Abstract: This application describes a process and apparatus for gasifying sulphur bearing coal in a molten iron bath which is covered with a sulphur absorbing slag. In order to make the process practical, the hot liquid slag is transferred to a second vessel in which it is desulfurized by contact with an oxygen containing gas, and then returned as hot liquid slag to the iron bath for reuse.

Abstract: A process for continuous refining in which liquid pig iron is supplied to a pig iron melt which is at least partially refined while said melt is being intensively agitated, the refining means (preferably oxygen) is introduced into the pig iron melt by means of tuyeres mounted in the refining vessel, and discharging the refining means beneath the surface of thepig iron melt, the tuyeres being positioned and the refining means being furnished so that the kinetic energy of the refining means contributes to the bath agitation. The tuyeres are preferably composite tuyeres like those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,706,549 issued Dec. 19, 1972 and 3,771,998 issued Nov. 13, 1973, for discharging oxygen surrounded by a gaseous and/or liquid hydrocarbon, and possibly lime or other solid powder into the bath.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for supplying the refining gas and protective media utilized in the refining process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,549 issued Dec. 19, 1972, including valves provided in the supply lines for preventing malfunctioning of the process.

Abstract: An improvement in the refining of molten metals in a converter by means of oxygen introduced into the metal through tuyeres which include two concentric pipes, oxygen being passed into the melt through the central pipe and a protective fluid being passed into the melt as a sheath or screen around the oxygen, through the clearance space between the two pipes. In the present invention two tuyeres, disposed horizontally and each passing through the convertor sidewall permit refining to be accomplished without any slopping or splashing of the melt and with only minor wear of the convertor lining.

Abstract: Apparatus for batchwise feeding of powders or other particulate materials from a pressurized supply vessel with a sealable discharge orifice including a movable sealing-and-metering member and a seal against which it seals during periods of non-discharge.

Abstract: A method of casting steel at a lower overheated temperature during continuous casting, wherein the inner surface of a tundish is heated to a temperature which approximately corresponds to the temperature of the steel in a ladle, the tundish is filled with steel, and the steel is poured into at least one mold. According to the invention a discharge spout of the tundish which opens above the reference level of the metal bath, prior to casting and during heating of the tundish is brought into a position which occupies the lowest point of the inner surface of the tundish, the heating of the tundish is continued until adjusting an approximately stationary thermal gradient between the inner and the outer surfaces of the tundish, and prior to pouring of the steel into the mold the tundish is brought into its casting position.

Abstract: Nose-skulls which normally form in the nose section of steelmaking vessels such as the bottom-blown oxygen steelmaking vessel, are prevented from forming, or are removed after forming, by injecting oxygen into the vessel nose section to oxidize either the carbon monoxide gases formed by the steelmaking reaction, or a combustible fluid injected simultaneously with the oxygen, or bath.

Abstract: An increase in the life of basic refractory linings in hearth type refining furnaces and a decrease in tap-to-tap time is achieved by the use of at least one refining tuyere which consists of two concentric pipes. The central pipe feeds oxygen into the melt below the bath surface, and a hydrocarbon stream surrounds the oxygen being fed into the bath, the hydrocarbon flowing in the space between the two pipes. Preferably the tuyere is embedded in the furnace backwall and is approximately horizontal and is directed toward the center of the hearth. By use of the double tuyere, oxygen can be used for refining without experiencing excessive refractory wear.

Abstract: Immersion lances for refining metal melts in hearth type vessels including open hearth and electric furnaces. The lances are movable into and out of the metal melt and comprise an oxygen pipe, a cooling medium pipe surrounding the oxygen pipe and a refractory casing which is wear resistant, temperature resistant and chemically resistant to the operating surroundings. The process of refining using such lances is also described.

Abstract: Pig-iron is refined into steel by blowing oxygen and a protective screen of an encasing gas through injecting means located at or near the bottom of a converter containing a melt of molten metal. The encasing gas while protecting the injecting means, allows it to be consumed at substantially the same rate as the bottom of the converter so that the injecting means is not left projecting from the bottom of the converter. The encasing gas can be one which is inert to the melt or the metal of the injecting means or both, or it can be a gas which reacts sluggishly with the melt or the material of the oxygen feed pipe or both. Desirably, the oxygen jet is circular in cross-section and the encasing gas is in the form of a concentric jet.A converter for carrying out the method is made up of a pear-shaped sheet-steel casing having a refractory lining and an inserted bottom provided with nozzles in the form of metal tubes for the oxygen and encasing gas.

Abstract: Pig-iron is refined into steel by blowing oxygen and a protective screen of an encasing gas through injecting means located at or near the bottom of a converter containing a melt of molten metal. The encasing gas while protecting the injecting means, allows it to be consumed at substantially the same rate as the bottom of the converter so that the injecting means is not left projecting from the bottom of the converter. The encasing gas can be one which is inert to the melt or the metal of the injecting means or both, or it can be a gas which reacts sluggishly with the melt or the material of the oxygen feed pipe or both. Desirably, the oxygen jet is circular in cross-section and the encasing gas is in the form of a concentric jet.A converter for carrying out the method is made up of a pear-shaped sheet-steel casing having a refractory lining and an inserted bottom provided with nozzles in the form of metal tubes for the oxygen and encasing gas.