Abstract: The pressurization and depressurization of a container, and specifically a feed hopper for materials to be delivered to the interior of a blast furnace, is accomplished with the aid of pressure equalization devices which each include a valve and a wear and sound reducing mechanism immediately downstream of the valve. The wear and sound reduction mechanism subdivides the stream of gas, which may contain entrained particulate matter, into a plurality of jets which are caused to follow a zig-zag trajectory.

Abstract: Lubrication for a rotary shaft positioned within the upper region of a blast furnace is accomplished by mounting a mechanically actuated pump for rotation with a reduction gear box through which the rotatable shaft is driven. The pump is periodically operated by means of an adjustable cam plate mounted on a sector gear which is affixed to the rotatable shaft; torque being transmitted to the shaft via the sector gear which is driven by a pinion coupled to the reduction gearing.

Abstract: A gas generator, for example a blast furnace, is isolated from an exhaust gas treatment system by means of an isolation valve characterized by a valve housing which may be permanently installed in the gas delivery conduit. The housing has a laterally offset recess which receives the valve member when in the open position and the valve member may define a liquid receiving vessel in the interest of establishing a liquid barrier between the interior of the conduit and the valve seat when the valve is closed. The valve is preferably hydraulically operated and the actuator is mounted so as to minimize loading on the control shaft bearings.

Abstract: The surface contour of material deposited on the hearth of a furnace is sensed by measuring the height of the material on the furnace axis and at a plurality of points about the periphery of the furnace. The height on the furnace axis is measured with an instrument mounted on the axis of a furnace having an internally mounted steerable material distribution chute with the instrument being positioned vertically above the chute and the feed channel through which charge material is delivered to the chute.

Abstract: Apparatus including a channel defining member and a movable flow control device cooperating therewith for exercising variable control over the rate of delivery of charge material from a hopper to a furnace is disclosed. The channel defining member approximates an oval shape and the flow control device is a concave shaped member which rotates from a full open to a full closed position along the major axis of the oval and with respect to the discharge end of the channel defining member.

Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of ore charges to a shaft furnace is disclosed. The method employs apparatus including a plurality of sensors on which an intermediate charge storage hopper is supported whereby continuous measurement of charge weight is permitted. The apparatus also includes means for establishing hermetic coupling of the storage hopper to the furnace whereby compensation for temperature and pressure induced positional displacements and biasing of the sensors is permitted.

Abstract: The service life of the components of a bell-less shaft furnace charging installation is enhanced by controlling the trajectory of charge material delivered thereto to obtain an essentially entirely vertical discharge from a discharge funnel through a feed channel to the furnace. Also, erosion of the wall of the discharge funnel is minimized by creating an annular build up of charge material about the discharge end of the funnel, the material build up extending along the funnel wall to at least the impact region of freely falling charge material delivered thereto.

Abstract: Segmented conduits for transmitting heated fluid, and particularly tuyere feed lines for injecting preheated air into shaft furnaces, have an annular cooling chamber incorporated into the coupling joints between conduit sections. The cooling chambers are positioned inwardly toward the conduit axis with respect to flexible bellows devices which heremetically seal the articulated coupling joints.

Abstract: A hermetic expansion joint employing an external bellows and means positioned within the bellows for limiting the relative axial displacements of the conduits being joined in both compression and tension. The expansion joint device has, located within the annular chamber defined by the bellows, a layer of compressible refractory material which bridges the joint between the conduits and a shielding tube which envelopes the compressible refractory material. The expansion joint device is further provided, on oppositely disposed fittings which connect the bellows to the conduits, with means for limiting the axial width of the joint.

Abstract: A tuyere stock wherein the blast nozzle, which is the downstream section of the stock, is rigidly coupled to the blast tuyere through which the preheated gas is injected into the furnace. The blast nozzle-blast tuyere assembly and a cooling jacket, which is mounted in the furnace wall about the aperture through which the tuyere stock passes, cooperate to define an articulated connection whereby thermally induced distortions of the various components of the stock may be accommodated without interrupting the sealing efficiency of the connection.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cooling and cleaning the sealing surfaces of the sealing valves of a material storage hopper which are subjected to the high temperature and pressure within a shaft furnace. The method comprises introducing a cooling medium into the charging installation of the furnace and causing the coolant to continuously impinge upon the sealing valves. The apparatus includes a rotatable sealing flap having a sealing surface of resilient material and a cooling fluid supply conduit for directing a flow of cooling fluid towards the sealing surface of the flap when the flap is in its opened position.