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: Method and apparatus for pneumatically transporting solid and abrasive particulate materials at high temperature, by means of a carrier gas through a plurality of co-axial straight pipes. The pipes are maintained under constant tension by applying a force across at least one expansion joint coupling said pipes in order to maintain said pipes straight against the forces acting on said pipes which tend to cause bending and deformation thereof, as for example: thermal elongation, the weight of the solids conveyed through said pipes, the friction forces between said pipes and its supporting frame, and the pressure of the carrier gas inside said pipes. The constant tensioning force may be applied for example, by means of hydraulic cylinders in combination with a telescopic water-cooled sleeve.

Abstract: A valve for feeding abrasive particulate material to, and removal of particulate material from a pressurized vessel, adapted to operate at temperatures above 500.degree. C., comprises a valve structure wherein a single shutoff member of generally spherical shape performs both functions of shutoff the particulate material and the gas-tight sealing by means of a resilient inflatable circular seal element which engages the convex side of said shutoff member. Said seal element is inflated and cooled by a pressure regulated and continuously flowing stream of liquid water. The seal element is protected from being damaged at high temperatures by contacting it with the cooled shutoff member when the valve is closed and with a cooled circular extension of the shutoff member when the valve is open.

Abstract: Refractory materials (typically refractory bricks) having the exposed working surface treated to form a silica sand glazed surface for their utilization in iron ore reduction reactors, for example of the moving bed type, fluidized bed type, rotary kilns, or the like, and method and apparatus for treating refractory bricks before installation as well as for treating refractory linings already installed in existing iron ore reduction plants, which produce direct reduced iron (DRI), prereduced iron ores, or the like. Some operational problems, involving adherence and buildup of aggregates from small metallic iron particles on the refractory lining of said reduction reactor, are minimized with a corresponding decrease in operating costs and an increase in the availability of the DRI producing plant.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the gaseous reduction of particulate iron ores is disclosed, wherein the reduced ore, commonly called DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) or sponge iron, is treated in a vertical shaft moving bed furnace and discharged from said furnace in solid particulate form at high temperature, e.g. above 500.degree. C. The shaft furnace is of the type wherein a bed of particles descends by gravity through said furnace which has an upper section where ore pellets, lumps, or the like are reduced by reaction with a hot reducing gas, and a lower section of a downwardly tapering, preferably, in a generally conical shape, which converges to an outlet discharge orifice of smaller cross sectional area than the rest of said furnace.