Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate the loading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increases generally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain bin is generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flow of the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band for redirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extending chutes. In one embodiment, the angle of the chutes can also be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A method for charging raw materials into a blast furnace is provided. The blast furnace includes a bell-less charging device that includes a plurality of main hoppers and an auxiliary hopper. The auxiliary hopper has a smaller capacity than the main hoppers. The method includes discharging ore charged in at least one of the plurality of main hoppers and then sequentially charging the ore from a furnace center side toward a furnace wall side by using a rotating chute. After charging of the ore is started, only the ore is charged from the rotating chute at least until charging of 15 mass % of the ore is completed based on a total amount of the ore to be charged per batch; then discharging of small-size coke charged in the auxiliary hopper is started; and then, the small-size coke is charged together with the ore from the rotating chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate the loading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increases generally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain bin is generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flow of the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band for redirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extending chutes. In one embodiment, the angle of the chutes can also be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A shaft furnace charging device and cooling system includes a suspension rotor with a charge distributor and stationary housing. The cooling system includes an annular swivel joint arranged coaxially on an axis, connecting stationary and rotary circuit portions. The swivel joint includes forward connections for receiving cooling fluid from the stationary circuit portion and supplying cooling fluid to the rotary circuit portion; return connections for receiving cooling fluid from the rotary circuit portion; and returning cooling fluid to the stationary circuit portion. The swivel joint includes a partition dividing the annular volume into cavities wherein an internal cavity is partially surrounded by an external cavity, and the forward connections are coupled via one of the cavities and the return connections are coupled via the other of the cavities. The swivel joint includes leakage-permitting communication between the external and internal cavities through annular clearances.

Abstract: A rotary charging device for a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (16) for mounting on the throat (12) of the shaft furnace and a suspension rotor (22) supported therein so that it can rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A), said suspension rotor (22) and stationary housing (16) cooperating to delimit an annular chamber forming the main casing (36) of said rotary charging device. A charge distributor (28) is pivotally suspended to the suspension rotor (22).

Abstract: A blast furnace installation includes a blast furnace and a chute transmission gearbox; the blast furnace having a top cone with a top cone ring arranged thereon for receiving a connection flange of the chute transmission gearbox. The connection flange is directly fixed onto the top cone ring by fixing means for establishing a firm connection between the top cone ring and the connection flange. According to an aspect of the present invention, the connection flange is fixed to the top cone ring in three separated fixation regions (30, 30?, 30?), each fixation region including one or more fixing means. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the blast furnace installation also includes a flexible sealing element arranged around the perimeter of the connection between the top cone ring and the chute transmission gearbox.

Abstract: A rotary charging device for a shaft furnace comprising: a stationary housing (16) and a suspension rotor (22) that is supported so that it can rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A), a charge distributor (28) being pivotally suspended to the suspension rotor (22). Rotary drive means are provided for rotating the suspension rotor about its axis (A) and tilting drive means for pivoting the charge distributor (28) about a substantially horizontal pivoting axis (B), independently from said rotary drive means. The tilting drive means are mounted onto the suspension rotor (22) and rotate therewith; they comprise: an electric tilting motor (MB) is installed inside the main casing (36) and having a substantially horizontal output shaft (52); a tilting input gear (54) driven by the tilting motor output shaft; and a tilting output gear (56) rotationally integral with a suspension arm (34) of said chute distributor (28), said tilting input gear meshing with said tilting output gear.

Abstract: A distribution chute for a charging device, a charging device having the same, and a methods for mounting and dismounting such chute, the chute including an upstream mounting head and a chute body, at least two lateral suspensions on the mounting head for mounting the chute to two corresponding support flanges pivotable about a pivoting axis for raising an outlet to a charging position and for lowering the outlet to a charging position, where the suspensions define a first and a second tilt point about which a weight of the chute exerts torque onto the support flanges of the charging device when the chute is mounted to the charging device, where the ratio of the distance between each of the tilt points and the pivoting axis to the distance between the first and second tilt points amounts to 0.25 at most, the suspensions being arranged so that an oriented acute angle from the longitudinal axis to a plane through the tilt points and the center of gravity has an angular measure in the range from ?5° to 15°.

Abstract: A lower sealing valve unit for a charging system of a shaft furnace includes a housing having a pair of inlets and at least one outlet; a valve seat associated with each inlet; and a flap associated with each valve seat and adapted for, in a closed position, engaging the valve seat to sealingly close the inlet, each flap being supported by a pivotable shaft allowing displacement between the closed position and an open position off the associated valve seat, where a common structure, mounted to one side of the housing, includes a pair of drive mechanisms, each connected to one of the pivotable shafts for independent actuation thereof, the shafts passing coaxially though the housing side and being supported by the common structure.

Abstract: A sealing valve arrangement for a shaft furnace charging installation includes a shutter-actuating device for moving a shutter between a closed position in sealing contact with a valve seat and an open position remote from the valve seat. The shutter-actuating device is of the dual-motion type and includes a primary tilting arm on a first tilting shaft defining the first axis and is equipped with bearings supporting the primary tilting arm. A secondary tilting arm carries the shutter is connected to a second tilting shaft that defines a second substantially parallel axis and has bearings that support the secondary tilting arm on the primary tilting arm. The shutter-actuating device has a mechanism configured to tilt the secondary tilting arm when the primary tilting arm is tilted. The first tilting shaft is configured as hollow sleeve shaft and the shutter-actuating device includes a reference rod extending through the first tilting shaft.

Abstract: A selective dispensing device (1) is disclosed for limestone in vats (5a, 5b) of a regenerating oven adapted to arrange limestone with greater sizes next to an external wall (7a, 7b) of the vats (5a, 5b) and limestone with smaller sizes next to an internal wall (8a, 8b) of the vats (5a, 5b), comprising at least one mobile bulkhead (11) connected to a drive shaft (13) rotating around a rotation axis (X), such rotation being driven by an actuator system and the mobile bulkhead (11) being able to rotate around the rotation axis X to be alternatively inclined by a first angle (?) and by a second angle (?) with respect to reference plane (Z).

Abstract: A charging device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) for distributing bulk material in an enclosure, in particular in a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (12) that supports a rotatable structure (14) carrying adjustable distribution means (16). Distribution of bulk material in circumferential direction is achieved by rotation of the distribution means (16) together with the rotatable structure (14). Distribution of bulk material in radial direction is achieved by adjustment of the distribution means (16). For rotating the distribution means, usually about the central axis (A) of the charging device, the device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) includes a first rolling bearing (122) with a first stationary race (124; 324) that bears a first rotary race (128). The first rotary race is coupled to a first gear ring (130; 430; 530; 730) that cooperates with a first drive (50) for rotating the rotatable structure and thereby the distribution means.

Abstract: A three hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the furnace by rotating a distribution member about the furnace central axis and a first, a second and a third hopper arranged in parallel above the rotary distribution device and offset from the central axis. A sealing valve housing is arranged between the hoppers and the distribution device. It has a top part with a first, a second and a third inlet respectively communicating with the first, the second and the third hopper. A first, a second and a third sealing valve are provided in the top part. Each sealing valve includes a flap which is pivotable between a closed sealing position and an open parking position. The sealing valve housing also has a funnel shaped bottom part with an outlet communicating with the distribution device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive mechanism for a distribution chute (14) in a shaft furnace charging installation. This drive mechanism comprises rotary supporting means (15) supporting the distribution chute so that it can be rotated, typically about a vertical axis of rotation (A), and a fixed structure (10) supporting the rotary supporting means (15). It has a main drive motor (30) for rotating the chute and an auxiliary drive motor (40) for adjusting the position of the chute, typically the pivotal position about a horizontal axis (B). The drive mechanism further comprises first, second and third transmission means (34; 46; 54). The first transmission (34) operationally couples the main drive motor (30) to a first ring gear (40) rigidly connected to the rotary supporting means (15). The second transmission (46) operationally couples the auxiliary drive motor (40) to a second ring gear (48) that is independently rotatable about the axis of rotation (A).

Abstract: A multiple hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the shaft furnace by rotating a distribution member about a central axis of the shaft furnace and at least two hoppers arranged in parallel and offset from the central axis above the rotary distribution device. Each hopper has a lower funnel part ending in an outlet portion and each hopper has a material gate valve with a shutter member associated to its outlet portion.

Abstract: A lower sealing valve unit for a charging system of a shaft furnace includes a housing having a pair of inlets and at least one outlet; a valve seat associated with each inlet; and a flap associated with each valve seat and adapted for, in a closed position, engaging the valve seat to sealingly close the inlet, each flap being supported by a pivotable shaft allowing displacement between the closed position and an open position off the associated valve seat, where a common structure, mounted to one side of the housing, includes a pair of drive mechanisms, each connected to one of the pivotable shafts for independent actuation thereof, the shafts passing coaxially though the housing side and being supported by the common structure.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace comprises a distribution chute for bulk material and a drive mechanism for the distribution chute. The distribution chute has a trough-shaped main part with an open impact section and an outlet section. The main part provides a sliding channel between the impact section and the outlet section. The drive mechanism for the distribution chute is capable of rotating the distribution chute about an essentially vertical axis and pivoting the distribution chute about an essentially horizontal axis so as to allow distribution of bulk material on a charging surface of the shaft furnace. According to the present invention, the distribution chute comprises a circumferentially closed funnel portion which tapers in the direction of flow and is arranged downstream of the impact section and with its outlet at the downstream end of said trough-shaped main part.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace, which includes at least one charging hopper having a discharge orifice arranged in a position off-centre with respect to the central axis of the shaft furnace, and a material distribution device arranged below this hopper. The material distribution device includes a feed channel coaxial with the central axis of the furnace and a rotatable, pivotable chute, which is arranged below the feed channel for distributing a charge in the shaft furnace. The charging device also includes a connecting box in the shape of a funnel, arranged between the material distribution device and the charging hopper. The connecting box possesses a lower central outlet communicating with the charging hopper and at least one upper inlet which is arranged off-centre with respect to the central axis of the furnace and communicates with the discharge orifice of the hopper.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a blast furnace charging distribution chute includes: a driving unit comprising a crankshaft connected to a motor to rotate with a variable rotational radius; a power transmission unit comprising a plurality of connection rods connected to the driving unit to linearly transmit power; and a working unit connected to the power transmission unit and fixed to circumference of a distribution chute to rotate or tilt the distribution chute.

Abstract: A charging device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) for distributing bulk material in an enclosure, in particular in a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (12) that supports a rotatable structure (14) carrying adjustable distribution means (16). Distribution of bulk material in circumferential direction is achieved by rotation of the distribution means (16) together with the rotatable structure (14). Distribution of bulk material in radial direction is achieved by adjustment of the distribution means (16). For rotating the distribution means, usually about the central axis (A) of the charging device, the device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) includes a first rolling bearing (122) with a first stationary race (124; 324) that bears a first rotary race (128). The first rotary race is coupled to a first gear ring (130; 430; 530; 730) that cooperates with a first drive (50) for rotating the rotatable structure and thereby the distribution means.

Abstract: A distributor device including a distribution chute (3) that extends inside the tank at an inclined angle (a) with respect to the vertical direction for distributing material in the interior of the tank (2). A rotation frame (4) is rotatable around a vertical central rotation axis (L) and includes an essentially vertical inlet channel (5) extending to the interior of the tank (2). The distribution chute (3) is attached to the lower part of said rotation frame, and said inlet channel (5) opens upwardly for receiving any gravitationally moving loose material and downwardly for discharging said loose material to the distribution chute (3) and through the distribution chute further to the tank (1). A circular support frame (6) is horizontally attached to the rotation frame (4), concentrically in relation to the vertical central rotation axis.

Abstract: A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace comprises a distribution chute for bulk material and a drive mechanism for the distribution chute. The distribution chute has a trough-shaped main part with an open impact section and an outlet section. The main part provides a sliding channel between the impact section and the outlet section. The drive mechanism for the distribution chute is capable of rotating the distribution chute about an essentially vertical axis and pivoting the distribution chute about an essentially horizontal axis so as to allow distribution of bulk material on a charging surface of the shaft furnace. According to the present invention, the distribution chute comprises a circumferentially closed funnel portion which tapers in the direction of flow and is arranged downstream of the impact section and with its outlet at the downstream end of said trough-shaped main part.

Abstract: A multiple hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the shaft furnace by rotating a distribution member about a central axis of the shaft furnace and at least two hoppers arranged in parallel and offset from the central axis above the rotary distribution device. Each hopper has a lower funnel part ending in an outlet portion and each hopper has a material gate valve with a shutter member associated to its outlet portion.

Abstract: A three hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the furnace by rotating a distribution member about the furnace central axis and a first, a second and a third hopper arranged in parallel above the rotary distribution device and offset from the central axis. A sealing valve housing is arranged between the hoppers and the distribution device. It has a top part with a first, a second and a third inlet respectively communicating with the first, the second and the third hopper. A first, a second and a third sealing valve are provided in the top part. Each sealing valve includes a flap which is pivotable between a closed sealing position and an open parking position. The sealing valve housing also has a funnel shaped bottom part with an outlet communicating with the distribution device.

Abstract: A method for loading a pourable material in a container, the material being supplied by gravity forces through a channel which is arranged in the opening of the container. In order to obtain a desired material distribution in the container, the material, a little bit before the passage thereof through the opening, i.e. inside the channel, is exposed to forces modifying the displacement direction of the material given by the channel and the gravity forces.

Abstract: A charging device for bulk material comprises a rotor having a substantially vertical axis of rotation a first drive for rotating the rotor and a chute supported by the rotor so as to be rotated with the latter. The chute can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. Its concavely curved sliding surface has a width that is diminishing from the top end to the bottom end of the chute, so that it is possible to vary the location where bulk material sliding down the chute channel leaves the latter by rotating the chute about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A loading device for a shaft furnace comprises a chute supported by a suspension rotor (28) in a fixed housing. The rotor (28) is fitted with a cooling circuit, supplied with liquid coolant via a rotating annular joint (44). The latter comprises a fixed ring (60) and a rotating ring (62), and is fitted in an annular leak collecting tank (46) formed by the suspension rotor (28). Fixed ring (60) is supported by the housing (12). Rotating ring (62) is supported entirely by fixed ring (60) via a bearing (64). Selective coupling means (65, 66) connect the rotating ring (62) to the suspension rotor (28) in such a way as to transmit a rotary moment of rotor (28) to rotating ring (62) selectively, while at the same time preventing other forces from rotor (28) being transmitted to rotating ring (62).

Abstract: Feed device (100) for a shaft furnace (101), with a revolving chute (107, 111) comprising a cylindrical basic body (107) that can be driven so as to rotate about a first, substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation (A1) with a first drive mechanism (119) and a feed chute (111) that is fixedly attached to an outlet (107a) of the basic body and can be rotated therewith, in which the feed chute is composed of an upper part (113), which is adjacent to the outlet of the basic body and extends longitudinally at an angle to the first axis of rotation, and a lower part (115), which is rotatably connected to the upper part and comprises a second drive mechanism (127) for rotation about a second, substantially vertical axis of rotation (A2) spaced apart from the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: In order to configure a bell and hopper for shaft furnaces, in particular, blast furnaces, comprising a charging bin with a feed tube, a rotating chute carrier with rotary drive, a swiveling chute in the interior of the furnace with drive means arranged external to a housing, in a less failure-prone and a wear resistant way, the drive means for the swivel movement of the chute are to comprise: at least one motor (7) which drives by a respective pinion (8) a crown gear (9), wherein the crown gear (9) engages the spindle gear wheels (11) of at least two spindles (13) distributed about the periphery of the bell and hopper external to the rotating chute carrier (3) for generating a lifting and lowering movement of the spindles, as well as means (14, 15, 17, 21) for transmitting this vertical movement of the spindles onto the tilting shafts (22), which penetrate the inner wall (24) of the chute carrier (3) and from which the chute can be suspended, for generating a swivel and tilting movement of the chute.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing bulk materials through a rotary chute with variable angle of inclination comprising an underslung rotor mounted in a supporting frame so as to rotate about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The chute is suspended from the rotor so as to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of suspension. A mechanism for pivoting the chute comprises a hydraulic motor mounted on the underslung rotor. A hydraulic connecting device comprises a sleeve fixed in rotation and a rotary sleeve driven in rotation by the rotor. The sleeves co-operate to connect the hydraulic motor to a control hydraulic circuit fixed in rotation. A duct feeding the chute passes through the two sleeves. The device can advantageously equip a shaft furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furnace top distribution device used for blast furnace and in particularly, to a furnace top chute feeder driven by steel cables. The chute feeder comprises a system for oscillating said chute which consists of steel cable and assembly pulley, and directional limit means for vertically translation, which consists of vertical guide posts, directional limit roller for vertical translation, adjustable supports, shafts of said supports and adjustable screws for adjusting hold-down degree of the rollers, etc., and an AC permanent-magnet servomotor controlled by an AC servodriver is used as an actuating motor for chute oscillating. The chute feeder is simple in structure and has homogeneous driving force. It operates smoothly and can be worked and maintained easily. It has a strong reliability and a high positioning accuracy. So the distributor can better meet the needs of distribution process.

Abstract: A charging device for being mounted above the top opening of a blast furnace body. The charging device includes a stationary hopper with a closable lower opening, and a rotary hopper with a closable lower opening with the rotary hopper being arranged below the stationary hopper. The device further includes a rotary cover for covering the top opening of the blast furnace body, with the rotary cover being supported and rotated by the rotary hopper. An annular gas sealing device co-operates with the rotary cover so as to provide a gas-tight seal of the top opening of the blast furnace body, and a rotary chute is supported and rotated by the rotary hopper. The rotary chute points downward into the blast furnace body and is pivotable about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier includes a first auger (26) which moves carbon from a carbon collection tank (24) through an air lock valve (30) to a carbon holding tank (28). The gasifier includes an inner cylindrical sleeve (80) which is configured such that there is a small air gap between it and an interior wall of the gasifier (16). The air lock valve (30) includes an inlet member (96) which connects the housing to a connecting tube from the first auger (26). A plate (100) within the housing is mounted such that in a closed position, the plate is sealingly positioned against a lower edge of the inlet member (96), while in an open position, the plate is away from the inlet member, permitting carbon to move into the carbon holding tank. A fuel spreader apparatus 53 is positioned at the top portion of the gasifier. It includes a stirring rod (44) and two opposed fuel paddle assemblies (67, 69) at the lower end thereof to spread the fuel over the cross-sectional area of the gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spreader for a particulate material as it is being deposited in a storage bin. The spreader includes a rotatable body portion having downwardly diverging sidewalls terminating at a base. Elongated deflector blades extend out from the sidewalls and are angularly disposed with respect to the base. A deflector plate extends out from the base at the lower end of each deflector blade. The body portion is mounted within a storage bin so that its axis of rotation is disposed below the inlet port of the bin.

Abstract: An installation is proposed for charging a shaft furnace comprising a rotating and pivoting distribution chute. The chute is supported in a removable manner by two lateral side plates of a "U"-shaped stirrup piece. When a first ring securely fastened to a dome performs a relative movement with respect to a second ring, the dome, via an arm causes the stirrup piece to pivot about its horizontal axis which transmits this pivoting to the chute. The end of the arm pivots, to this end, in a runner block sliding in a groove of the dome.

Abstract: An installation for charging a shaft furnace equipped with a distribution spout, several storage containers, a sluicing system and a valve cage is presented. The containers are arranged next to each other and are horizontally displaceable between a first position aligned on the vertical axis of the shaft furnace, where the material is unloaded; and a second position laterally separated from the vertical axis of the shaft furnace, where the containers are filled.

Abstract: A fixed-bed coal gasifier includes an upright cylindrical wall providing a fixed-bed coal gasification chamber for gasifying coal to produce synthesis gas, with an end-piece closing off the upper end of the cylindrical wall. A coal inlet opening is provided in the end-piece, and a gas outlet leads from the chamber at a high level. A gas collection device is provided within the gasification chamber below the inlet opening, and provides a central gas collection zone operatively connected to the gas outlet of the gasification chamber so that synthesis gas produced in the chamber can pass from the gas collection zone to the gas outlet. The device is spaced with clearance from the cylindrical wall so that coal can pass through the gap between the device and the cylindrical wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced coal distribution means, for distributing coal from an upper zone above the gas collection device into a lower zone immediately below the gas collecting device, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing charge material to a shaft furnace is presented which effectively reduces the segregation of the particles in a storage housing positioned above the shaft furnace. In the present invention, the storage hopper and the distribution device are movable about the vertical axis of the shaft furnace and are mounted inside a sealed chamber. Above the chamber are arranged at least two locks which are each provided with upper and lower sealing flaps. Preferably, the storage hopper and the bottom of each of the locks are in the configuration of tapered funnels, the conical wall of which forms an angle of less than or equal to about 30.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the furnace. The storage hopper is preferably supported by support and guide rollers which move on a circular rail integral with the wall of the sealed chamber and is subjected to the action of a drive mechanism for rotation about the vertical axis of the furnace.

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: A water cooling apparatus is presented for use in conjunction with a charging device of a shaft furnace, particularly a shaft furnace having a bell-less top charging apparatus. The cooling apparatus essentially comprises an annular feed vat which is attached to the upper portion of a rotary shell and is movable with the rotary shell. The vat is provided with at least one opening whereby water is gravity fed from the vat through plural cooling coils positioned about a rotary jacket. An annular collecting conduit receives the water flowing from the coils. The rotary jacket supports the suspension mechanism of a distribution spout and also acts as the separating structure between the furnace interior and the component parts of the charging device.

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: Apparatus and method are disclosed for charging particulate material of varying sizes into a shaft furnace, such as an oil shale retort or blast furnace, in which a highly uniform distribution of particle sizes of charge material and a desired height and level of stockline are obtained. The apparatus comprises a non-rotatable distribution hopper having a dividing means beneath choked feed means to substantially equally divide the material into a plurality of port means. The apparatus also includes partially movable distributor means and spreader means having surfaces of different inclinations to thoroughly mix the variously sized particles. Also disclosed is apparatus for providing gas lock means to prevent loss of gas pressure from the furnace, sensing the stockline level in the furnace, weighing the material in a hopper, temporarily storing certain amounts of charge material, and controlling the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Control over the direction and inclination of a charge distribution chute within a blast furnace is accomplished with a compact and reliable drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rigid control rod for varying chute inclination angle and a gear drive which translates angular position commands in the form of rotation about a vertical axis to reciprocation of the control rod. The control rod and its gear drive rotate with the chute while simultaneously varying the inclination angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for the damping of bulk material in which a liquid is to be sprayed into a falling stream of the material, the apparatus including an upright tubular shaft through which the material is to fall in a stream; a plate arranged coaxially below the lower end of the tubular shaft and defining an annular gap between the tubular shaft and the plate through which the material will pass after falling through the tubular shaft; at least one spray nozzle arranged below the plate in a spraying region, and a housing which encloses the lower end of the tubular shaft, the plate and the spraying region and nozzle or nozzles.

Abstract: Material to be deposited on the hearth of a shaft furnace serially passes through a pair of temporary storage containers positioned above the furnace. The uppermost storage container is in the form of a bin open to the ambient atmosphere while the lower storage container is provided with valves at either end whereby it may be hermetically sealed and subsequently brought to furnace pressure. The lower storage container is loaded while at ambient pressure, by releasing furnace charge material previously delivered to the upper storage container into the lower container and subsequently by delivering material directly to the lower container from a conveyor system through the lower container. The upper container is refilled with material while the lower container is at furnace pressure and is discharging its contents into the furnace.

Abstract: A furnace charging device with a fixed feed channel is positioned in the center of the furnace head. A distribution spout is pivotably supported under the fixed feed channel and has a control rod attached to the spout. A driving means is provided so that the control rod which consist of two telescopic elements may be lengthened or shortened and at the same time may be rotated along with the spout as one assembly around the vertical axis of the furnace.

Abstract: A glass melting furnace, especially fully electrically heated glass melting furnace, comprising a wall of refractory material, said wall being circular or having the configuration of a regular polygon, and wherein a supporting frame is provided at the exterior side thereof, comprising a cover or roof of refractory material being supported by overlying tierods or beams including wheels travelling on an annular or circular track rail and permitting said roof to be rotated in a horizontal plane; bin means and conveyor means for feeding the batch material into at least one hopper positioned on said roof; and bin means and conveyor means for the controlled supply of the batch material from said hopper or hoppers into a slot or into openings formed in the refractory material of said roof with different radial spacings from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for introducing and distributing a charge within a shaft furnace, the shaft furnace charging apparatus comprising an elongated charge distribution chute, the angle of which being adjustable in relation to the vertical axis of the furnace to allow for distribution of charge to desired areas within the furnace. The charge distribution chute includes a first end for accepting the charge and a second end for distributing the charge within the furnace. The first end of the chute is suspended from a supporting fork which is rotatable about its axis to provide for pivoting of the chute about a first axis when the support fork is rotated. The chute is suspended from the support fork to provide for pivoting of the chute about a second axis which is preferably perpendicular to the first axis. The direction of the chute within the furnace may be adjusted to provide for distribution of the charge to the desired area of the furnace.

Abstract: Lubrication for a rotary shaft positioned within the upper region of a blast furnace is accomplished by mounting a mechanically actuated pump for rotation with a reduction gear box through which the rotatable shaft is driven. The pump is periodically operated by means of an adjustable cam plate mounted on a sector gear which is affixed to the rotatable shaft; torque being transmitted to the shaft via the sector gear which is driven by a pinion coupled to the reduction gearing.