a black film such that the visual response of the liquid crystals of each succeeding polyurethane film is different than that of the liquid crystals in the other film or films.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer films containing dispersed discrete aggregates of liquid crystals can be produced with improved color response. The liquid crystal aggregates are dispersed in uncured polyurethane elastomer precursors which are cured as a film. After the curing process has commenced but before the curing process has been completed, the partially cured film is subjected to shear stresses to change the shape of the partially cured material which thereafter is allowed to complete the cure in the altered shape.

Abstract: A method of recovering iron-bearing flue dust collected as a by-product in wet sludge or dry form from metallurgical processes for recycling. The moisture content of the collected flue dust is adjusted to a level at which the wet dust is of a plastic consistency such that it will extrude into cohesive agglomerates (generally 8 - 16% moisture content). If the dust is collected in a dry state, moisture is added; if collected in a wet state, the moisture content is adjusted by the addition of a complimentary dry material. Hydraulic cement is added to the mixture in the range of approximately 4 - 15% by weight and the mixture is extruded into cohesive agglomerates and thereafter cured for subsequent charging to metallurgical furnaces.

Abstract: A coke agglomerate for use in metallurgical furnaces and the like which is manufactured by mixing by weight 30-70% metallurgical coke screenings, 5-15% hydraulic cement, and 15-55% of at least one finely divided calcium-bearing material selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium fluoride, with sufficient water to form a plastic agglomerable mixture. The mixture is then agglomerated by molding or extrusion to an adequately large agglomerate size and then cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of recovering by-product fines, such as coal fines, by-product fines created in the manufacture and processing of metals or any very finely divided substance which may be of value when recovered to a usable form and which may be naturally found in the form of a silt or as the result of the manufacturing process, from a slurry or sludge thereof. The slurry mass is first treated to dissociate it into discreet units, if required, for further treatment to recover the fines contained within the discreet units of the slurry in the form of a usable end product. The discreet units of the dissociated slurry are conveyed through a rotary-driven impeller feed conveyor and simultaneously a hot gas such as air or superheated steam is flowed through the conveyor in contact with the slurry segments or discreet units.