Abstract: An apparatus for distributing charge material to a shaft furnace is presented which effectively reduces the segregation of the particles in a storage housing positioned above the shaft furnace. In the present invention, the storage hopper and the distribution device are movable about the vertical axis of the shaft furnace and are mounted inside a sealed chamber. Above the chamber are arranged at least two locks which are each provided with upper and lower sealing flaps. Preferably, the storage hopper and the bottom of each of the locks are in the configuration of tapered funnels, the conical wall of which forms an angle of less than or equal to about 30.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the furnace. The storage hopper is preferably supported by support and guide rollers which move on a circular rail integral with the wall of the sealed chamber and is subjected to the action of a drive mechanism for rotation about the vertical axis of the furnace.

Abstract: In a so-called bell less top type shaft furnace charging installation with rotary and angularly adjustable distribution chute (34) and one or more storage hoppers (18) which are offset with regard to the vertical central furnace axis, there are provided adjustable guide plates (44, 46, 146) in order to correct the path of material falling from the storage hopper(s) (18) on the chute (34).

Abstract: Material to be deposited on the hearth of a shaft furnace serially passes through a pair of temporary storage containers positioned above the furnace. The uppermost storage container is in the form of a bin open to the ambient atmosphere while the lower storage container is provided with valves at either end whereby it may be hermetically sealed and subsequently brought to furnace pressure. The lower storage container is loaded while at ambient pressure, by releasing furnace charge material previously delivered to the upper storage container into the lower container and subsequently by delivering material directly to the lower container from a conveyor system through the lower container. The upper container is refilled with material while the lower container is at furnace pressure and is discharging its contents into the furnace.

Abstract: The profile of material deposited on the hearth of a pressurized furnace is controlled by means of a charging installation including a lower charging bell which has, suspended therefrom, a variable geometry distributor which may be controlled to select the point of deposition of material delivered to the furnace. The charging bell cooperates with an intermediate storage hopper, positioned within a hermetically sealable casing, whereby the hopper may be alternately filled with material and emptied by permitting the material to fall onto the distributor via an annular opening defined when the bell is lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for introducing and distributing a charge within a shaft furnace, the shaft furnace charging apparatus comprising an elongated charge distribution chute, the angle of which being adjustable in relation to the vertical axis of the furnace to allow for distribution of charge to desired areas within the furnace. The charge distribution chute includes a first end for accepting the charge and a second end for distributing the charge within the furnace. The first end of the chute is suspended from a supporting fork which is rotatable about its axis to provide for pivoting of the chute about a first axis when the support fork is rotated. The chute is suspended from the support fork to provide for pivoting of the chute about a second axis which is preferably perpendicular to the first axis. The direction of the chute within the furnace may be adjusted to provide for distribution of the charge to the desired area of the furnace.

Abstract: A process for treating bituminous schists including the steps of crushing the bituminous schist, feeding said schist to the top of a retort, pyrolyzing the crushed schist in said retort as it is moved downwardly therein through a combustion zone into which air is introduced, removing volatiles from the upper part of the retort, and removing spent schist from the bottom of the retort, said process being characterized by maintaining the combustion zone at a predetermined level in the retort by feeding the schist in a gradual and even manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding bituminous schist to a series of retorts each equipped with a rotary distribution spout and a central feed channel, the retorts radiating from a central schist distributing tower. At least one hopper communicates with a central feed channel communicating with the retort, and is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the retort. Conveyor belts are provided for conveying schists from the central distributing tower to the hopper or the hoppers of each retort.