Fluid storage and distribution arrangement mounted on rotary reactor

Abstract

An arrangement for storing and distributing a fluid on board a rotary reactor such as a rotary kiln. The application discloses a rotary reduction kiln for reducing a metallic oxide such as iron oxide to a lower state of oxidation. A liquid hydrocarbon is used as a reductant in the reduction process for the metallic oxide. The kiln includes a cylindrical chamber adapted to receive the charge of material which is being subjected to the reduction process. A plurality of rows of nozzles are mounted on and supported by the kiln in hydraulic communication with the interior of the reduction chamber. Flow of hydrocarbon liquid to each row of nozzles is controlled by a corresponding flow control valve in accordance with the position of the corresponding row of nozzles relative to the charge of material in the kiln. A plurality of hydro-pneumatic accumulators having the hydraulic sections thereof connected to a common manifold are mounted on and rotatable with the kiln. Each accumulator includes a pneumatic section which is precharged to a predetermined pneumatic pressure. The common manifold of the hydraulic sections of the plurality of accumulators is hydraulically connected to the plurality of rows of nozzles through a pressure regulating device and through corresponding flow control valves whereby to provide a liquid supply at a controlled pressure and flow rate to the nozzles when the corresponding control valves are in 'On' position.