Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for iron-making/steel-making using a modified rotary hearth furnace, that is a finisher-hearth-melter (FHM) furnace. In the method the refractory surface of the hearth is coated with carbonaceous hearth conditioners and refractory compounds, where onto said hearth is charged with pre-reduced metallized iron. The pre-reduced metallized iron is leveled, then heated until molten, and then reacted with the carbon and reducing gas burner gases until any residual iron oxide is converted to iron having a low sulfur content. Nascent slag separates from the molted iron forming carburized iron nuggets. The nuggets are cooled, and then the iron nuggets and the hearth conditioners, including the refractory compounds, are discharged onto a screen, which separate the iron nuggets from the hearth conditioner.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for iron-making/steel-making using a modified rotary hearth furnace, that is a finisher-hearth-melter (FHM) furnace. In the method the refractory surface of the hearth is coated with carbonaceous hearth conditioners and refractory compounds, where onto said hearth is charged with pre-reduced metallized iron. The pre-reduced metallized iron is leveled, then heated until molten, and then reacted with the carbon and reducing gas burner gases until any residual iron oxide is converted to iron having a low sulfur content. Nascent slag separates from the molted iron forming carburized iron nuggets. The nuggets are cooled, and then the iron nuggets and the hearth conditioners, including the refractory compounds, are discharged onto a screen, which separate the iron nuggets from the hearth conditioner.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inspecting one or more operational characteristics of a knife includes providing at least one image producer having a field of view that substantially frames the knife, using the at least one image producer to form a first series of images of the knife while the knife is in use, and analyzing the first series of images to determine whether the one or more operational characteristics of the knife are within one or more preliminary operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inspecting an edge of strip metal includes providing at least one image producer having a field of view that substantially frames the edge, using the at least one image producer to form a first series of images of the edge after the edge has been formed by a knife; and analyzing in real time the first series of images to determine the shear angle and/or the burr height of the edge.