Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe segment including an outer and an inner pipe section, with the inner pipe section being positioned within the outer pipe section, and a support means supporting the inner pipe section in relation to the outer pipe section so that the inner pipe section can expand axially relative to the outer pipe section in response to temperature changes in the material being transported in the pipe segment. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a transfer line for transporting hot particulate material, such as iron ore fines, in a carrier gas, including a plurality of these pipe segments and to a process for transporting hot particulate material in a carrier gas in a direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material, in particular between a pretreatment unit and solid delivery means in the form of lances for injecting the material into a direct smelting vessel.

Abstract: In method and apparatus for producing iron and steel from iron cores largely composed of iron oxides, wherein a direct reduction process is used to produce a solid particulate intermediate product, generally known as sponge Iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI); pneumatically conveying large iron-bearing particles, such as pelletized iron ore or particularly DRI, in a closed transport pipe, eg. from the reduction reactor of the direct reduction process to the metallurgical furnaces where liquid iron or steel are produced, for example electric arc furnaces, induction furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, etc. or to a briquetting press to form DRI briquettes, or simply to a silo or storage bin, or in general to a subsequent processing step for said DRI. When the carrier gas is recirculated for reuse, surprisingly air can be a preferred source of such gas, especially for reactive hot DRI.

Abstract: In a method of producing iron and steel, from iron ores largely composed of iron oxides, wherein a direct reduction process is used to produce a solid particulate intermediate product, generally known as sponge iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI); pneumatically conveying the DRI in a closed pipe from the reduction reactor of the direct reduction process to the metallurgical furnaces where liquid iron or steel are produced, for example electric arc furnaces, induction furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, etc. or to a briquetting press to form DRI briquettes, or simply to a silo or storage bin, or in general to a subsequent processing step for said DRI. When the carrier gas is recirculated for reuse, surprisingly air is preferred as the source of such gas, especially for reactive hot DRI. This method has a superior efficiency and productivity and reduces the overall energy consumption relative to currently used DRI steelmaking plants.

Abstract: A method of eliminating hot spots in a mass of sponge iron particles made by gaseous reduction of iron ore. A layer of the particulate product is moved to a separating station, near which the layer is viewed by an infra-red detector that generates a control signal when insufficiently cooled particles register therewith. The control signal is used to shift the position of a particle guide member at the separating station to cause insufficiently cooled particles to be diverted from the main particle stream. Preferably the separation is carried out in two stages. Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed and claimed.