Abstract: A method of constructing a refractory brick lining on a bottom tuyere plate for a vessel for refining or otherwise treating a metal melt comprises the improvement of constructing the lining in an imperforate manner on the bottom tuyere plate and then drilling tuyere ducts in the lining. The brick lining is preferably constructed with the bottom tuyere plate in an upright position and the ducts are then drilled while the plate and the lining are still upright. The bottom tuyere plate is preferably mounted in an assembly frame which is itself pivotally mounted to enable the frame together with the bottom tuyere plate to be swung from a horizontal position to the upright position.

Abstract: A process for the production of steel from a quantity of charge material such as iron scrap, iron sponge, or other essentially metallic iron carriers, makes use of a bottom-blowing converter. Nozzles are provided in the bottom area of the converter and extend into a sump. In order to avoid an uncontrolled flow without the addition of molten pig iron, a molten bath is formed of the charge material by the provision of burners located at the bottom wall area in a lateral wall above the nozzles, finally distributed carbon and oxygen being separately blown in through the nozzles for producing additional melting. The burners may be located either slightly above the level of the molten bath or below such level and in the latter case, the burners are then operated as additional nozzles after their submersion.

Abstract: A process for increasing the life of refractory masonry of furnaces and metallurgical vessels in which the masonry is exposed to oxidizing atmospheres at high temperatures and/or molten metals or slags which are highly erosive, which process consists in depositing carbon in the pores of such masonry by means of carbon carrying media which are decomposed when heated.

Abstract: The lining of conically narrowing or widening walls with brick is facilitated by laying the brick in courses which are closed rings, the bricks subtending an angle of about 5.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the horizontal.