Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace is provided to simplify detachment and assembly operations of a reduced iron discharging screw.

Abstract: An annular rail 6 is fixed on the lower surface of a moving hearth 2, and the rail 6 is supported from below by support rollers 7 provided with elevating devices 8. The moving hearth 2 is continuously or intermittently moved downward by the elevating devices 8 depending on the thickness of a metal oxide layer formed by the deposition of powder of metal oxide agglomerates mixed into the furnace together with the metal oxide agglomerates so that a gap is provided between the surface of the metal oxide layer and the edge of the blade of a discharge screw 4 during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for feeding shredder dust to a furnace such as a reverberatory furnace. This device comprises a feeding chute that passes to the inside of the reverberatory furnace and is fitted to the ceiling of the reverberatory furnace. Shredder dust can be fed from this feeding chute which also allows oxygen enriched air to be supplied to the feeding chute and fed to the inside of the reverberatory furnace. Further, the present invention relates to a reverberatory furnace in which a burner is able to be installed in a wall portion of one end side thereof. A plurality of feeding ports to which are connected the feeding chutes of the shredder dust feeding devices are provided at the one end side in the ceiling portion thereof forming a plurality of staggered rows facing the other end side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for carbothermic production of aluminum where molten bath aluminum carbide and aluminum oxide are produced in a low temperature compartment (2), and continuously flow into a high temperature compartment (3) where the aluminum carbide is reacted with alumina to produce a top aluminum layer (31), where the aluminum layer (31) forms a layer on the top of a molten slag layer and is tapped from the high temperature compartment (3) at outlet (5), and where off-gases from the two compartments are treated in reactors fed by one or more columns (9, 19). According to the invention the low temperature compartment (2) and the high temperature compartment (3) are located in a common reaction vessel (1) where the low temperature compartment is separated from the high temperature compartment by an underflow partition wall (4).

Abstract: A continuous process for transforming, by chemico-physical reactions inside molten slag, materials to be gasified, thermally destroyed, inertized, or from which elements of commercial value are to be recovered, yielding controlled composition products, in an apparatus made of a single reaction chamber, called reactor, having a substantially cylindrical symmetry, including two portions, a top and a bottom one, communicating and functionally distinct therebetween for carrying out the process, said process being characterised in that it comprises the steps of:

Abstract: A direct reduction device (10) of the gravitational type to obtain iron carbide starting from iron oxide, comprising a reduction and carburation reactor (12) below which a cooling and passivation container (26) is arranged wherein the iron carbide is suitable to be cooled and passivated, between the reactor (12) and the container (26) a valve for solids (24) is interposed suitable to regulate the transfer of the iron carbide.

Abstract: A furnace roller for transporting of a continuously cast stock of a continuously casting plant through a temperature equalizing and heating furnace and including a rotatable arbor supported outside of the furnace and having cooling medium channels provided in its interior, a plurality of tires supported on the arbor and forming a transporting plane for the transported stock, at least one clamping ring provided between a tire and tie arbor and formed of metal or alloy having a maximum possible thermal conductivity and susceptible to both cold and hot deformation, and at least one steel sleeve provided sidewise of the clamping ring.

Abstract: In a method of producing direct reduced iron with use of a coal-derived gas, coal is heated to lower the moisture thereof, and the moisture-lowered coal is gasified in a coal gasification furnace to produce a coal-derived gas containing a reducing gas. The reducing gas is then utilized to reduce iron ore in an iron ore reducing furnace. With use of an exhaust gas from the iron ore reducing furnace, the coal is heated in the step of heating coal.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging feed material through an opening into a furnace has a fixed structure and a moveable door. The moveable door together with the fixed structure defines the opening. The moveable door is mounted for movement toward and away from the fixed structure to widen and narrow the opening. The moveable door is biased toward the fixed structure. The moveable door and the fixed structure create a V-shaped downwardly pointing channel to direct the feed material being fed through the opening by gravity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing bulk materials comprising a vertical rotor (22) wherein is suspended a chute (14) so as to pivot about a substantially horizontal pin (26). A guiding device (68i, 70i) interlocked in rotation with the rotor (22), is connected between the rotor (22) and a first ring (66), so that the latter can axially slide along the rotor (22). Connecting rods (73, 73′) transform a vertical sliding of the first ring (66) causing the chute (14) to pivot. A roller ring (76) connects the first ring (66) to a second ring (74), whereto are connected control means, for example a lever actuated by a hydraulic actuator (80), capable of varying the vertical position of the two rings (66, 74) and the chute (14) inclination.

Abstract: A continuous sintering furnace has an entrance-side deaerating chamber through which trays each with an material to be sintered being mounted thereon may pass, preheating, heating and cooling zones into which the trays are sequentially fed from the deaerating chamber, an exit-side deaerating chamber through which the trays having passed through the cooling zone may pass, a pusher for pushing the tray from the deaerating chamber to the preheating zone, a puller for pulling the tray from the cooling zone to the deaerating chamber, an intermediate puller for pulling the tray from the heating zone to the cooling zone, a vertically movable door between the deaerating chamber and the preheating zone, a vertically movable intermediate door adjacent to the door and arranged at an upstream end of the preheating zone in the direction of transportation of the trays, a vertically movable intermediate door between the heating and cooling zones and a vertically movable door between the cooling zone and the deaerating chamb

Abstract: Process and apparatus for regenerating spent acid liquor includes a primary roasting furnace for evaporating a substantial portion of the liquid from the spent acid to produce acid vapors and partially roasted metal salts. The partially roasted metal salts are transferred to a secondary roasting chamber where the acids adhering to the surface of the metal salts is vaporized and the metal salts are oxidized. The acid vapors from the primary roasting furnace are then transferred to an absorption column to regenerate the acid. The primary roasting furnace is operated at a different temperature from the secondary roasting chamber and has different retention times for the metal salts. The secondary roasting chamber includes a raking device to mix and convey the metal salts during the secondary roasting step to produce a uniformly roasted metal oxide.

Abstract: In a method for the production of liquid metal, in particular liquid pig iron (9) or liquid steel pre-products, from metal carriers, in particular partially reduced or reduced sponge iron (3), in a melter gasifier (1) in which with supply of a carbon-containing material at least partially formed of fine coal (16) and coal dust (13) and with supply of oxygen or oxygen-containing gas the metal carriers are melted in a bed (4) of the carbon-containing material at the simultaneous formation of a reducing gas, optionally upon previous final reduction, fine coal (16) and coal dust (13) which are being charged, are mixed with bitumen (20) in the hot state, after undergoing a drying operation, and subsequently are cold-briquetted, and the briquettes (25) thus formed are charged to the melter gasifier (1) in the cold state and in the melter gasifier (1) are subjected to shock-heating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing granular metallic iron, including: heating a formed raw material comprising a carbonaceous reductant and a substance containing iron oxide in a reduction melting furnace to subject the iron oxide contained in the formed raw material to solid-state reduction; and carburizing reduced iron resulting from the solid-state reduction with carbon contained in the carbonaceous reductant to cause the reduced iron to melt, while separating off gangue components contained in the formed raw material and causing resulting molten metallic iron to coalesce into the granular metallic iron, wherein an atmospheric gas present in proximity to the formed raw material in the carburizing and melting step has a reduction degree of not less than 0.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for generating high-silicon foundry pig iron. In the process: a) silicon oxides and iron-carbon metals are charged in a shaft furnace; b) the charge is kept under a highly reducing atmosphere; c) the material column is guided annularly at least in the vicinity of the vessel bottom and d) exposed to the radiation heat of a heat source located in the free space in the outlet region of the annular material column above the furnace base. The furnace has a centrally arranged electrode, which projects into the furnace vessel and is guided up to the vicinity of the base, and a counterelectrode arranged in the base of the furnace vessel. The electrode projecting into the vessel is enclosed by a coaxially guided sleeve whose outer diameter “d” is in a ratio to the inner diameter “D” of the furnace vessel such that d;D is about 1:4.

Abstract: A device for distributing materials in bulk comprises a first rotor (20) and a second rotor (30). The first rotor (20) carries two suspension bearings (44, 46) in which a distribution chute (42) is suspended so that it can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis. A gear transmission (52), carried by the first rotor (20), includes an input shaft (54) and an output shaft (60). The input shaft is provided with a pinion (56) which meshes with an annular gear (58) of the second rotor (30). The output shaft of the transmission is parallel to the pivoting axis of the chute (42) and incorporates two cranks (64, 66). The chute (42) is provided with a pivoting lever (48, 50) at the level of each of its two suspension bearings (44, 46). Each of these two pivoting levers (48, 50) is symmetrically connected to one of the two cranks (64, 66) of the gear transmission (52) by a connecting rod (68, 70).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing nanoparticles at a high rate is provided. The system uses two chambers separated by a narrow duct. Contained within the lower chamber is the source material, preferably heated with an electron gun and fed with a continuous feeder for extended nanoparticle production runs. The upper chamber is used to nucleate the nanoparticles, the nanoparticles formed when the source vapor collides with a gas contained within the upper chamber. Depending upon the desired nanoparticles, the gas within the upper chamber is either inert or reactive. The duct connecting the upper and lower chambers is narrow enough to allow differential pumping of the chambers. Furthermore the vapor stream flowing though the duct at high speed provides a pumping action which helps to maintain the differential pressures within the two chambers. At least a portion of the top surface of the upper chamber is cooled, thus providing a condensation site for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided is a five-in-one process/integrated furnace system that (i) receives and heat treats a casting, (ii) removes sand core materials from the casting, (iii) actively reclaims sand from the sand core materials, (iv) substantially cools the reclaimed sand, and (v) removes fines from the reclaimed sand. The furnace system includes a heating chamber disposed above and contiguous with a cooling chamber. The heating chamber and cooling chamber are preferably constructed so that heat and gasses pass therebetween. The heating chamber is preferably in the general form of a heat treating furnace. The heating chamber receives and heat treats metal castings. During the heat treating process, sand core materials are dislodged from the castings and enter into a sand reclaiming region. A hot fluidized bed functions to reclaim sand from the sand core materials within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method of charging an iron scrap melting cupola with iron scrap and coke enables the iron scrap to be melted with high energy efficiency. The charging pipe feed is set at a level "h" which meets the condition of h .ltoreq. (r-r') tan .theta., and iron scrap of a quantity Ws meeting the condition of Ws .ltoreq. 1/3.multidot..pi.r.sup.3 .multidot.tan .theta..multidot..rho..sub.s is charged through the charging pipe, followed by charging of coke, wherein h represents the height of the charging feed above the material in the cupola (meters), r represents the inside radius of the cupola (meters), r' represents the inside radius of the charging pipe (meters), .theta. represents the angle of repose of the iron scrap (degrees), Ws represents the quantity of iron scrap per cycle (kg/ch), and .rho..sub.s represents the bulk specific gravity of the iron scrap (kg/m.sup.3).

Abstract: Provided is a process/integrated furnace system that (i) receives and heat treats a casting, (ii) removes sand core materials from the casting, and (iii) actively reclaims sand from the sand core materials. The furnace system includes a heating chamber that receives and heat treats metal castings. During the heat treating process, sand core materials are dislodged and fall from the castings into a sand reclaiming region. A hot fluidized bed functions to reclaim sand from the fallen sand core materials within the heating chamber. The fallen sand core materials are not evenly distributed across the zones within the heating chamber. To compensate for the uneven distribution, sand discharge weirs and leveling bars divide the hot fluidized bed in to different bed zones having different dwell times.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for charging fine-grained ore into a reactor pressure vessel through which process gas flows. The heated ore at first is introduced into a conveying pressure vessel, is pressurized within the same by compressed gas and subsequently is conveyed into the reactor pressure vessel through a conveying duct by aid of the compressed gas. In order to ensure favorable utilization of the reactor pressure vessel under uniform stress and to safeguard troublefree progression of reduction while directly charging the ore, a portion of the ore is introduced into at least one further conveying pressure vessel and is pressurized within the same also by compressed gas. Charging of the ore into the reactor pressure vessel is effected continuously by alternately feeding once from the one conveying pressure vessel and subsequently from the other conveying pressure vessel.

Abstract: A distributing chute for installation in a furnace, particularly suitable for use in a bell-less charging system of a blast furnace, comprises heat-resistant ceramic tiles on its underside. These ceramic tiles are inserted between, and secured by, hollow sections which are attached to the chute body and through which a cooling medium is passed. The ceramic tiles preferably include lateral grooves; the hollow sections being fitted in the lateral grooves for securing the ceramic tiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging anode scrap into a converting furnace in a continuous copper smelting line without impairing the heat balance of the furnace. Anode scrap is moved into the opening of a chute by means of a charging mechanism. An outer shutter of the furnace is opened and an inner shutter is closed. After closing the outer shutter the inner shutter is opened and anode scrap is charged into the converting furnace. The operation is continuously repeated as the anode scrap is continuously conveyed into the converting furnace. The temperature of the furnace is maintained substantially constant since it is not exposed to ambient air temperature.

Abstract: A sinterable mixture comprising iron-containing materials and solid fuel is sintered on a sintering machine; to decrease the rate at which exhaust gas is to be removed and to produce a desirable sinter, a part of the exhaust gas is enriched to an oxygen content of up to 24% by the addition of higher-oxygen gases and is then recirculated as a recycle gas, and exhaust gas is removed as a tail gas from the process only at a rate which corresponds to the rate of the gas which is formed during the sintering process plus the rate of the gas added for enriching plus the rate of inleaked air which has infiltrated from the outside minus the rate of oxygen consumption.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of tile reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of tile sand within the heat treating furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving mass transfer in a multiple hearth furnace has a plurality of risers adjacent the furnace center shaft which are in fluid communication with a source of treatment fluid. The risers have radially extending branch pipes, each pipe having a plurality of downcomers corresponding to the rabbles on an adjacent rabble arm. The downcomers have outlets or nozzles at their distal ends and they are preferably located adjacent a rear face of the rabble, near a trailing edge. In operation, as the rabbles plough over the material on the furnace hearth, the downcomers inject a treatment fluid, such as steam or reducing gas, into the material at the point of stirring. This ensures full exposure of the material to the treatment fluid. A second embodiment places the outlets beneath the top surface of the material to be treated. A method for mass transfer on a rotary hearth furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings with sand cores provides for removal of the sand core and recovery of the sand core material for reuse. The method and apparatus eliminate the need for removing the sand core from the casting prior to heat treatment and thus eliminate the labor, expense, and possible damage to the casting incidental to conventional core removal techniques such as chiseling and shaking. The method involves heating the casting with sand core therein to a temperature sufficient to burn off the binder component of the sand core. The sand comprising the sand core is then blown out of the casting by directing a flow of air over the workpiece. The sand thus dislodged is then collected for reuse. According to the disclosed apparatus, the castings are heated in a furnace having fans for directing a flow of aid over the workpieces.

Abstract: Device (10) for igniting a moving bed of a mixture (12), in particular a mixture comprising iron ore and coke the combustion of which produces the agglomeration of the ore. The device comprises a hood (14) under which burners (16) are arranged and through which the mixture bed (12) travels. The burners (16) have axes oriented in directions substantially perpendicular to the surface of the mixture bed (12) and each burner (16) has a gas flow and an air flow which are individually adjustable, the burners being of the high-speed gas ejection type.

Abstract: A plant for the production of molten metals includes a melting vessel in whose wall burners and optionally oxygen-containing-gas feeding ducts are installed and on whose upper end a charging device as well as a gas evacuation duct receiving the offgases forming enter.In order to enable the continuous charging of the melting vessel by avoiding any unintentional escape of gas from the melting vessel, both the gas evacuation duct and the charging means run into the upper end of the furnace shaft laterally and approximately diametrically opposite each other. The charging means projects into a charging opening brushed over by a gas curtain and an intake chute for charging material is provided below the charging opening in a manner directed towards the center of the furnace shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging material to be sintered into a sintering machine comprises a shuttle conveyor transporting pelletized material to be sintered, a wide conveyor receiving said pelletized material from the shuttle conveyor and feeding the pelletized material to a pallet moving in a predetermined direction, a deflector plate receiving the pelletized material from the wide conveyor and feeding the pelletized material to the pallet and a support plate supporting the material fed to the pallet from behind, the support plate being arranged facing the deflector plate below the wide conveyor and over the upper side of the pallet.

Abstract: A method for operating a shaft furnace is performed by charging different ore/coke ratio mixture in radially different positions in the furnace. The ore/coke mixture ratio may be determined according to desired heat distribution in radial direction. For this, at least two mutually independently determined ore/coke mixture ratio mixtures are provided in each charge cycle of the burden. The mixture to be charged in the central portion of the furnace may have a higher coke content or a lower ore content for better permeability to the heating gas.

Abstract: The hereinproposed method and furnace provide for preliminary building up of melt in a melting pot (10) of a rectangular shape in the horizontal section, delivery of an oxygen-containing gas (3) into the melt below its surface level through tuyeres (13) with nozzles (14) installed in the longer walls of the melting pot (10) creating two melt zones: an upper zone (9) loaded with solid carbon fuel (2) in an amount sufficient for providing a volumetric concentration of said fuel within 0.5 to 50% of the melt volume in said zone (9), wherein said concentration is maintained by subsequent concurrent loading of iron-bearing material (1) and solid carbon fuel (2), and a lower zone (8) consisting of a layer of slag (4) and a layer of ferrocarbon intermediate product (5) said layers being discharged separately through channels (17 and 18) made in the counterproposed short walls of the melting pot (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a melting gasifier (2) with gasification media and with sponge iron discharged from a direct reduction shaft furnace (1) arranged above the melting gasifier is described. This comprises inlets and outlets in the lower part of the shaft furnace, connecting lines (4) in the form of downcomers between the shaft furnace and the gasifier in the upper region of the latter, symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the shaft furnace and/or the gasifier and discharge means (7) for the sponge iron, such as screw conveyors or the like aligned radially to said longitudinal axis. The connecting lines at least approximately vertically issue into the lowermost, substantially horizontal base region of the shaft furnace. The discharge means are arranged at the melting gasifier inlets (9) in the discharge direction behind the connecting lines and the gasification medium inlet (3) is located in the longitudinal axis of the melting gasifier immediately adjacent to the sponge iron inlets.

Abstract: In preparing superfine particle in a reaction chamber by evaporation-in-gas method or on such processes as PVD or CVD using arc- or high-frequency plasma wherein in the proximity of the inner surface of the said reaction chamber, a vessel provided with a number of pores thereon is arranged and gas consisting of given components is introduced into the space between the inner surface of the chamber and the vessel, and spouted through the said pores on the vessel. The resultant superfine particle produced in the chamber and being in Brownian movement or in thermal migration does not adhere to the surface of the vessel by being separated from the vessel by the spouting gas so that the gas containing superfine particle is directed securely to the collecting path, wherein the vessel is made of the material not reactive with the resultant superfines but resistant to heat.

Abstract: A method for the melt reduction of iron ores, in which iron oxide in the liquid state is substantially reduced and the energy required for the heat balance of the process is generated by adding carbonaceous fuels to the melt and by afterburning the resulting reaction gases, mainly CO and H.sub.2. The reaction gases are afterburned successively two or more times in oxygen-containing gas jets that blow into reaction spaces which are effectively independent of each other.

Abstract: Improved process and apparatus for the reduction of iron oxides employing a solid reducing agent. Particulate iron oxides are mixed with particles of the reducing agent and are subjected to high temperatures within a vessel made of refractory material which is externally heated in a furnace. The problem and drawbacks that have been found in the past, such as the fracture and high costs of the refractory vessels, are solved by means of the present invention which comprises laying a sheet made of tinplate or of other suitable material, between the vessel and solids to prevent them from sticking to the vessel because of the high temperature, thus providing an economic and advantageous process. In one of its embodiments, this process is particularly suitable for the production of high purity iron, that is with a low content of gangue and carbon. This high purity iron, once converted to powder with adequate particle size, has a number of diverse applications in industry.

Abstract: A handling device for the distribution spout of a shaft furnace is presented. The handling device comprises a front axle and a rear axle with each axle being mounted on movable rollers. The axles are positioned on two rails which are opposite an access aperture in the head of the furnace. The rails are suspended underneath a working platform positioned around the furnace head with a tilting frame mounted on the front axle. A supporting cradle for the spout is freely suspended at the front end of the frame and subjected to the action of a counterweight and a supporting cable. The rear end of the frame is articulated to the front ends of two arms mounted on the rear axle. Finally, a jack is pivotably mounted between the ends of levers, the levers being affixed to the rear axle and to the rear end of the frame respectively.

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: In a so-called bell less top type shaft furnace charging installation with rotary and angularly adjustable distribution chute (34) and one or more storage hoppers (18) which are offset with regard to the vertical central furnace axis, there are provided adjustable guide plates (44, 46, 146) in order to correct the path of material falling from the storage hopper(s) (18) on the chute (34).

Abstract: The position of the discharge end of a tubular member, supported from its first end so as to be rotatable about a first axis and pivotal about a second axis which intersects and is transverse to the first axis, is controlled from a remote location. The controllable tubular member may be the distribution spout of a shaft furnace charging installation which is mounted between the branches of a suspension fork which is rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. A motion transmission mechanism extends through the suspension fork and, in cooperation with the movements of the fork itself, transmits the movements imparted to a control device, which is caused to undergo precisely the same movements as it is desired to have the spout perform, to the spout.

Abstract: The position of the discharge end of a tubular member, supported from its first end so as to be rotatable about a first axis and pivotal about a second axis which intersects and is transverse to the first axis, is controlled from a remote location. The controllable tubular member may be the distribution spout of a shaft furnace charging installation which is mounted between the branches of a suspension fork which is rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. A motion transmission mechanism extends through the suspension fork and, in cooperation with the movements of the fork itself, transmits the movements imparted to a control device, which is caused to undergo precisely the same movements as it is desired to have the spout perform, to the spout.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided for continuously supplying from above piece-shaped, i.e. lumps of, material to a shaft through which a high-temperature gas is conducted from below upwardly to a centrally disposed upper gas outlet. The piece-shaped material at the upper end is fed into the shaft at the top via evenly distributed and closed feed tubes or via an annular feed gap adjacent the periphery of the shaft.

Abstract: The movements of an oscillatory member, for example the charge distribution spout of a furnace charging system, are caused to follow the movements of a remotely located control device which may be in the form of an elongated arm. The spout and arm are rotatable about respective pairs of orthogonal axes and any angular deviations between the orientation of the control device arm and spout axis are sensed. Control signals commensurate with the angular deviations are delivered to fluidic actuators which reposition the spout.

Abstract: A pulverized combustible material or ore is transported from a storage container, at atmospheric pressure, to the interior of a pressurized shaft furnace via three intermediate receptacles. The material is weighed in the first receptacle, pneumatically transported to the second receptacle, the second receptacle pressurized and the material transmitted under pressure to the third receptacle which is maintained at a pressure which is higher than the furnace pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a shaft furnace for burning and sintering materials in lump form includes a distribution column and a plurality of distribution flaps which are mounted for pivotal movement adjacent a lower cone edge of the cone and are movable by a link arrangement between different positions to form different truncated columns which are coaxial with the distribution cone and have different diameters. To control the flow and charging of material, each of the distribution flaps preferably have a deflector plate which is secured to the flap and the spaced arrangement adjacent its end.

Abstract: A reduced iron installation includes transportable container having a charge/discharge mouth section provided with a sealing valve and a plurality of support legs and is arranged for 180.degree. rotation between a charge condition under a furnace to a discharge condition supported over the mouth of a storage tank via its legs, a weighing device for said container in its discharge condition, and a cluster remover disposed in the storage tank mouth and having a sealing valve which opens and closes, in response to detection signals from the weighing device indicating that the container is charged or empty, respectively. The cluster remover includes a grizzly feeder disposed obliquely within a cylindrical casing which is supported via an anti-vibration mounting on a fixed support surface, and a vibrating machine mounted on the casing.

Abstract: A method for producing liquid iron, especially for producing liquid iron directly from iron ore, mainly comprising the steps of saturating an iron bath in a container by blowing particulate carbon into the bath, dropping iron ore onto a central portion of the bath surface to form a cone of iron ore thereon, blowing oxygen onto an uncovered border zone of the bath surface, blowing particulate carbon by means of a carrier gas into the bath between the bottom of the container and the bath surface, and mixing the bath by blowing a neutral gas through a porous member from a substantially central portion of the bottom of the container in upward direction through the bath, whereby the necessary energy for melting the iron ore is produced by afterburning of the CO producing during blowing of oxygen onto the border zone; and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A shaft furnace for recycling non-ferrous metals is provided with a crane runway extending horizontally above the furnace opening, on which a movable carrier transports sorting containers to the furnace. The carrier is provided with a lifting and gripping mechanism for moving and transporting the sorting containers.The shaft furnace is provided with a plurality of individually sealable lock chambers which are locked and sealed from the furnace and the outside atmosphere by selectively opening or closing flaps. In addition, a good seal is provided between the sorting container and the shaft furnace by a sealing surface formed by a metal strip which is located opposite the sealing edge of the sorting container.

Abstract: For continuously reducing and melting metal oxides and, respectively, metallic materials pre-reduced to a large extent, fuels are completely burned within a melting receptacle. The melting receptacle (8) is tightly passing at its upper side into at least one supply space (7) essentially extending in horizontal direction. The effluent gases of the complete combustion within the melting receptacle (8), are emerging via the supply space (7), coal dust being supplied via a coal dust nozzle (15) to the hot combustion gases immediately prior to entering the supply space (7). The hot combustion gases essentially consisting of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O are at least partially converted to CO and H.sub.2 and cooled and are passed with a temperature exceeding 800.degree. C. within the supply space (7) in countercurrent to the charge material (10) to be supplied into the melting receptacle (8). While passing through the charge material (10), the combustion gases supplied with a temperature exceeding 800.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for equalizing the pressure in shaft furnaces which are operated at a pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure. At least one storage bin is connected to the furnace chamber, although isolated from the atmosphere and the furnace chamber by sealing valves. A gas pipeline serves to selectively supply or exhaust gas to the storage bin to equalize pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, two storage bins are interconnected by a gas pipeline and appropriate valves for equalizing pressure between the storage bins.