Abstract: A hydrogen, lithium, and lithium hydride processing apparatus includes a hot zone to heat solid-phase lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; a vacuum source to extract hydrogen and gaseous-phase lithium metal from the liquid-phase lithium hydride; a cold zone to condense the gaseous-phase lithium metal as purified solid-phase lithium metal; and a heater to melt the purified solid-phase lithium metal in the cold zone and form refined liquid-phase lithium metal in the hot zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering aluminum metal from aluminum dross, the process including skimming aluminum dross from a furnace containing molten aluminum into a dross processing receptacle, transporting and mounting the dross filled receptacle to a rocking device, and rocking the receptacle until aluminum pours from discharging outlets in the receptacle into a container for catching the molten aluminum which is placed underneath the rocking device.

Abstract: A method of treating recyclable raw materials containing valuable metals is provided, the method including the steps of feeding recyclable raw materials (W) containing valuable metals into a rotary kiln furnace (2) in which a refractory product having an Al2O3—Cr2O3 content of 70% or greater is used for an inner wall; feeding an additive (A) containing SiO2 as a major component into the rotary kiln furnace (2) so as to increase a viscosity of a slag (S) flowing along the inner wall, thereby the recyclable raw materials (W) are attached on the slag (S) having a high viscosity such that at least part of the recyclable raw materials (W) is exposed to the inside of the rotary kiln furnace; and burning/melting the recyclable raw materials (W) attached on the slag (S) in the rotary kiln furnace (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a granular metallic iron in which an adhesion inhibitor leveler, an agglomerate leveler, a discharger, and the physical state of materials present on the hearth are optimized to thereby enable agglomerate to be spread in a single layer. The agglomerate hence is evenly heat-treated to enable high-quality granular metallic iron to be produced in satisfactory yield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing iron oxides using microwave heating in a furnace chamber which is sealed against the entrance of air reduces the energy required and produces a low temperature reduction and allows the recovery of combustible synthetic gas as a byproduct of the process. Avoidance of the reduction of sulfur, phosphorus and silica is also insured, as is the need to reduce the silica content of the feed material prior to reducing the ore. A continuous rotary hearth furnace, a rotary kiln, a linear conveyor and vertical shaft furnace chamber configurations are described. A secondary heating zone can also be included to process the reduced iron into iron nuggets or liquid metallic iron.

Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace includes an exhaust gas eductor. The exhaust gas eductor includes a compartment-defining portion and an exhaust duct. The compartment-defining portion is provided on part of a ceiling of the rotary hearth furnace in an exhaust gas discharge region, and an exhaust duct is connected to the compartment-defining portion. The lower surface of the compartment-defining portion lies higher than the lower surface of the other portion of the ceiling. The compartment-defining portion defines a compartment where the exhaust gas stays. The exhaust duct can include a cooling medium injection nozzle. The furnace increases fuel efficiency by completely burning combustible components remaining in exhaust gas generated in the rotary hearth furnace so as to use the combustible components efficiently for the heating and reduction reaction in the rotary hearth furnace, without problems in producing reduced iron.

Abstract: A system of coal gasification and direct ironmaking which is effective in attaining both heat recovery in a coal-based direct ironmaking process and a reduction in equipment investment in a coal gasification process. The system is characterized by being equipped with: a waste heat boiler (16) for recovering heat of gas exhausted from a coal gasification furnace; a heater (7) provided in exhaust gas lines (1a and 1b) of a heat reduction furnace (1) in the coal-based direct ironmaking process and superheating the steam generated by and exhausted from the waste heat boiler (16); and a superheated steam line (23) for supplying the steam superheated by the heater (7) as an oxidant to the coal gasification furnace (10).

Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace includes an exhaust gas eductor. The exhaust gas eductor includes a compartment-defining portion and an exhaust duct. The compartment-defining portion is provided on part of a ceiling of the rotary hearth furnace in an exhaust gas discharge region, and an exhaust duct is connected to the compartment-defining portion. The lower surface of the compartment-defining portion lies higher than the lower surface of the other portion of the ceiling. The compartment-defining portion defines a compartment where the exhaust gas stays. The exhaust duct can include a cooling medium injection nozzle. The furnace increases fuel efficiency by completely burning combustible components remaining in exhaust gas generated in the rotary hearth furnace so as to use the combustible components efficiently for the heating and reduction reaction in the rotary hearth furnace, without problems in producing reduced iron.

Abstract: A rotary furnace apparatus is provided for rapid melting of a variety of virgin and recycled ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which distributes the introduction of the unmelted charge materials and hence the melting heat requirements along an elongate gas-solid-liquid reaction zone within the furnace, according to the distribution of heat available to effect melting. In the case of fine-sized metal charge materials, fluxes and additive reagents, a longitudinally traversing solids injection lance projecting into the furnace is provided with nozzle directed to project a jet of charge down into the bath as it traverses successively backwards and forwards. A traversing oscillating conveyor is provided for coarse-sized scrap metals and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing reduced iron, and a compact drying method for application to the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pelletizer or a briquetter for mixing and agglomerating coal as a reducing agent and iron ore as iron oxide to form compacts, a dryer for drying the compacts, a circular rotary hearth type reducing furnace for reducing the dried compacts in a high temperature atmosphere, a first heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between a hot off-gas discharged from the reducing furnace and combustion air to be supplied to the reducing furnace, and coolers for cooling the hot off-gas. A second heat exchanger for heating drying air is disposed on an exit side of the first heat exchanger. The drying air heated by the second heat exchanger is supplied to the dryer to dry the compacts with the drying air which is scant in moisture. Consequently, highly efficient, stable drying in the dryer can be performed, and high quality reduced iron can be produced stably.

Abstract: A process for thermal treatment of residual materials containing heavy metal and iron oxide, including providing a multiple-hearth furnace having hearths provided one above the other, depositing the residual materials continuously on a top hearth of the hearths, gradually transferring the residual materials to lower hearths of the hearths, introducing reducing agents to at least one of the hearths and reacting the residual materials to form heavy metals and directly reduced iron, exhausting gases containing heavy metals from below hearths of the hearths where the heavy metals are being vaporised, re-injecting at least a part of the gases into the multiple-hearth furnace from above the hearths of the hearths where the heavy metals are being vaporised, and discharging the directly reduced iron together with residues of the reducing agents in an area of a bottom hearth of the hearths in the multiple hearth furnace.

Abstract: In order to preheat pieces of iron scrap of various sizes and shapes highly effectively while avoiding the fusion of the pieces of iron scrap, a rotary kiln type preheating furnace and a shaft type preheating furnace are arranged in parallel with each other in the front stage of a melting furnace in which iron scrap is melted, and preheated iron scrap is charged from both preheating furnaces into the melting furnace. A damper is provided between the shaft type preheating furnace and the melting furnace, so that exhaust gas discharged from the melting furnace is prevented from directly flowing into the shaft type preheating furnace and introduced into the rotary kiln type preheating furnace. Exhaust gas which has passed through the rotary kiln type preheating furnace is introduced into the shaft type preheating furnace preferably from an upper portion and discharged from a lower portion.

Abstract: A system for producing direct reduced iron wherein iron oxide material and carbonaceous material is passed successively through an oxidizing zone and a reducing zone of a furnace, each zone fired by oxy-fuel combustion, enabling a reduction in the amount of fuel needed to process the material while generating sufficient carbon monoxide to effect the reduction and ensuring that little or no carbon monoxide is emitted from the furnace.

Abstract: In the method of producing reduced iron according to the invention, fine iron oxides and powdery solid reductants are mixed, compacted into sheet-like compacts, and charged onto the hearth of a reduction furnace for reduction while maintaining the temperature inside the furnace at not less than 1100.degree. C. As the sheet-like compacts can be obtained by compacting mixture of raw material by use of rollers or the like, processing time is much shorter than the case of pelletization or agglomeration. A drying step is unnecessary since feeds are placed no the hearth via a feeder chute or the like. The method is carried out with ease by use of the facility according to the invention. High quality hot metal can be produced by charging reduced iron in hot condition obtained by the method described as above into a shaft furnace or a in-bath smelting furnace for melting at high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for retorting granulated material containing mercury such as ores and precipitates wherein the granulated material is stirred by means of a plurality of paddles while under vacuum and at high temperature within a drum of the apparatus. The vaporized mercury is drawn from the drum and condensed for recovery thereof. Multiple retorting apparatuses can be used for a continuous retorting operation.

Abstract: A system for producing direct reduced iron wherein iron oxide material and carbonaceous material is passed successively through an oxidizing zone and a reducing zone of a furnace, each zone fired by oxy-fuel combustion, enabling a reduction in the amount of fuel needed to process the material while generating sufficient carbon monoxide to effect the reduction and ensuring that little or no carbon monoxide is emitted from the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing direct reduced iron from dry compacts composed of iron oxide and carbonaceous material by feeding compacts no more than two layers deep onto a hearth and removing all the volatiles and metallizing the compacts by exposing said compacts to a radiant heat source at a temperature of from about 2400.degree. to about 2600.degree. F. (1316.degree.-1427.degree. C.) for a total time period of about four to ten minutes and partially cooling the compacts while discharging them from the hearth.

Abstract: A pyrometallurgical vessel suitable for continuous or semicontinuous smelting and/or conversion of molten base metal sulfide feed materials. The top blown, bottom stirred vessel includes oxidizing gas lances and feed pipes directing their respective contents directly or indirectly into bath eyes opened up in the molten bath by gas injected through porous plugs disposed at the base of the vessel. Low space velocities in the vessel result in reduced dusting.

Abstract: In a method of recycling iron and steel industry waste by processing the waste as an object substance by the use of a rotary kiln, the object substance is changed into a valuable material while the object substance travels within the rotary kiln from an upstream side to a downstream side. The object substance is heated on the upstream side of the rotary kiln within a reducing atmosphere to be reduced and molten into a reduced and molten product. The reduced and molten product is quickly sent to the downstream side without being adhered to an internal wall of the rotary kiln. The valuable material is extracted from the reduced and molten product which may be directly discharged out of the rotary kiln or which may be discharged after the reduced and molten product is once kept in a basin formed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the rotary kiln.

Abstract: A kiln system for a process for treatment of aluminum dross residue (NMP) having available aluminum nitride (AlN) and/or free aluminum (Al) and/or aluminum chlorides (AlCl.sub.3) having a particle size within the range of 0.3 to 300 microns, i.e., "fines" to produce a high alumina lightweight aggregate is described. The process is characterized in that the NMP is fed into a rotating sealed kiln and heated to a temperature in the range of 2000.degree. to 4000.degree. F. while feeding oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and water into the kiln with less than about 20% of the total heat energy input for heating the NMP to a temperature between 2000.degree. and 4000.degree. F. being supplied from an external source. The process does not require prior agglomerization of the fines.

Abstract: A device for the pretreatment of electronic scrap, comprising a scroll cylinder (1) with a worm screw (2) inside it, endowed with inputs and outputs for thermal exchange fluid (13, 8) and electronic scrap to be treated (6, 14); a furnace comprising sucha device, further comprising input (9, 11) and output (23, 24) air barriers; a refrigerator comprising such a device too; as well as a proces for the pretreatment of electronic scrap making use of such a furnace and refrigerator.

Abstract: An industrial waste management facility (IWMF) for disposing of spent potlining includes a co-current gas-fired rotary kiln for containing a molten pool of spent potlining throughout the entire length of the rotary kiln from the inlet to the outlet, an ash quencher and cooler for receiving molten residue from the discharge end of the rotary kiln, a secondary combustion chamber, and a down-draft transition chamber for channeling discharge gases from the rotary kiln to the secondary combustion chamber. Pneumatic injection slingers feed and distribute spent potlining into the inlet end of the rotary kiln. A discharge dam provides a predetermined average depth of molten bath material in the rotary kiln over its entire length. A blended ratio of comminuted materials injected through the pneumatic injection slinger feeder is adjusted and controlled in response to signals received from a radiative optical kiln bath temperature measurement system.

Abstract: The foundry dust is fed to a first furnace atmosphere which is preferably at 1000.degree. to 1100.degree. C. With the dust pellet being continuously rolled around, it remains therein until in particular chlorine, alkali and lead compounds have almost completely evaporated out of the dust. Experience has shown this takes an hour. In that operation a scavenging gas flow is fed to the furnace atmosphere whereby the lead-chlorine-alkali vapour produced in the rotary cylindrical furnace is passed out of sane to a condensation and filtering apparatus.Reducing agent, in particular coal, is then introduced into the foundry dust and same is fed to a further furnace atmosphere which in particular is at 1150.degree. to 1350.degree. C., where it is continuously rolled around.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous heat processing of scrap materials, particularly for decontaminating aluminum can scrap, has a rotary kiln defining a furnace chamber along which the material is fed and a hot gas circulation system including a duct leading through the chamber from the input end to an enclosure at the output end from which the gases pass back in contra-flow to the material through the furnace chamber itself to return to the input end. The gas circulation system also includes an after burner through which the exhausted gases are recirculated, and being at the input end of the furnace to provide a compact unitary and readily adaptable construction in which heat losses are minimized.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and appratus whereby steel of various compositions may be produced from iron ore and coal through a series of stages without the intermediate production of liquid iron. A reforming reactor receives top gases from the steel making reactors, and converts them to high reduction potential gases which are returned to the steel making reactors. The iron ore and reductants, such as coal, are charged to a controlled atmosphere reactor which may be an inclined rotary cylindrical shaft. From the controlled atmosphere reactor the charge is moved to a potential shift reactor which is inclined or vertical and encounters increasing heat and rising gases for converting the carbonised sponge into a semi-molten state. The charge then passes to a high temperature reactor where it encounters the reducing gases from the reforming reactor and preheated oxygen to create temperature in which steel is made.

Abstract: A melt is stored in a vessel. A lower half of a degassing member is immersed in the melt. The degassing member has a cylindrical form with the lower end closed, and the lower half section is made of a porous material which is permeable to gas and impermeable to melts as molten metal, molten slag, or molten matte. This lower half section is a partitioning member. When an internal space inside the degassing member is sucked to realize vacuum or reduced pressure atmosphere, gas producing components in the melt pass through the partition member of the degassing member, and are exhausted to inside the degassing member, thus being separated from the melt. Also, by making the degassing member rotate or move in a horizontal or vertical direction, the melt is stirred. With these features, gas-producing components in the melt can be removed at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying waste gases from a secondary aluminum melting plant are provided, by which the individual waste gas flows are collected and thermally post-combusted, wherein the generation of the energy necessary for post-combustion is provided by waste substances of high caloric value.

Abstract: This method of preheating scrap iron mixed with plastic, rubber and resinous, ie organic, materials and intended for electric furnaces, in particular electric arc furnaces, is characterized by transforming the plastic, rubbery or resinous and like materials of organic nature present in the scrap iron, to advantageously eliminate them by a path able to produce thermal energy usable for preheating the scrap to be melted, said path consisting of pyrolysis in an environment fed both with the scrap to be melted and with said organic materials, the whole being previously shredded.

Abstract: Process and equipment for separating molten metals with a distillation part (1) and a condenser part. The metal vessel (12) of the distillation part (1) is tiltable about at least one horizontal articulated axle (15) and is connected to a drive mechanism (18) for generating periodic tilting motions. In this way, it is possible to keep the melt in motion by means of a rocking motion of the melt vessel and to improve the distillation effect and reduce the distillation time.

Abstract: A push-pull exhaust scavenging system for removal of noxious fumes emanating from the mouth of metalurgical vessels known as converters. The converter, configured as a drum disposed for rotation about the elongate longitudinal axis includes a mouth opening and an instrumentality for moving the converter mouth from a plurality of positions so as to effect the addition and deletion of substances within the converter. Conventional gas hood in overlying registry with the converter mouth allows exhaust gases to be scavenged from the converter during one state of the converter process, but rotation of the converter mouth away from the conventional gas hood requires the exhaust and intake manifold according to the instant invention including positive and negative air flow for forcing air into the exhaust conduit system. An additional exhaust conduit is provided above the conventional gas hood for further improved scavenging.

Abstract: A converter for refining liquid metals having a cylindrical horizontally disposed vessel (1) with a first opening (6) for charging and pouring and a second opening (13) circumferentially and longitudinally displaced from the first opening for exhaust gases to escape, is disclosed. The circumferential displacement is sufficient to prevent liquid metal from pouring from the second opening (13) when the vessel is rotated from a first position for charging materials into the vessel (1) through the first opening (6) to a second position for pouring the contents of the vessel (1) from opening (6). Cool air is provided to a region between the vessel (1) and a jacket (15) surrounding the vessel (1). A hood (14) collects the exhaust gases from the second opening (13) in any position to which the vessel (1) is rotated when it is used. End and circumferential seals structures are provided where hood (14) longitudinally and circumferentially contacts jacket (15).

Abstract: In order to avoid incrustation and an excessively strong thermal attack on the afterburning chamber, the exhaust gases which contain gaseous and solid constituents which are combustible are afterburned in a plurality of stages, which are connected in series. The rate at which oxygen is supplied to each stage is so controlled that part of the combustible constituents is afterburned in each stage. The gas which is about to enter each succeeding stage is cooled by injected water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting metal-containing waste material having substantial quantities of organic constituents, such as plastics, rubber, paper and greases, to a product from which metal can readily be recovered. The waste material is introduced into a reactor vessel arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the vessel being provided with a bottom and a common charge and discharge opening, whereafter the reactor vessel is rotated with its axis inclined to the horizontal plane at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The reactor vessel is maintained during this rotation at a temperature which is sufficiently high to expel organic constituents in the form of a combustible gas for as long as such a gas continues to be generated. The combustible gas is combusted continuously at a location external of the reactor vessel, and the residual content of the reactor vessel is taken out in a molten and/or non-molten state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a declogging process for filtration installation for dust-laden gases presenting reducing properties, consisting in taking dust-free gas at the outlet of the filtration installation, oxidizing this gas and using the gaseous mixture resulting from this oxidization to declog the filtering element(s) of said installation.

Abstract: In the direct reduction process for reducing iron ore to sponge iron of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,138 to Hockin wherein all of the air supply tubes along the rotary kiln inject air toward the discharge end of the kiln it has been found that by reversing the direction of injection of the air from one or more of the tubes in the preheat zone of the kiln the condition of the off-gases can be considerably improved without affecting the process in the reduction zone and ultimately the quality of the resulting product and improved preheating of the kiln charge can be effected without the formation of undesirable kiln accretions.

Abstract: In a method of producing iron by direct reduction of the ore, compaction into agglomerates and fusion, where the ore is reduced by a gaseous process with pre-reduction to monoxide FeO at 1000.degree. C., followed by a final reduction at 700.degree. C. The resultant powder is compacted into agglomerates and dumped, in successive loads after each pour, into an induction melting furnace and melted by contact and mixing with a preexistent charge of liquid metal. An amount equivalent to the newly-melted charge is poured into a refining ladle, after skimming off the slag.

Abstract: Dross, principally oxides and nitrides of aluminum and entrained metallic aluminum, is transferred quickly from the melting furnace to a cooling drum and cooled in less than 3 minutes to below 400.degree. F. without substantial removal of metallic aluminum before recovery of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: A conveyor tube construction for transporting particulate material as it passes through a furnace, the heating elements being a plurality of parallel radiant heating rods parallel to the conveyor tube and surrounding the tube in spaced relation to the tube and to each other. The tube has baffles on its inner surface to insure adequate tumbling so that the particulate material will be fully heated as it passes through the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for attachment adjacent an open end of a rotary furnace, having a first effluent furnace gas exhaust duct projecting into the furnace and a dust collecting hood adjacent the furnace opening. A pressurized air duct plenum having a plurality of air jet holes directs a curtain of air across the furnace open end, and a receiving air duct plenum having a plurality of openings collects the air curtain for exhausting via a filter system. The hot effluent furnace gas is passed through a gas to gas heat exchanger and to the aforementioned filter system.

Abstract: A gas line loop water seal has a water supply line connected to the entrance end of a vertical gas pipe loop, a vertical water discharge line with a drain seal at the exit end of the loop and a water drain line with a shut off valve connected from the bottom of the loop to the water discharge line. With the valve open, water washes the flowing gas. With the valve closed, water builds up in loop, seals the loop, and then the excess flows through the discharge line.