Abstract: A method for direct reduction of metal oxide-containing starting materials to produce metallized material by contact with hot reduction gas in a reduction unit (1), wherein the product of the direct reduction is discharged from the reduction unit (1) by means of a product discharge device (3) which is flushed with seal gas and from which vent gas is drawn and subsequently de-dusted. The vent gas is de-dusted dry and the content of at least one gaseous constituent is reduced by catalytic conversion or combustion. Also, a device for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate to nozzle assemblies for conveying molten material, the nozzle assemblies comprising a body, which may be formed from a material having a melting temperature greater than the melting temperature of the molten material to be conveyed, and having a molten material passageway extending therethrough. The molten material passageway comprises an interior surface and a protective layer is adjacent at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway. The protective layer may comprise a material that is essentially non-reactive with the molten material to be conveyed. Further, the nozzle assemblies according to various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein may be heated, and may be self-inspecting. Methods and apparatus for conveying molten materials and/or atomizing molten materials using the nozzle assemblies disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: A dross processing system crucible comprising a substantially vertical inner wall having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface affixed to the lower end of the inner wall. A blockable port is disposed in the bottom, and a thermal insulating material covers the outer surface of the vertical inner wall and the lower surface of the bottom. An outer vessel is affixed to the upper end of the substantially vertical inner wall, and the thermal insulating material is disposed between the outer surface of the inner wall and the outer vessel.

Abstract: A steelmaking plant including a pressurized direct reduction reactor for continuous production of hot direct reduced iron with a batch-melting furnace and a standby cooler, all three being capable of being situated side-by-side, with such DRI being able to be alternatively fed to the furnace or to the cooler. The furnace is selectively charged through a diverter valve by a pneumatic transport system with the hot DRI being entrained in a carrier gas fed into a receiving bin (having an upper DRI/gas disengagement space and a lower DRI buffer portion). A pressurized charge of the DRI accumulated in such disengaging/buffer bin is periodically fed down into a dosing/depressurization bin which in turn depressurizes the DRI and feeds a batch of DRI down into the furnace. Upon sensing that the buffer portion is full, the DRI is then pneumatically diverted to the cooler, such as during furnace maintenance shut down.

Abstract: A process and a device for charging a primary product for pig iron into a smelting unit are provided. According to the process and device, some of the primary product that has been formed by reducing oxidic iron carriers is stored in the hot state in a reservoir tank before being supplied into the storage device or charging device that is directly connected to the smelting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of manufacturing direct reduction iron and a reduction firing apparatus. The apparatus has a reduction furnace including a left chamber, a right chamber, a material containing device, a step mechanism, a slag distributing device, a charging device, heating burners, a fume extraction path, a charging device, a material receiving tank and a slag discharging path. The method includes the following steps: distributing and charging the slag in the material containing device; carrying and sending the material containing device through a preheating station, a heating station and a reduction station sequentially. Meanwhile, heating the material to be reduced by a combustion of fuel with the heating burners; discharging the reduced material into the material receiving tank; placing the material device from which the material is discharged into the feeding side of the other chamber, then a next work circulation begins.

Abstract: Provided is a molten metal discharge nozzle capable of suppressing turbulence in a molten metal stream passing through an inner bore thereof, with a simple structure. A cross-sectional shape of a wall surface of the inner bore, taken along an axis of the inner bore, comprises a part or an entirety of a curved line expressed by the following formula: log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((Hc+L)/(Hc+z))+log(r(L)) (1), where: 6?n?1.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.

Abstract: A plasma system including a plasma source or torch such as an ICP torch acting on a granulated feed material containing a desired product is presented. Methods for employing the system are described including a process for extracting the desired product from a reaction in the plasma system, recovery of otherwise wasted heat energy, and separation of useful materials from mixed mineral substances is discussed.

Abstract: A battery of stationary hearth furnaces, and method for using, for producing metallic iron nodules having a furnace having a stationary hearth, an inlet and an outlet; a heating chamber beneath the stationary hearth having heated fluids circulated thereto and heating reducible material on the stationary hearth; passageways circulating fluids, through ports from the furnace housing above the reducible material to the heating chamber beneath; burners and air inlets in the furnace and optionally in at least one passageway and a heating chamber for drying and heating the reducible material, driving off and burning volatile material, and forming metallic iron nodules; a loading device for loading reducible material and optionally hearth material onto the stationary hearth through the inlet; and a discharging device capable of discharging metallic iron nodules and optionally related material from the stationary hearth through the outlet.

Abstract: A separation type metallurgical reduction method and an apparatus thereof. The separation type metallurgical reduction apparatus includes a reduction furnace and a multistage cooling device. By means of the separation type metallurgical reduction apparatus, the metallurgical reduction/smelting process and the cooling process are separately performed in different spaces at the same time to improve the operation of the conventional metallurgical reduction furnace within which the smelting process and the cooling process are totally limitedly performed. Accordingly, the shortcomings of too long waiting time, waste of great amount of energy and low yield rate that exist in the conventional metallurgical reduction furnace can be eliminated.

Abstract: Carbon iron composite is produced by feeding a formed product of a carbon-containing substance and an iron-containing substance into a carbonization furnace, carbonizing the formed product in a carbonization zone, blowing a coolant gas into the furnace through a coolant-gas-blowing tuyere disposed in a cooling zone to cool carbon iron composite, exhausting a furnace gas through an outlet in a top portion, and discharging the carbon iron composite through a lower portion of the cooling zone.

Abstract: A method of separating metals that are physically or structurally combined in assemblies which includes the steps of: providing at least one assembly that comprises two or more different metals that are physically or structurally combined; heating the at least one assembly in a tunnel kiln furnace to melt at least one of the different metals while maintaining at least one of the different metals in a solid state; and separating the at least one of the different metals that was melted from the at least one of the different metals that was maintained in the solid state. According to one embodiment the assemblies are “copper meatballs.” Also disclosed is a system for separating metals that are physically or structurally combined in assemblies which system includes a tunnel kiln furnace and processing containers or processing containment assemblies into or onto which the assemblies are loaded and transported through the tunnel kiln furnace in.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing lead and zinc from concentrates of zinc and lead sulfides or oxides, including: a source of zinc ore and/or lead ore concentrates, iron bearing and carbon containing materials; metallic iron fines and iron oxide fines; carbonaceous reductant; fluxing agent; and a binder; a mixer for forming a mixture from said concentrates and other materials; an agglomerator communicating with the mixer for forming agglomerates from the mixture; a melting furnace for melting the mixture and vaporizing lead and zinc; a pressure sealed feed system communicating with the agglomerator and the melting furnace for introducing agglomerates to the melting furnace; a pressure sealed chamber surrounding the melting furnace; a water-cooled condenser for receiving the vaporized metal and cooling and condensing the metal vapors to liquid metal; a tapping device communicating with the condenser for removing the liquid metal; and associated devices for separating the zinc and lead and recovering the lead and zinc me

Abstract: A rotary charging device for a shaft furnace commonly comprises a rotary distribution configured to distribute charge material on a charging surface in the shaft furnace. A rotatable structure supports the rotary distribution means and a stationary support rotatably supports the rotatable structure. According to the invention, the charging device is equipped with an inductive coupling device including a stationary inductor fixed to the stationary support and a rotary inductor fixed to the rotatable structure. The stationary inductor and the rotary inductor are separated by a radial gap and configured as rotary transformer for achieving contact-less electric energy transfer from the stationary support to the rotatable structure by means of magnetic coupling through the radial gap for powering an electric load arranged on the rotatable structure and connected to said rotary inductor.

Abstract: A steelmaking plant method and apparatus which includes a pressurized direct reduction reactor for continuous production of hot direct reduced iron (ORI); feeding such DRI to a batch melting furnace or to a standby cooler. The furnace is selectively charged through a diverter valve by a pneumatic transport system with the hot DRI being entrained in a motive carrier gas fed via a first conduit into a receiving bin. A pressurized charge of the DRI accumulated in such disengaging buffer bin is periodically fed via a second conduit down into low dosing/depressurization bin which in turn depressurizes the DRI and feeds a batch of DRI down into the furnace. Upon sensing the capacity of the buffer portion of the receiving bin being filled, the DRI! is then pneumatically diverted from the reactor to the cooler, such as during shut down of the furnace for maintenance or otherwise.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal reduction processes, which comprise adding a mixture comprising at least one metal-containing material, at least one reducing agent, and at least one additive into a reactor, heating the reactor to a selected reduction temperature, moving the mixture through the reactor while stirring the mixture, allowing a reduction period to occur, and obtaining a resulting composition comprising at least one zero-valent metal and a residue. The disclosure also relates to metallurgical processes comprising the metal reduction process, and products made by the metal reduction process. The disclosure further relates to metal reduction apparatuses, as well as metal reduction systems and metallurgical systems comprising the metal reduction apparatuses.

Abstract: A method for recovering platinum group elements comprises charging into a closed electric furnace and melting, together with flux components and a reducing agent, a platinum group element-containing substance to be processed and a copper source material containing copper oxide, sinking molten metal of primarily metallic copper below a molten slag layer of primarily oxides, and enriching the platinum group elements in the molten metal sunk below, and is characterized in that molten slag whose copper content has decreased to 3.0 wt % or less is discharged from the electric furnace and that the copper source material charged into the electric furnace is a granular copper source material of a grain diameter of not less than 0.1 mm and not greater than 10 mm.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a novel electric induction furnace design that enables the removal of zinc-containing filter dust (FD) originating from the production of steel (alloy or non-alloy) and the production of cast iron with galvanised steel scrap, using a novel process based on the carbothermal reduction of the metal oxides present in the FD, performed at the temperature at which the materials are melted inside the electric induction furnace. The electric induction furnace of the invention incorporates an electric arc or plasma beam generator to melt all the inorganic non-metallic material. The incorporation of this generator also enables the use of large volumes of molten slag.

Abstract: A method for processing converter slag produced in copper smelting includes feeding the converter slag into a reducing furnace, reducing zinc and copper contained in the converter slag by heating and removing the reduced zinc through volatilization in a reducing furnace. The slag discharged from the converter is transformed into a raw material for iron making.

Abstract: In a method for reducing metal-oxidic slags or glasses and/or degassing mineral melts, solid particles and/or melts are charged onto an at least partially inductively heated bed or column containing lumpy coke, and the reduced and/or degassed melt running off is collected. The device for reducing metal-oxidic slags or glasses and/or degassing mineral melts, which includes a charging opening (1) for solid or molten material and a tap opening (12) for the treated melt, is characterized by a tubular or channel-shaped housing (3) for the reception of lumpy coke (6), and a heating means surrounding the housing and including at least one induction coil (7, 8, 9).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and system for the supply of a continuous stream of hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) from a direct reduction (DR) shaft furnace or direct reduced iron (DRI) reheating furnace to a point outside of the DR shaft furnace or DRI reheating furnace where the HDRI stream is split into at least two HDRI streams. The first HDRI stream is sent continuously to a hot briquetting plant by gravity in a closed duct system. The second HDRI stream is sent continuously to an adjacent melting furnace also by gravity in a closed duct system, with a surge bin and feeders, or by a combination of gravity in a closed duct system, also with a surge bin and feeders, and a generally horizontal charge conveyor. Optionally, a third HDRI stream is employed to continuously feed multiple hot transport vessels.

Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material is disclosed. The plant includes a fixed smelting vessel to hold a molten bath of metal and slag and a gas space above the bath. The plant also includes means for supplying solids and gas feed materials to the vessel and for tapping molten material from the vessel. The plant also includes at least two platforms for supporting plant operators at different heights of the vessel. The metal tapping means and the slag tapping means are located so as to be accessible by plant operators on a cast house platform and the end metal tapping means and the end slag tapping means are located to be accessible by plant operators on an end tap platform that is at a lower height than the cast house platform.

Abstract: A solids feed means for a direct smelting plant is disclosed. The solids feed means includes 2 or more pairs of lances for injecting solid feed materials for a direct smelting process into a direct smelting vessel. The solids feed means also includes a main supply line and a pair of branch lines for supplying solid feed material to the lances of each pair of lances with the branch lines interconnecting the main supply line and the lances of the pair of lances. The lances are arranged around the vessel in pairs of diametrically opposed lances. At least one pair of lances is provided for injecting metalliferous feed material (such as iron-containing materials, particularly iron ore fines) and at least one of the other pairs of lances is provided for injecting solid carbonaceous material (such as coal) and optionally fluxes. The pairs of lances are arranged around the vessel so that adjacent lances are lances that are provided to inject different materials.

Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace is provided to simplify detachment and assembly operations of a reduced iron discharging screw. At both side walls of an insulating housing 2a constituting in part of a furnace body 2 of a rotary hearth furnace 1 are installed through-holes which a spiral blade 42 of a reduced iron discharging screw 4 can pass through, each of the through-holes is closed by an inner hatch member 8 and an outer hatch member 9 which are externally mounted in a removable fashion to a rotary shaft 41 of the reduced iron discharging screw 4, an inner screw supporting device 10 is installed in the outside at an inner periphery side of the hearth 3 as well as an outer screw supporting device 20 is installed in the outside at an outer periphery side of the hearth 3. The reduced iron discharging screw 4 is detached from the furnace body 2 via the through-holes and assembled to the furnace body 2 via the through-holes by using the inner screw supporting device 10 and the outer screw supporting device 20.

Abstract: Heat-treated products discharged from a discharge port of a movable hearth type heat treatment furnace, for example a rotary hearth type reduction furnace are discharged to a sorting means, the heat-treated products that foreign substances have been removed, are discharged through a seal leg into which anti-reoxidation gas is blown from a gas blowing nozzle, to a receiving recess of a receiving pan provided within a case having a hopper attached thereto which is a feeding means, and then a scraper is swung to discharge the heat-treated products deposited on the top surface of the receiving recess from the longitudinal ends of the receiving pan and simultaneously to quantitatively feed it to a molten iron-manufacturing furnace 8, which is a downstream side facility, from the bottom side discharge port of the casing having a hopper attached thereto, and in addition, dust removal/cooling means for produced gas of the molten iron-manufacturing furnace and means for regulating the amount of produced gas are provid

Abstract: A rotary hearth furnace is provided to simplify detachment and assembly operations of a reduced iron discharging screw. At both side walls of an insulating housing 2]a constituting in part of a furnace body 2 of a rotary hearth furnace 1 are installed through-holes which a spiral blade 42 of a reduced iron discharging screw 4 can pass through, each of the through-holes is closed by an inner hatch member 8 and an outer hatch member 9 which are externally mounted in a removable fashion to a rotary shaft 41 of the reduced iron discharging screw 4, an inner screw supporting device 10 is installed in the outside at an inner periphery side of the hearth 3 as well as an outer screw supporting device 20 is installed in the outside at an outer periphery side of the hearth 3. The reduced iron discharging screw 4 is detached from the furnace body 2 via the through-holes and assembled to the furnace body 2 via the through-holes by using the inner screw supporting device 10 and the outer screw supporting device 20.

Abstract: A reduced iron discharger in a rotary hearth reducing furnace scoops up reduced iron on a rotary hearth from a front side with the use of an impeller enough long to cover the entire width of the rotary hearth, drops the reduced iron onto a vibrating conveyor mounted in the impeller, and discharges it from an outlet to the outside of the reducing furnace. The reduced iron discharger involves minimal structural waste, and gives a satisfactory yield.

Abstract: Direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material induces a smelting vessel 11 to hold a molten metal and slag bath beneath a hot gas space. Solids injection lances 27 extend downwardly and inwardly through side walls of the vessel and hot oxidising gas is directed downwardly into the gas space by a central vertical gas injection lance 26. The plant layout is divided into four functional zones spaced circumferentially around vessel 11 and radiating outwardly from the vessel. Zone 1 contains an overhead hot gas delivery duct 31 supplying gas to lance 26 and an offgas duct 32; Zone 2 contains a forehearth 19 and forehearth tapping launder 34; Zone 3 contains slag notches 45 and slag launders 46; and Zone 4 contains a primary slag drain taphole and launder 48. This layout minimises the potential for interference between the transport of the hot gases, the metaliferous feed material, and the molten metal and slag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating undesired toxic metals, such as Zn, Pb and Cd, from iron-containing materials by: sintering a mixture of such materials (typically including EAF dust and mill scale) with carbonaceous particles to form sturdy sinter lumps; preheating such lumps in a non-reducing atmosphere, if needed, to achieve an elevated temperature generally above the vaporization temperature of the undesired metals, but below the sticking temperature of iron-containing lumps (which is typically below the vaporization temperatures of such undesired metals in their oxide form), feeding the lumps at such elevated temperature into a reduction reactor; flowing hot reducing gas through lumps to volatilize undesired reduced metals and carry the volatilized metals out of reduction reactor leaving the iron-containing lumps largely stripped of the undesired metals and ready for discharge and safe and/or useful disposal or re-use, and finally cooling the off gas from the reactor

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously supplying varying proportions of hot and cold direct reduced iron(DRI) material from a source of hot DRI for melting, storage, briquetting, or transport. The system uses gravity to transport hot DRI material from a reduction furnace to a furnace discharge section, which transports desired amounts to a cooling receptacle and to a hot DRI vessel. The cooling section of the apparatus is connected to the furnace discharge section through a dynamic seal leg. The hot section is also connected to the furnace discharge section through separate a dynamic sealing leg and can feed a surge vessel, a briquetter, a storage vessel or a melting furnace. The method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft furnace (1), particularly to a direct-reduction shaft furnace, with a bed (2) of lumpy material, particularly lumpy material containing iron oxide and/or sponge iron, with discharge devices (4) for lumpy material which are located above the bottom area (3) of the shaft furnace (1), as well as with inlet ports (6) for a reduction gas which are arranged above the discharge devices (4). Arrangements (7) for moving the material in the shaft furnace (1) are located between the area formed by the inlet ports (6) and that formed by the discharge devices (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reduction vessel (1) for the reduction of metal-oxide-bearing material, particularly of iron ore, by means of a reduction gas flowing countercurrently to the metal-oxide-bearing material, which reduction vessel (1) is provided with an inlet (5) for the metal-oxide-bearing material, an inlet (6) for the reduction gas, an outlet (7) for off-gas and an outlet (8) for reduced material, downstream of which outlet (8) a lower sealing leg (9) is connected, a supply line (10) for a first sealing gas being provided at the lower sealing leg (9) in order to seal the reduction vessel (1) against the environment, characterized in that at least one additional supply line (12) for an additional sealing gas is provided at the lower sealing leg (9) , the additional supply line (12) being located downstream of the supply line (10) for the first sealing gas, seen in the direction of flow of the reduced material (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging cold product or a combination of cold and hot products from a continuous supply of hot direct reduced iron (“DRI”) comprising a product cooler connected to a shaft furnace, with downward movement of the hot DRI and upward concurrent flow of cooling gas through the product cooler. The method and apparatus provides for diverting of hot DRI from an upper portion of the cooler for gravitational transfer to an adjacent storage unit located at a lower elevation than the furnace. The product cooler is situated at a lower height in relation to the furnace, for gravity transfer of a continuous supply of hot DRI through an entry point into the cooler. Cooler provides for cooling gas injection into the lower portion of the cooler, with gas flow upward and counter-current to the hot DRI that descends through the cooler. Recovered cooling gas is scrubbed, cooled, and recycled back for injection into the bottom portion of the cooler.

Abstract: A smelting reduction apparatus and a method for producing molten pig iron using the smelting reduction apparatus are disclosed. The molten pig iron is produced by using iron ore, sintered ore or iron pellets, so that the reduced iron discharge operation from a pre-reducing furnace to a melter-gasifier would not give any influence to the operation of the pre-reducing furnace. An iron ore is pre-reduced at a pre-reducing furnace by utilizing a reducing off-gas which is produced from a melter-gasifier. The pre-reduced iron ore is melted and reduced at the melter-gasifier. The reducing gas which is discharged from the melter-gasifier is supplied through an ascending duct and a cyclone into the pre-reducing furnace. The fine iron ore which is collected at the cyclone is spouted through a recycling device and a melter-burner into the melter-gasifier.

Abstract: In method and apparatus for producing iron and steel from iron cores largely composed of iron oxides, wherein a direct reduction process is used to produce a solid particulate intermediate product, generally known as sponge Iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI); pneumatically conveying large iron-bearing particles, such as pelletized iron ore or particularly DRI, in a closed transport pipe, eg. from the reduction reactor of the direct reduction process to the metallurgical furnaces where liquid iron or steel are produced, for example electric arc furnaces, induction furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, etc. or to a briquetting press to form DRI briquettes, or simply to a silo or storage bin, or in general to a subsequent processing step for said DRI. When the carrier gas is recirculated for reuse, surprisingly air can be a preferred source of such gas, especially for reactive hot DRI.

Abstract: A smelting reduction process is carried out in a smelting reactor which includes a central internal carburization/combustion plenum or chamber in which hot metal is carburized by the injection of coal fines and heated by post combustion of the coal gases. The chamber has outlets to the first zone of an outer coaxial annular channel where the coal slag is separated off and a carburized hot metal passes into a second zone or smelting channel-chamber that permits introduction of feed material into a molten metal. A majority of the material that passes through the smelting channel-chamber is recycled to the internal carburization/combustion chamber for further processing. The internal carburization/combustion chamber and the smelting channel are completely separate so that the slag and the off gases from the two processes can be kept separate as well. The channel is positioned around the circumference of the internal carburization/combustion chamber where active heating occurs to form a compact reactor.

Abstract: A tap spout, particularly for allowing molten metal to be discharged from oxygen-steel converters, includes a replaceable unit including a tubular wear lining and a jointing layer secured thereto. An inner lining of the tap spout may thus be repaired with relatively simple maintenance work by removing the inner lining and subsequently inserting the replaceable unit into an outer lining of the tap spout to form a new inner lining of the tap spout. The replaceable unit is adapted to facilitate either a press fit, and in particular, a fit ensured by axial compression of the jointing layer, or an expansion fit with the outer lining to secure the replaceable unit therein.

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: The invention concerns a method for in particular repairing the region of the pouring apertures of a blast-furnace which mainly comprises employing a support element (10) independent of the casing (3) and on which bear the blocks (17) of refractory material. The support element (10) is first of all positioned relative to these blocks and then fixed in the final position relative to the casing (3), after which there is welded around the support element (10) and to the casing a sheet of metal which provides the seal between the support element and the casing.

Abstract: In a tiltable metallurgical furnace vessel having a completely closed lateral protrusion with a closable discharge opening on its underside, simplified furnace structure is achieved by configuring the protrusion as a removable, heatable fore-hearth that is constructed in the form of a casting spout. A particularly simple structure results due to the fact that the fore-hearth is flanged to the main furnace vessel and essentially has a box shape. The invention is particularly useful for electric arc furnaces.

Abstract: A fixed bed reactor specially adapted to be used in the gas-solid reaction for the production of sponge iron. The flow of gas is ascendant, entering at the bottom through a gas distributor specially designed to assure a uniform gas flow.

Abstract: This is a control method for large scale batch reduction of zirconium tetrachloride to zirconium metal. Solid zirconium tetrachloride is fed at least periodically into a sublimer and the sublimer heated to vaporize the zirconium tetrachloride. The vaporized zirconium tetrachloride is fed from the sublimer to a reduction vessel and a measurement is made indicative of this feed (e.g., the flow rate or the pressure in the reduction vessel). A condenser is used to conjunction with said sublimer and the temperature of the condenser is controlled to control the feed of the vaporized zirconium tetrachloride. Preferably, a flow restriction is used between the sublimer and the condenser to provide improved control.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging solids from a shaft furnace comprises a lock chamber structure, the interior of which is connected to the shaft furnace by a conveyor duct, and a rotor, which is rotatably mounted in the interior of the lock chamber structure and adapted to be driven and arranged to receive solids from the furnace and seals the inlet of the lock chamber from the outlet of the lock chamber. To permit a continuous discharge of solids from the furnace without an escape of gas from the furnace, the rotor consists of a cellular wheel, which has cell-defining walls in a star-shaped configuration. The conveyor duct is connected to a source of a compressed blocking gas. An exhaust gas duct communicates with the interior of the lock chamber structure adjacent to the conveying portion of the cellular wheel between the inlet and the outlet of the cellular wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging hot flowable solids comprises conical conveyor screws, which are arranged to form a star-shaped array and contained in respective conveyor troughs and at their inner ends are rotatably mounted in a centrally disposed hollow body. In order to ensure a gas-tight seal of the furnace and to permit a simple replacement of the conveyor screws, the conveyor troughs and the centrally disposed, open-bottomed hollow body are constituted by a bottom structure, which is adapted to be flange-connected to the shell of the furnace. The largest depth of each conveyor trough is at least as large as the largest outside diameter of the associated conveyor screw. Each conveyor trough is closed at its outer end by an end wall, which carries a discharge housing, which contains the outer end of the associated conveyor screw and carries a discharge fitting.

Abstract: A discharge implement is provided, which is operable to discharge sponge iron from a shaft furnace and constitutes the bottom structure of the shaft furnace and is formed with flow passages for a cooling liquid. In order to ensure a uniform discharge, the discharge implement consists of a grate, which comprises parallel grate bars, which are non-circular in cross-section and are operable to perform rotational oscillations about their respective longitudinal axes. The grate bars are hollow so that they can conduct a cooling liquid, and they surround and are radially spaced from an inner tube, which has at least one opening, through which the interior of the inner tube communicates with the annular space defined between the inner tube and the shell of the grate bar.

Abstract: A sintering plant of the type sintering raw materials, such as pulverized ores, while transporting them with a conveyor, in which quicklime is fed to the lower layer of the raw materials on the conveyor so that SO.sub.x produced during sintering process may be mainly contained in gases discharged to the downstream half of wind box array disposed below the conveyor and the gases only from the downstream half are fed through a heat exchanger to a desulfurization equipment having a relatively low capacity. The heat exchanger is arranged to heat water to be fed to a device, such as waste heat boiler, adapted to be operated with thermal energy recovered from a cooler for cooling the finished sinter discharged from the conveyor, whereby the thermal efficiency of the plant can be much improved.

Abstract: An iron blast furnace casting cage is provided comprising an enclosure for substantially surrounding a blast furnace tap hole and auxiliary equipment and having means defining an upper wall portion disposed above said tap hole and auxiliary equipment and a side wall portion extending generally downwardly from said upper wall portion, an access means in said side wall, an exhaust opening formed in one of said wall portions, said upper and side wall portions adapted to be disposed in a closely surrounding relation to said tap hole, auxiliary equipment and the floor of the cast house, and exhaust means extending from said exhaust opening for withdrawing pollutants generated in said cage.

Abstract: A continuous gasification furnace and method of operation. The charge is fed into the furnace chamber between two rolls at least one of which is driven. The furnace chamber can be sealed from the ambient atmosphere. The bed of the furnace contains three zones from top to bottom, these zones are; a volatilization zone, a char reaction zone and an ash zone. Additionally, there can be a drying zone above the volatilization zone. Fuel, air, and steam enter the lower portion of the furnace through strategically located inlet ports. Fuel is used to start up the burning bed while carefully controlled steam to air ratio is used during continuous operation of the furnace. Simultaneously controlled steam cooling effects and exothermic reactions occur in the char reaction zone whereby all or controlled amounts of the oxygen is consumed so that pyrolysis can occur in the volatilization zone without the danger of combustion in that zone or combustion of the fumes leaving the bed.