Abstract: Disclosed is a slag comprising, on a dry basis and expressed as the total of the metal present as elemental metal and the presence of the metal in an oxidized state, a) at least 7% wt and at most 49% wt of Fe, b) at most 1.3% wt of Cu, c) at least 24% wt and at most 44% wt of SiO2, and d) at least 2.0% wt and at most 20% wt of CaO, characterised in that the slag comprises, on the same basis, e) at least 0.10% wt and at most 1.00% wt of Zn, f) at least 0.10% wt and at most 2.5% wt of MgO, and g) at most 0.100% wt of Pb. Further disclosed are an improved object comprising the slag, a process for the production of the slag, and a number of uses of the slag, whereby the slag may comprise up to at most 1.50% wt of zinc and down to 1.0% wt of CaO.

Abstract: Provided is a turbine rotor disc repairing method for removing a defect portion created in an outer peripheral portion of a turbine rotor disc having a blade groove formed in the outer peripheral portion and then reforming the blade groove. The method includes: removing a region including the defect portion from the turbine rotor disc with a rotating shaft supported horizontally to form a disc under repair; annularly joining an edge plate along an outer peripheral edge of the disc under repair by welding; performing build-up welding of a surface to be welded while rotating the disc under repair around the rotating shaft; and removing an excess thickness of a build-up weld and the edge plate from the disc under repair, wherein the disc under repair includes a first groove and a first route surface continuous with the first groove.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for improving a communication rate, which are used in a terminal working in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state. The method includes: obtaining strength of a first signal received in a first path connected to a first antenna and strength of a second signal received in a second path connected to a second antenna; and adjusting the first path or/and the second path according to a difference between the strength of the first signal and the strength of the second signal, so as to reduce an unbalance degree between the first path and the second path, thereby improving the communication rate. By adopting the present invention, improvement of a rate of an antenna may be achieved by adjusting a balance between the first and second paths.

Abstract: In view of the foregoing embodiments of the disclosure provide a high value steel/carbon product from a low value iron-containing waste material and process for producing the steel/carbon product. The high value steel/carbon product is derived from a mixture of metallurgical coal and an oxidized iron waste material under a reducing atmosphere. The steel/carbon product has a porosity of greater than about 60% and a density of greater than about 900 kg/m3 and the steel component of the steel/carbon product has a percent of metalization of greater than about 85 wt. %.

Abstract: Iron and molybdenum containing pellets and a process for producing the pellets are disclosed. A green pellet is produced from mixing an iron containing powder, a molybdenum oxide powder, and a carbonaceous powder. The green pellets can be reduced at a temperature in the range of 400-1500° C. The pellets can be briquetted.

Abstract: Iron and molybdenum containing agglomerates and a process for producing the agglomerates is are disclosed. A green agglomerate is produced from mixing an iron containing powder, a molybdenum oxide powder, and a carbonaceous powder. The green agglomerates can be reduced at a temperature in the range of 400-1500° C.

Abstract: Method of reclaiming and inhibiting activation of DRI fines is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a moving stream or pile containing DRI pellets and DRI fines, coating the moving stream or the pile of DRI pellets and DRI fines with a coating material comprising an alkane mixture in the C15 to C40 range to form a coating on the DRI pellets and DRI fines and cause DRI fines to adhere together and to the DRI pellets to form a plurality of agglomerates, and moving the agglomerates of coated DRI pellets and coated DRI fines to a facility for use in making steel. The coating material may be applied to coat the DRI pellets and DRI fines at a rate between 0.2 and 2.0 gallons per ton of DRI processed. The coating material may be mineral oil.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming and inhibiting activation of DRI including forming a moving stream or pile containing DRI pellets and DRI fines and applying to said DRI material a coating material optionally having a melting point between 70 and 200° F. and comprising at least one antioxidant and at least one a carboxylic material with at least one selected from the group consisting of coatable fatty acid and an esterified derivative thereof, forming a coating on the DRI pellets and DRI fines to cause the fines to adhere together and to the pellets to form a plurality of DRI agglomerates. The coating material may be selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, combinations thereof, and ester derivatives thereof. The antioxidant in the coating material is selected from the group consisting of at least one of butylated hydroxytoluene, carotenoid, phytosterol, squalene, vitamin E, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: It is known that a foamed slag can be produced on stainless steel melts in an electric arc furnace by introducing a mixture of metal oxides, limestone, carbon and a binder in the form of briquettes into the furnace so that the briquettes become arranged there in such a way that the metal oxides are reduced by the carbon and the limestone is thermally dissociated at the metal-slag interface beneath the slag and the resulting gases bring about foaming of the slag by bubble formation. This foaming on steels having a high chromium content, due to the significant uptake of chromium oxide by the slag, leads to problems which result from the physicochemical properties of slags having a high chromium oxide content.

Abstract: The present invention corresponds to a commercial production process of ferric sulfate whose plant can be installed scaled to the requirements of the process of application of the bio-produced ferric solution based on fayalite slag generated in copper smelting plants. No previous process has established as its method of industrial application the use of these smelter slags in the bio-production of ferric sulfate solutions at concentrations above 20 g/L, including a stage of acid-slag leaching in dynamic heaps with control of generated silica and subsequent precipitation of colloidal silica and other impurities in a stirred reactor in the invented process. The ferrous solution free of colloidal silica and other impurities is subjected to a process of bio-oxidization of the clean ferrous solution by microorganisms adapted to these metallurgical solutions.

Abstract: Hot briquette iron includes a plurality of reduced iron particles which are bonded to each other by hot forming, wherein the reduced iron particles each have a surface region having an average carbon content of 0.1 to 2.5% by mass and a central region positioned inside the surface region and having an average carbon content higher than that of the surface region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation shielding member having improved radiation absorption performance, including 80.0˜99.0 wt % of a polymer matrix or metal matrix and 1.0˜20.0 wt % of a radiation shielding material in the form of nano-particles having a size of 10˜900 nm as a result of pulverization, wherein the radiation shielding material is homogeneously dispersed in the matrix through powder mixing or melt mixing after treatment with a surfactant which is the same material as the matrix or which has high affinity for the matrix. A preparation method thereof is also provided. This radiation shielding member including the nano-particles as the shielding material further increases the collision probability of the shielding material with radiation, compared to conventional shielding members including micro-particles, thus reducing the mean free path of radiation in the shielding member, thereby exhibiting superior radiation shielding effects.

Abstract: Pyrophoric nanoparticles and methods of producing the same are provided herein. An exemplary method of producing pyrophoric nanoparticles can include providing a first aqueous solution comprising at least one metal salt and an aliphatic polyether; providing a second solution comprising a metal hydride reducing agent; continuously combining the first and second solutions to produce nanoparticles in a liquid phase; separating the nanoparticles from the liquid phase; and drying the nanoparticles to form pyrophoric nanoparticles. The pyrophoric nanoparticles can have a diameter ranging from about 1 nm to about 50 nm.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for producing separable iron and titanium oxides from an ore containing titanium oxide and ferric oxide, comprising: (a) forming agglomerates comprising carbon-based materials and the ore, the quantity of carbon of the agglomerates being sufficient for, at an elevated temperature, reducing ferric oxide to ferrous oxide and forming a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag, (b) introducing the agglomerates onto a carbon bed of a moving hearth furnace; (c) heating the agglomerates in the moving hearth furnace to a temperature sufficient for reducing and melting the agglomerates to produce a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag; (d) metallizing the ferrous oxide of the molten slag by reaction of the ferrous oxide and the carbon of the carbon bed at a furnace temperature sufficient for maintaining the slag in a molten state; and (e) solidifying the slag after metallization of the ferrous oxide to form a matrix of titanium oxide-rich slag having a plurality of metallic iron granules distri

Abstract: A bale of ferrous scrap for use in a steel making process where the bale comprises a compacted volume of scrap with an external marginal layer surrounding a center portion of the bale and a package of elements formed from commingled flux being compacted into the center portion and encapsulated in the bale.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for producing separable iron and titanium oxides from an ore containing titanium oxide and ferric oxide, comprising: (a) forming agglomerates comprising carbon-based materials and the ore, the quantity of carbon of the agglomerates being sufficient for, at an elevated temperature, reducing ferric oxide to ferrous oxide and forming a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag, (b) introducing the agglomerates onto a carbon bed of a moving hearth furnace; (c) heating the agglomerates in the moving hearth furnace to a temperature sufficient for reducing and melting the agglomerates to produce a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag; (d) metallizing the ferrous oxide of the molten slag by reaction of the ferrous oxide and the carbon of the carbon bed at a furnace temperature sufficient for maintaining the slag in a molten state; and (e) solidifying the slag after metallization of the ferrous oxide to form a matrix of titanium oxide-rich slag having a plurality of metallic iron granules distri

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating an oily mixture consisting of hydrocarbons, solid particles, and water. The steps of the process include placing the oily mixture into a reactor chamber, purging the reactor chamber with an inert gas, and creating a steam bath within the inert gas filled reactor chamber, the steam surge freeing hydrocarbon matter from the solid particles. The process further includes elevating reactor chamber temperature to a boiling point temperature corresponding to the hydrocarbons in the oily mixture, the elevated temperature vaporizing the hydrocarbons are vaporized within inert atmosphere. The reaction chamber is vented and the off-gas is processed into a hydrocarbon product while the de-oiled solid particles are discharged from the reaction chamber as a raw material or for disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sintered composite machine part as a cylinder block for piston pumps or piston motors, and a manufacturing method thereof. The machine part has an air-tight main body of sintered porous iron alloy and having an iron oxide layer on the surface; and a sliding part of sintered porous copper alloy being bonded direct to the main body. The sliding part is to be slid in tight contact with a fluid supply/return device. The manufacturing is made by preparing a main body of sintered porous iron alloy and a green compact for sliding part from a raw material metal powder having a composition corresponding to the copper alloy; sintering the green compact for sliding part in contact with the main body to bond the sliding part to the main body by diffused junction; and subjecting the main body to steam treatment to provide an iron oxide layer.

Abstract: Cotton-like aggregates (B) including grinding chips from an iron-based metal and a grinding fluid containing oil and water are compression molded for forming a brittle compact (C) having the fibrous grinding chips roughly sheared and excessive water and oil removed therefrom. The brittle compact (C) is crushed for further finely shearing the grinding chips and the resultant grinding chips are mixed with a solidification assistant (D) for producing an iron-based powder material (E) containing the solidification assistant (D).

Abstract: An additive for increasing the toughness of thin-wall iron castings is provided. The additive includes amounts of a non-ferrous metal oxide and a metal sulfide in which the non-ferrous metal has an affinity for oxygen less than that of iron, and the metal has an affinity for sulfur less than that of magnesium. The metals contained in the oxides and sulfides are also not alkali, alkali earth or rare earth metals to reduce the incidence of defect formation in the castings. The metal oxide and metal sulfide, when added to a cast iron melt react with magnesium added to the melt as a spheroidizing graphite element to form nucleation sites having a core of magnesium oxide surrounded by magnesium sulfide. These nucleation sites allow for increased nucleation of graphite, whether in vermicular or spheroidal form, such that the cross-section of the thin-wall iron casting is more uniform, thereby decreasing the amount of carbide formed in the casting and increasing the toughness of the casting.

Abstract: A strainer for molten metal. The strainer comprises a well and a multiplicity of passages. Each passage comprises a first cavity a second cavity with a smaller equivalent diameter than the first cavity. A neck is between the first cavity and second cavity. An inoculation pellet is received in the well.

Abstract: A technique for producing iron utilizes agglomerations, such as briquettes or tablets, or powders, that include a sulfur-containing material such as iron sulfide, and and oxygen containing material such as iron oxide. The agglomerations or powders are substantially free of chemical binders and utilize iron and aluminum metal powders and pressure for compaction on either roll presses or tablet machines. Addition of metal powders provides rapid dissolution of the alloy and improved heat transfer. Iron sulfide agglomerations also provide consistent and improved sulfur recoveries compared to granulated iron sulfide additions with little to no sulfur odor.

Abstract: With the object of effective utilization of a fine powder generated during comminution of a crude material for iron manufacture, a briquette is provided which comprises a porous brittle molded body with a bulk specific gravity of 1.5 or more which is obtained by compression molding a molding composition comprising a fine powder generated during comminution of a crude material for iron manufacture and a reinforcing portion for reinforcing the brittle molded body. Further, with the object of effective reuse of used alumina grinding stones, a briquette is provided which comprises a porous brittle molded body obtained by compression molding a molding composition comprising a comminuted powder of a used alumina grinding stone and a cotton-like aggregate comprising a grinding powder of a ferrous metal and a grinding liquid, and a reinforcing portion for reinforcing the brittle molded body.

Abstract: A method for inoculating molten iron. The method comprises passing the molten iron through a filter assembly at an approach velocity of about 1 to about 60 cm/sec. The filter assembly comprises a filter element and an inoculation pellet in contact with the filter element. The pellet has an inoculant dissolution rate of at least 1 mg/sec. to no more than 320 mg/sec. and comprises about 40-99.9%, by weight, carrier comprising ferrosilicon. The pellet further comprises about 0.1-60%, by weight, at least one inoculating agent selected from a group consisting of cerium, strontium, zirconium, calcium, manganese, barium, bismuth, magnesium, titanium and aluminum or from rare earths.

Abstract: Ferrous metal briquettes made from ferrous metal particles and an alkaline metal silicate, for adding to ferrous melts to recycle the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of abulk of molten steel in an electric arc furnace, comprising the formation of a foaming top slag. During at least one phase of the production process, a doping agent is added to the top slag with the aim of creating improved conditions for the reduction of the oxidized, valuable metal elements which exist in the top slag. The doping agent has a chemical composition containing 0-5% Si, 2-7% C, 0-3% Mn, the remainder essentially only iron and impurities which can normally appear in raw iron produced in the blast furnace process or other reduction process, a melting point <1350 ° C. and consists essentially homogeneous particles with substantially round or oval shape, obtainable through granulation of a melt with above-mentioned composition, comprising the disintegration of a stream of said melt to drops, which are cooled in a water bath to form a granulate.

Abstract: Cotton-like aggregates (B) containing grinding chips from an iron-based metal and a grinding fluid containing oil and water are compression molded thereby forming a brittle compact (C) in which the fibrous grinding chips are roughly sheared and which is removed of excessive water and oil. The brittle compact (C) is crushed for further finely shearing the grinding chips and then, the resultant grinding chips are mixed with a solidification assistant (D) for obtaining powder (E) containing the solidification assistant (D). The powder (E) is solidified by compression molding, thereby forming a water-containing briquette (F). A briquette (A) for use as steelmaking material, which contains powdery pure iron and oil, is obtained by removing the water from the water-containing briquette (F). Without crushing the brittle compact (C), it is also possible to form the briquette (A) for use as steelmaking material by impregnating the brittle compact (C) with the solidification assistant (D) and then drying th compact.

Abstract: A metal feedstock from wasted metal products is disclosed. The feedstock is formed by crushing the metal products into pieces; magnetically separating sheet-shaped ferrous scraps and ferrous cast blocks from the crushed pieces; placing the cast blocks between the sheet-shaped scraps to make a sandwich structure; and pressing the sandwich structure to form a metal feedstock.

Abstract: Specific recycle materials are blended with hot slag and wet sludge to make a recyclable steelmaking revert. The specific recycle materials are kish, lime, glass, ferro-manganese and the like. The specific materials are blended with the slag and sludge individually or in any desirable combination to form a steelmaking revert. After the recycle materials are blended with the slag and sludge, the recycle blend slag/sludge mixture is allowed to rest to bring the moisture content to less than 10% by weight. The steelmaking revert and process for making the same reduce the need for steelmaking raw materials by employing recycle materials from land fills. Thus, the cost of steel production is reduced.

Abstract: A treatment agent and method to introduce magnesium into ferrous material. The treatment agent includes a mixture of high melting temperature particles and magnesium particles. The content of high melting temperature particles in the particle mixture is present in an effective amount to inhibit the complete conversion of the magnesium particles into molten magnesium prior to the magnesium particles entering the ferrous material. The method describes the efficient treatment of molten ferrous material with these particles.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing sulfur from molten ferrous material, particularly molten pig iron. The desulfurization agent includes a magnesium particle coated with a heat absorbing compound. The heat absorbing compound absorbs heat around the magnesium particle to reduce the rate the magnesium particle vaporizes in the molten iron. The particle size of the magnesium particle is at least about twice the particle size of the heat absorbing compound. A bonding agent can be used to bond the particles of the heat absorbing compound to the particle of magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention concerns additives for non-ferrous, liquid metals. The additives consist of compacted bodies of essentially pure iron particles.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material is controlled such that the amount of carbon is from 7 to 60 mass % based on the total amount of iron and Zn in a starting mixture comprising one or more of ducts containing iron oxide and Zn oxide and a binder in an amount to bond the dusts, and water is added to prepare green pellets incorporated with the carbonaceous material. Then, dry pellets prepared by drying the thus prepared green pellets into a reduction furnace, the dry pellets are heated by heat transfer, mainly, radiation such that a temperature elevation rate is from 3 to 13° C./sec within a temperature range from 150 to 900° C. of the pellets, thereby reducing Zn oxide and evaporating Zn, as well as reducing iron oxide to produce reduced iron pellets.

Abstract: A cored wire continuously formed by continuously inserting an extruded core inside a continuously roll formed sheath, the peripheral edges of the roll formed sheath joined by a continuous lock seam. Inspection of the partially formed lock seam at a designated process step serves to warn the user of malformed or defective lock seam portions in the finished cored wire.

Abstract: The present invention concerns additives for non-ferrous, liquid metals. The additives consist of compacted bodies of essentially pure iron particles.

Abstract: Briquettes or tablets to be added to an aluminium melt, are made up by the combination of an agglutinated powder which include, at least, an aluminium powder, a powder of one or more metals or alloys including those to be added, and a wax-type organic compound, all in adequate proportions. This combination allows the increase of the dissolution velocity of the added metals, the recoveries of the added metal, a better stirring of the melting aluminium, and the reduction of impurities and of accumulated metal in the bottom of the furnace.

Abstract: An additive for use in producing spheroidal graphite cast iron of the present invention contains a fine particle of magnesium oxide having a purity of 90 weight % or more and at least one selected from the group consisting of a graphite-spheroidizing material, an inoculant and a graphite-spheroidizing inoculant. The fine particle of highly pure magnesium oxide increases the number of nuclei in a melt, and as a result thereof, increases the graphite spheroid count of a spheroidal graphite cast iron being produced. Another additive for use in producing spheroidal graphite cast iron of the present invention contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a graphite-spheroidizing material, an inoculant and a graphite-spheroidizing inoculant, and an oxide of a metal which has, at a temperature of a melt at a time when subjected to a graphite-spheroidizing treatment, an affinity for oxygen smaller than that of a graphite-spheroidizing element being used in the graphite-spheroidizing treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for dehydrating and recycling back into a BOF converter wet BOF scrubber sludge to produce a steelmaking revert having an improved flow rate when handled in a recycle stream. Wet sludge is combined with hot BOF slag to provide a slag/sludge mixture. The wet sludge causes the mixture to have a moisture content greater than 10% water by weight, and the hot slag, having a temperature below the molten liquid state, vaporizes the water in the mixture and reduces the moisture content to about 4% water by weight or less. The dehydrated mixture has improved flow rate properties when it is recycled as a steelmaking revert.

Abstract: A process for preparing high carbon content briquettes includes providing a particulate material which includes iron particles including iron oxide in an amount of at least about 4% based on weight of the material, and carbon particles in an amount greater than about 2% based on weight of the material; and subjecting the material to briquetting temperature and pressure so as to provide stable agglomerate briquettes of the material.

Abstract: A method of making metallic iron in which a compact, containing iron oxide such as iron ore or the like and a carbonaceous reductant such as coal or the like, is used as material, and the iron oxide is reduced through the application of heat, thereby making metallic iron. In the course of this reduction, a shell composed of metallic iron is generated and grown on the surface of the compact, and slag aggregates inside the shell. This reduction continues until substantially no iron oxide is present within the metallic iron shell. Subsequently, heating is further performed to melt the metallic iron and slag. Molten metallic iron and molten slag are separated one from the other, thereby obtaining metallic iron with a relatively high metallization ratio.

Abstract: A method for making iron-alloy briquettes, includes the steps of: providing hot metallized iron particles having a temperature of at least about 650.degree. C. and an initial degree of metallization of at least about 90% (wt.); providing an additive selected from the group consisting of ferroalloy powder, metal-containing ash and mixtures thereof, wherein the additive contains an alloying metal; mixing the iron particles and the additive to provide a mixture of the particles and the additive; and forming the mixture into briquettes containing the alloying metal.

Abstract: A compacted steel powder in particulate form is used as an alloying additive for aluminum melts. The additive is in the form of a wafer which is smooth on one side and corrugated on the other side such that its thickness is 1 mm at the trough and 2-3 mm at the peak. The shape of the additive results in dissolution of the additive in the aluminum melts at an equivalent rate as compared to a conventional briquette.

Abstract: Improvements in metallurgical conversion in accordance with the present intion consist in the preparation of a semifinished item (a charge stock) in the form of a pig by forming thereof in a molding box of a casting machine from a solid filler, for the most part an oxidizing agent, and a liquid pig iron followed by cooling, provided said solid filler and said liquid pig iron undergo, in the process of forming, an action which prevents the floating up of the solid filler in the liquid pig iron. Such an action is effected both by applying a mechanical force, in particular by providing a casting machine with a cantilever (8) having a hollow roller (9) which rests on a molding box (2) and a weighting material (10), and by choosing relative dimensions of the solid filler pieces and selecting a rate of pig casting. Optimal conditions for using such semifinished item for metallurgical conversion which in accordance with the present invention is carried out in oxygen converters and arc furnaces are described.

Abstract: An improved charging stock for steel production which facilitates earlier and more uniform carbon oxidation, and increases the rate of oxygen transport in the melt, comprises and iron-carbon alloy having silicon therein and an oxide-containing material. The iron-carbon alloy preferably has a ratio of carbon to silicon in the range of approximately 4-40:1. The ratio of oxide-containing material surface area to the weight of the iron-carbon alloy is preferably maintained in the range of 5-100 m.sup.2 /ton.

Abstract: A composite charge for metallurgical processing which reduces the content of non-metallic inclusions in the end product(s) comprises 40-83 wt. % of a metallic agent, 17-50 wt. % of an oxide agent and 0.1-10.0 wt. % of a carbonaceous agent. The carbonaceous agent includes a mixture of metal carbides and free carbon, preferably graphite, having a ratio in the range of 0.1-10.0:1.

Abstract: A method for preparing iron bearing green pellets that can be processed in a rotary hearth furnace without degradation and become self-fluxing sponge iron pellets when charged to a submerged arc furnace operating at a lower temperature than the rotary hearth furnace, to produce hot metal having a carbon content from 1% to about 5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sintering an iron scrap in a process for producing a sintered ore which is used as a raw material in ironmaking in a blast furnace. Zn contained in the iron scrap is removed in the step of sintering to enable a light-weight iron scrap to be used in a large quantity in the blast furnace and, at the same time, to enhance the yield of sintered ore in the step of sintering.In the production of a sintered ore as a raw material for use in a blast furnace by using a Dweight-Lloyd sintering machine, a mixture obtained by mixing a fine debris of an iron scrap with a raw material for a sintered ore is placed on a pallet to produce a scrap-bearing sintered ore. The mixture may be incorporated in a packed bed in its entirety, in its upper bed alone or in its lower bed alone. The iron scrap is fixed to the sintered ore and used as a material for use in a blast furnace.

Abstract: Sponge iron particles obtained in a reduction unit are, subsequently, subjected to a hot-briquetting process and supplied to the refining vessel in a condition in which they are still hot from the hot-briquetting process. By means of this measure, the amount of energy consumed in the steel making process is reduced. The transport of the sponge iron briquettes from the hot-briquetting unit to the refining vessel can preferably be carried out in heat-insulated buckets. Possible heat losses which may perhaps still occur can be compensated for by a preheater preceding the refining vessel. For this purpose, the hot sponge iron briquettes are filled into the preheater, where they will then be heated by the hot waste gases originating from the refining vessel. In addition, this process offers a solution for the smooth transition from the continuous production of sponge iron briquettes to the discontinuous refining process.