Abstract: An explosion venting device for metallurgical furnace enclosures consists of a plurality of panels adapted for restrictive movement relative to the roof and sidewalls of the enclosure and cover openings therein. The panels absorb the shock blast of an explosion occurring within the housing by lifting outwardly from the housing walls. Being restrictively movably mounted, the blast force may be vented in any desired direction. When the explosive force ceases, the panels will return to their rest position against the housing.

Abstract: A metallurgical shaft furnace for producing metal from a charge which enhances the preheating capacity of upwardly flowing gases in an upper preheating portion of the furnace, the upper portion being formed from concentric sections which increase in diameter from the uppermost section to the lowermost section of the preheating portion of the furnace. Troughs are formed where adjacent sections meet to form cooling rings around the upper portion, the rings projecting inwardly from the furnace wall. The lower portion comprises a melting portion having tuyeres, a hearth and tap means. Vertical cooling conduits may be provided in the lower section with conduits adjacent each tuyere terminating above the tuyere to prevent damage to the conduits.

Abstract: In a metallurgical furnace having a shaft heating section for use with sized material, an improvement wherein a plurality of projections is formed on the interior wall of the preheat zone of the furnace. The length of the projections is equal to 5 to 15% of the diameter of the shaft and the projections are spaced from each other a distance equal to two to ten times the length thereof. The projections may be formed as concentric rings around the interior wall of the preheat zone of the furnace or as a continuous helix formed on the interior wall. If desired, cooling tubes may be placed within the projections.

Abstract: Metal oxides are directly reduced by charging metal oxide-carbonaceous agglomerates to a shaft furnace, passing said pellets downwardly countercurrent to a flow of hot gases in a reduction zone, wherein the agglomerates are heated to 2000.degree.-2400.degree.F. and reduction effected while the agglomerates maintain their integrity, and then transferring the reduced pellets to a melting zone. In the melting zone, having a controlled atmosphere, the pellets melt and a mass of molten metal and slag is formed and then discharged from the melting zone.