Abstract: A method of producing a substance utilizing an agravic effect, and an apparatus for carrying out the same. A container (3, 55, 65) containing materials for producing a substance is revolved about a horizontal axis, at least while a process of producing the substance is in progress, so as to meet an inequality: ##EQU1## where .omega. (radian/sec) is the angular velocity of the container, g (mm/s.sup.2) is gravitational acceleration, r (mm) is the distance between a unit mass and an axis of rotation of the container rotating about its own axis to generate a residual centrifugal force acting on the unit mass, and x is the upper limit of the ratio between centrifugal force acting on the unit mass at each cycle and the terrestrial gravity (gravitational acceleration g).

Abstract: Metal-containing ores are extracted by a process and apparatus which avoid contaminating the product with fuel gas components. In a rotary kiln, a heat shock-resistant ceramic pipe is subjected to indirect high temperature heating, thereby allowing the extraction reaction to be conducted without heat producing fuel gases.

Abstract: Metal-containing ores are extracted by a process and apparatus which avoid contaminating the product with fuel gas components. In a rotary kiln, a heat shock-resistant ceramic pipe is subjected to indirect high temperature heating, thereby allowing the extraction reaction to be conducted without heat producing fuel gases.

Abstract: A method of producing a substance utilizing an agravic effect, and an apparatus for carrying out the same. A container (3, 55, 65) containing materials for producing a substance is revolved about a horizontal axis, at least while a process of producing the substance is in progress, so as to meet an inequality: ##EQU1## where (radian/sec) is the angular velocity of the container, g (mm/s.sup.2) is gravitational acceleration, r (mm) is the distance between a unit mass and an axis of rotation of the container rotating about its own axis to generate a residual centrifugal force acting on the unit mass, and x is the upper limit of the ratio between centrifugal force acting on the unit mass at each cycle and the terrestrial gravity (gravitational acceleration g).

Abstract: The invention provides a converter for purifying molten nonferrous material. A converter body having a refractory lined chamber holds the nonferrous material. A gas injector means pierces a lower portion of the chamber for bottom sparging the nonferrous material. A lance pierces an upper portion of the converter body projecting minimally into the chamber for limited exposure to adverse conditions. While converting with top blowing of gas containing oxygen and bottom stirring solid nonferrous metal may be added to the converter to cool the molten nonferrous material and purified molten nonferrous metal.

Abstract: The process comprises the steps of mounting two rotary furnaces in series including a smelting station and a charge preheating station, effecting a smelting in the furnace at the smelting station while causing the fumes from the first furnace to pass through the furnace at the preheating station towards an exhaust chimney to preheat the charge in the preheating furnace, and transferring the furnace which is at the smelting station towards a casting station. To enable the various transfers of furnaces each furnace is associated with a transfer support including a device for causing rotation of the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for direct reduction of metal oxides, using a rotary kiln, fed with greenball pellets, the kiln having a feed-end and a discharge end. A first chamber within the kiln, and adjacent to the feed-end, is used for drying, preheating and indurating the greenball pellets. Greenball pellets are fed into the first chamber using a conventional mechanism. The feed-end is sealed to prevent egress of process gas from the kiln into the atmosphere and ingress of the atmosphere into the kiln. A first burner is used for drying, preheating and indurating the greenball pellets within the first chamber. A second chamber within the kiln, adjacent to and connected with the first chamber, having a diameter greater than the first chamber, is used for reducing the pellets, the second chamber being adjacent to the discharge end. A second burner may be used for reducing the pellets within the second chamber. Reduced pellets are discharged from the discharge end.

Abstract: The charge is moved through a rotary kiln countercurrently to the gas atmosphere. Solid carbonaceous reducing agent having a high content of volatile constituents is charged into the rotary kiln at its charging end. Solid carbonaceous reducing agent having a high content of volatile constituents is blown into the rotary kiln at its discharge end and is distributed over the charge in part of the length of the kiln. Oxygen-containing gases are supplied to the rotary kiln through its shell at a plurality of locations. In order to provide optimum operating conditions in the final zone of the kiln, solid carbonaceous material having a high content of volatile constituents is separated into a coarser fraction and a finer fraction, a part of the coarser fraction and a part of the finer fraction are mixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an incinerating and melting apparatus for processing materials such as organic matters, inorganic matters and metals, which apparatus has a cylindrical or polygonal horizontal furnace body provided with a material charging port and a melt discharge port formed in the wall thereof, wherein a burner is mounted in the inner surface of the furnace body, the furnace body is oscillatorily rotatable in one and the other directions about its axis, and a melt receiver is detachably secured to the melt discharge port, or wherein the furnace body is fitted in a hood into which the melt discharge port opens and the melt receiver is detachably secured to the hood.

Abstract: Sponge iron is produced by a direct reduction of iron oxide containing materials in a rotary kiln, the material discharged from the rotary kiln is separated into sponge iron and material which contains surplus carbon, the carbon-containing material is burnt in a fluidized bed reactor containing a circulating fluidized bed, and the heat generated by the combustion is recovered and utilized to produce electric power. To ensure a utilization of the surplus energies of the rotary kiln process and to minimize the contents of SO.sub.2, NO.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for preparing binder-free hot-briquets for smelting purposes from ferrous pyrophorous, finely divided solids, such as dry steelmaking-filter dust or slightly granular sponge iron from direct-reduction plants. Before the briquetting stage, oxidizing gas is blown at a temperature of more than 200.degree. C. through the finely divided dry solid containing more than 4% by weight of metallic resin. The flow rate of this gas is controlled in such a way that oxidation of some of the metallic iron raises the temperature of the finely divided solid to 450.degree. C. to 650.degree. C. This is followed by hot-briquetting.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the intermediate reduction of a molybdenum compound selected from the group consisting of MoO.sub.3 and ammonium molybdate to MoO.sub.2. The molybdenum compound is fed to an indirectly fired inclined rotary calciner and uncracked ammonia caused to flow to the rotary calciner either concurrently or countercurrently to the flow of the molybdenum compound. The residence time and temperature are controlled to produce MoO.sub.2 at a conversion efficiency of at least about 80%.

Abstract: In the operation of the rotary kiln provided at its charging end with a central burner, solid reducing agents having a high content of volatile constituents are used and the charge and the gas atmosphere are conducted in cocurrent streams. To avoid a high heat load per unit of volume in the heating-up zone and yet to increase the heating-up rate, a solid carbonaceous reducing agent having a high content of volatile constituents is charged together with the iron oxide-containing material into the charging end of the rotary kiln, oxygen-containing gases are blown through nozzle blocks into the free gas space and into the charge in the heating-up zone, and oxygen-containing gases are blown through nozzle blocks into the free kiln space in the reducing zone.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rotary kiln for heating and calcining lime, waste, etc. and to a method of direct reduction of metal oxide using such a kiln. A cylindrical outer shell is mounted for rotation on its axis, and a stationary inner tube extends into the interior of the shell. Fuel and/or combustion air flow passages extend within the tube, and burner nozzles are supported by the tube and are connected to the passages. The tube is concentrically or eccentrically mounted adjacent the upper side of the space within the shell, thereby positioning the burner nozzles at the optimum positions.

Abstract: Fine-grained material which contains iron oxide is prereduced in a fluidized bed and is subsequently completely reduced in a rotary kiln. In order to avoid agglomeration and incrustation in the rotary kiln, the prereduction is carried out to effect a metallization of 50 to 80%.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of ferrochromium and a rotary furnace employed in such method. Raw chromium ores, fluxes and carbonaceous reducing agent(s) are charged into a rotary furnace into which oxygen or oxygen-enriched air are blown to effect smelting reduction. The layer height of the carbonaceous reducing agent and the time interval during which the layer height should be kept are specified, the reducing agent is used in circulation, while exhaust gases are utilized for pre-heating and pre-reducing of the materials for saving the energy considerably in contrast to the conventional method. The rotary furnace has plural gas-blowing, small holes passing through the furnace shell and the refractory lining. These holes may be arranged as a dual pipe whereby cooling air, fuel or a fuel-oxygen mixture may be blown or an oxidizing gas and a cooling gas such as argon may be blown through the inner pipe and the outer pipe respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating sponge iron products from the hot discharge material of a rotary furnace. A discharge chamber is connected to the rotary furnace for receiving the hot discharge material from the rotary furnace. A screen is provided at the lower end of the discharge chamber for separating the sponge iron products from the hot discharge material. The screen is attached to a support which is removably sealed to the lower end of the discharge chamber and is provided with a mechanism for displacing the support and attached screen. The support includes a discharge chute connected beneath the screen for carrying away the material which passes through the screen and is provided with cooling means.

Abstract: A method and means for maximizing the use of the kiln capacity in a rotary kiln, directly reducing metal oxides using solid carbonaceous materials as the source of fuel and reducant, is disclosed involving the creation of an annular dam arrangement within the kiln at a selected position between the feed end and the discharge end dams, which arrangement is located and dimensioned with respect to the end dams, such that the materials in the charge bed suitably fill the kiln volume and have sufficient residence time in the feed end portion of the kiln, to permit adequate heat transfer thereto, thus minimizing the portion of the kiln needed for preheating and maximizing the remaining portion of the kiln available for reduction.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the sulfur level below 0.05% by weight, and preferably below 0.02% by weight, in the DRI product from the process for directly reducing ore containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, fed at the materials feed end and at the discharge end of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant is disclosed, identifying the important factors in the process affecting the sulfur levels in the DRI and steps and means for properly controlling these factors.

Abstract: A method and means for improved control of the process for directly reducing materials containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the charge feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as the source of both fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gas introduced along the kiln length is disclosed wherein the portion of the reducing agent fed at the discharge end is blown as a stream in a prescribed manner into the discharge end of the kiln. In particular, the important features of the stream are described including its longitudinal distribution and axial spread over the charge bed, as well as its contact region with the kiln walls and the quandrants of the kiln barrel into which it is directed, whereby the bed and gas phase temperatures may be controlled and heat transfer to the bed enhanced.

Abstract: A method and means for improved control of the process for directly reducing materials containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the charge feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as the source of both fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gas introduced along the kiln length, is disclosed wherein the portion of the reducing agent fed at the discharge end is injected in the form of two or more streams through the discharge end of the kiln onto the charge bed in such manner as to permit close and efficient control of the process, particularly when carried out in larger kilns.

Abstract: A method and means for improving the efficiency of the process for directly reducing ore containing iron oxide in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the ore feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant, is disclosed wherein the charred coal or char found in the discharge product is recycled into the process at the discharge end of the kiln rather than the feed end as in the prior art. In particular, the recovered char, both coarse and finer particles, are transported to a recycle bin from which they are returned at a preselected rate to the kiln process by being injected along with the coal blown into the discharge end of the kiln. Alternatively, the recycle char alone may be fed without any coal at the discharge end of the kiln.

Abstract: A port assembly for delivering fluid through a shell of a rotary kiln is disclosed with structures for screening and excluding particulate matter from the port during operation of the kiln. The port assembly comprises a cylindrical nozzle defining a nozzle orifice to deliver fluid to the interior of a kiln. A base member secured to one side of the nozzle is provided with a platform extending partly through the nozzle orifice and cooperates with the nozzle to define an annular chamber. Facing surfaces of the base member and nozzle define a fluid distribution cavity for providing fluid to the annular chamber for ultimate distribution into the kiln. An annular shoulder surrounding the platform within the fluid distribution cavity cooperates with a facing surface of the nozzle to define a particle barrier gap.

Abstract: A port assembly for delivering fluid through a shell of a horizontal rotating reactor, such as a rotary kiln, is disclosed for purging from the port particulate material which enters port piping when no fluid is passing through the port. The port assembly comprises a cylindrical nozzle disposed in a port pipe, or port sleeve. The nozzle defines a nozzle orifice for discharging fluid into the reactor. A base member having a sloping surface is provided adjacent the nozzle with the sloping surface and nozzle cooperating to define a fluid distribution cavity with a thickness constantly varying from its circumference toward its center. The base member is sized as to define a fluid supply passage with facing surfaces of the port sleeve. Rest tabs along the circumference of the base member separate the base member from the nozzle while permitting communication between the fluid supply passage and fluid distribution cavity.

Abstract: Before iron oxide-containing materials is reduced in a rotary kiln by a treatment with solid carbonaceous reducing agents below the melting point of the charge, the iron oxide containing material and carbonaceous reducing agent are preheated in a multiple-hearth furnace, in which the reducing agent is subjected to an at least partial coking or an at least partial low-temperature carbonization. To prevent a partial reduction and sintering, the iron oxide-containing material is preheated in the upper part of the multiple-hearth furnace and the solid carbonaceous reducing agent is separately preheated in the lower part of the multiple-hearth furnace. At least part of the gases produced by the low-temperature carbonization in the lower part of the multiple-furnace is caused to flow in the upper part of said furnace in a countercurrent to the iron oxide-containing material to supply the heat required in said upper part.

Abstract: A method and means for maintaining optimum operation of the process for directly reducing iron oxides in a rotary kiln, using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal fed at both the charge feed end and discharge end as the source of fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gases is disclosed wherein the DRI product, charred coal or char, and fine waste found in the kiln discharge materials from the discharge end are separated and measured for fixed carbon content and the process parameters may be adjusted to optimum by establishing an appropriate percentage by weight, in the range from 5% to 15%, of fixed carbon in the total of these discharge materials.

Abstract: A method and means for improving control of the process for directly reducing ores containing iron oxide in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the ore feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant, is disclosed wherein the temperature profile of the moving bed of solids is maintained such that the temperature is moderated to remain below the sintering temperature of the materials in the bed from the feed end zone for about the first two-thirds of the kiln length and the temperature is then maximized within sintering limitations in the working zone which is limited to about the last third of the kiln length. The temperature profile is controlled by regulating the volumes of air supplied to the kiln atmosphere from air injectors at spaced intervals along the length of the kiln, after establishing the appropriate proportion of coal steadily blown into the discharge end of the kiln for the particular process constituents being used.

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: A process for reducing pellets containing metal oxides, such as chrome oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, etc. with the contained carbon to metallized pellets in a rotary kiln, characterized by carrying out the reduction while blowing air or spraying water into the portion near the charge end of the kiln in order to prevent too rapid heating of the raw pellets is disclosed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for reducing and pelletizing moist fine-grained ore having zinc--and/or lead-containing impurities and wherein preheated ore is discharged to a rotary furnace in which the zinc and/or lead is separated from the ore and discharged from the furnace with its exhaust gases. The zinc and/or lead is separated from the exhaust gases and the thus purified gases dry the ore prior to the preheating thereof.

Abstract: A furnace for the refining of nonferrous metal such as copper comprising a drum structure rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and formed along the same side of the shell with a tapping box for discharging the molten metal and a slag-discharging weir, the interior of the furnace being subdivided into two chambers communicating respectively with the weir and with the tapping box. The partition is formed with a port interconnecting the molten metal baths in the chambers below the levels thereof to form a siphon.

Abstract: A labyrinth port structure minimizes entrapment of fine particulates in the port piping of a rotary kiln and maintains a self-flushing operation which permits turbulent mixing resulting in particulate removal from port cavities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating metals to remove contaminants. Contaminated scrap metal is fed into one end of a rotating inclined retort. Heat is applied to the retort as the scrap metal is conveyed therein to remove the contaminant, and the processed metal is discharged from the opposite end of the retort. Combustible waste gases generated through the processing are fed to an afterburner where the combustible gases are burned and are discharged from the afterburner into a stack. A portion of the hot combusted gases are returned from the stack to the discharge end of the retort to thereby minimize oxidation of the scrap metal being treated as well as conserving fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing combustible material from metal scrap. The apparatus includes an inclined rotating retort, and scrap metal containing combustible material is fed into one end of the retort and as the scrap moves through the retort the combustible material is burned from the scrap. The retort is spaced within an outer refractory housing to provide an annular chamber therebetween, and the chamber is divided into two or more zones. Located within each zone is a fuel burner and a cooling air inlet. The temperature is sensed in each zone, and if the temperature falls below a preset minimum, the burner in that zone is operated, while if the temperature in the zone exceeds a pre-set maximum, cooling air is supplied to that zone to thereby maintain the temperature of the scrap metal within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating workpieces in a bed of particles, e.g. for heat treating workpieces in a fluidize bed, comprises a chamber which contains the bed, a conveyor for conveying workpieces through the chamber into contact with particles of the bed within the chamber, and transporting means for transporting back to the bed particles which fall from the conveyor or workpieces after the conveyor and workpieces have advanced from the bed. The conveyor may comprise a rotatable open work drum, having an internal helical formation for advancing workpieces through it and an external helical formation of opposite hand to that of the internal helical formation to constitute the transporting means.

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: The process of sulfidizing an acid copper leach pulp prior to flotation recovery of the copper therein comprising adding to and admixing with said pulp in a reaction zone an ionizable sulfide material, said sulfide material being added in an amount proportional to the amount of copper passing through said zone so that the sulfidization reaction is completed within about 30 seconds and the pulp leaving said zone has an aqueous copper concentration of from about 0.014 to 0.024 gram per liter and a reactor for such process comprising elongated tubular means, shaft means mounted in said tubular means, and a plurality of blade members attached to said shaft, said blade members being spaced along said shaft at approximately 30.degree. pitch angles relative to the axial direction of the shaft and there being a reverse pitch direction of certain of said blades at predetermined distances along the length of said shaft.

Abstract: A process of smelting a sulphidic copper ore concentrate comprising introducing and partially roasting the sulphidic copper ore concentrate in a whirling layer roasting furnace, separating hot roasting gases from the roasting furnace, mixing enrichment oxygen with the roasting gases, joining and mixing into a smelting flame combustible gaseous fuel and the oxygen enriched separated hot roasting gases, directing the smelting flame from one side of a reverberatory furnace over the top of a copper matte, continuously passing the partially roasted concentrate from the roasting furnace through the heating zone in the reverberatory furnace and there smelting the partially roasted ore and heating the copper matte by the heat from the flame, generating in the heating zone by virtue of the flame an oxidizing atmosphere of such high temperature and oxygen content that sulphur from the molten sulphidic copper is converted into an exhaust gas of high SO.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum rotatable tubular furnace for metallothermal reactions comprising an outer housing adapted to be evacuated and having one end thereof a closable filler cap, and a vacuum-tight passage for a shaft on the other end, rotatable tube means in said outer housing, said tube means being open on an end thereof facing said filler cap, and having a shaft connected to the other end of said tube and extending through said housing, a cylindrical reaction chamber mounted in said rotatable tube means symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the latter, and being detachably connected thereto, said reaction chamber being narrowed on a filling end thereof to a tube having a small lumen and being closed at the other end thereof, a cylindrical evaporation chamber mounted in the area of the filling end of the reaction chamber and being adapted to contain metal effecting a metallothermal reaction, said evaporation chamber having an opening on an end thereof facing said filler cap, heating means o

Abstract: A detachable mounting and support arrangement for the stationary spray tube which extends through a rotary drum. A tension cable extends through the spray tube and is anchored exteriorly of the drum and spray tube at each end of the drum.

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.