Apparatus for producing hot briquetted iron

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron comprising - a reactor (2) for direct reduction of iron pellets, in particular iron oxide pellets; - at least one briquetting machine (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) adapted to produce hot briquetted iron, in particular by hot compaction of the pellets; - a plurality of containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); - a motorized conveyor apparatus (4), arranged downstream of the reactor (2) for receiving the pellets exiting the reactor (2), and arranged upstream of said plurality of briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) so that the briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) may receive the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus (4); in which the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to transfer the pellets to the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); and in which each briquetting machine (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) is adapted to receive the pellets exiting a respective container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING HOT BRIQUETTED IRON

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of the production of direct reduced iron (DRI).

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing hot briquetted iron (HBI).

[0005] Background art

[0006] Direct reduced iron (DRI) is the product of the direct reduction of iron ore in solid state by carbon monoxide and hydrogen, in particular derived from natural gas or coal.

[0007] Hot briquetted iron (HBI) is a form of direct reduced iron which has been compacted, in particular at a temperature greater than 650 °C. Hot briquetted iron may have a density greater than 5000 kg / m3

[0008] Apparatuses for producing hot briquetted iron of the known type comprise briquetting machines that are supplied with iron pellets coming from a reactor for direct reduction of iron.

[0009] In such apparatuses, the iron pellets exiting the reactor are introduced into inclined pipes. The pellets move through the pipes by gravity, and the briquetting machines are supplied with the pellets coming from the pipes.

[0010] Disadvantageously, the inclined pipes considerably influence the height of the apparatuses for producing hot briquetted iron, which are thus very tall.

[0011] Disadvantageously, known apparatuses for producing hot briquetted iron require foundations suitable to support an apparatus that is particularly tall.

[0012] Therefore, the need is felt to overcome the limits of the prior art.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing hot briquetted iron that is less bulky, in particular that has a lower height, with respect to the prior art.

[0015] In particular, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for producing hot briquetted iron, which has a feeding system allowing a plurality of briquetting machines to be fed and a lower height with respect to the prior art.It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing hot briquetted iron, in which the pellet feeding for the briquetting machines of the apparatus is improved with respect to the prior art.

[0016] The present invention achieves at least one of such objects and others, which will be apparent in light of the present description, by means of an apparatus, according to claim 1, for producing hot briquetted iron comprising

[0017] - a reactor for direct reduction of iron pellets, in particular iron oxide pellets;

[0018] - a plurality of briquetting machines, each adapted to produce hot briquetted iron, in particular by hot compaction of the pellets;

[0019] - a plurality of containers;

[0020] - a motorized conveyor apparatus, arranged downstream of the reactor for receiving the pellets exiting the reactor, and arranged upstream of said plurality of briquetting machines so that the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines may receive the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus; wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus is adapted to transfer the pellets to the containers;

[0021] and wherein each briquetting machine is adapted to receive the pellets exiting from a respective container.

[0022] The invention also relates to an operating method, according to claim 13, in which the motorized conveyor apparatus receives the pellets exiting the reactor, and in which said at least one briquetting machine receives the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus.

[0023] Advantageously, a plurality of containers, and therefore a plurality of briquetting machines, may be fed by the same motorized conveyor apparatus.

[0024] Advantageously, therefore, the apparatus may be compact, in particular it may have a particularly limited height and / or lateral dimension, and it may further have a limited weight.

[0025] Preferably, in all embodiments, to be able to feed the plurality of briquetting machines, in particular sequentially, the motorized conveyor apparatus is adapted to be moved (i.e. , displaced), in particular to vary its position, and / or it is configured so as to be able to convey the pellets, optionally alternately, in two reciprocally opposite directions. In particular, the motorized conveyor apparatus may be moved(i.e. , displaced) so as to vary the position of the one or more discharge zones of the motorized conveyor apparatus.

[0026] Preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus is adapted to rotate, in particular about a vertical axis (to vary its position) or to translate (to vary its position), in particular along a horizontal axis, to sequentially feed the containers.

[0027] Advantageously, an apparatus according to the invention may have a lower height with respect to apparatuses according to the prior art.

[0028] It has been estimated that an apparatus according to the invention may have a 10-15% lower height with respect to the prior art.

[0029] Advantageously, for an apparatus according to the invention simpler foundations may be made with respect to the prior art.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of illustrative, but not exclusive, embodiments.

[0031] The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Brief description of the figures

[0033] In the description of the invention, reference is made to the appended drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0034] Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows an apparatus according to the invention;

[0035] Fig. 1 A shows a part of Fig. 1 ;

[0036] Fig. 2 diagrammatically shows a plan view of some components of an apparatus according to the invention, in a first operating configuration;

[0037] Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows a plan view of the components of Fig. 2, in a second operating configuration;

[0038] Fig. 4 diagrammatically shows a side view of some components of an apparatus according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 5 diagrammatically shows a plan view of some components of an apparatus according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 6 diagrammatically shows a side view of some components of a variant of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0041] The same elements or components have the same reference numeral.

[0042]

[0043] of embodiments of the inventionWith reference to the Figures, exemplary embodiments of an apparatus 1, or plant, for producing hot briquetted iron are described.

[0044] In all the embodiments, the apparatus 1 comprises

[0045] - a reactor 2 for direct reduction of iron pellets, in particular iron oxide pellets;

[0046] - a plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, each adapted to produce hot briquetted iron, i.e., briquettes, in particular by hot compaction of the pellets; the briquettes, in particular, have a larger size with respect to the pellets; - a plurality of containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f;

[0047] - a motorized conveyor apparatus 4, arranged downstream of the reactor 2 for receiving the pellets exiting the reactor 2, and arranged upstream of said plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f so that the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f can receive the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus 4;

[0048] wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to transfer the pellets to the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f (i.e., to said plurality of containers);

[0049] and wherein each briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f is adapted to receive the pellets exiting a respective container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0050] Advantageously, the plurality of containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, and thus the plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, may be fed by means of the same motorized conveyor apparatus 4. In particular, the apparatus 1 is configured so that the pellets exiting the reactor 2 are received by the same motorized conveyor apparatus 4, which feeds the plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f.

[0051] Preferably, in all embodiments, to be able to feed the plurality of briquetting machines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, in particular sequentially, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to be moved (i.e., displaced), in particular to vary its position, and / or it is configured so as to be able to convey the pellets in two directions opposite to each other, in particular so as to be able to vary the discharge area of the pellets.

[0052] Preferably, advantageously, said motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to move the pellets substantially horizontally, thereby meaning an inclination comprising a tolerance of ±15° (degrees), preferably ±10° and even more preferably of ±5° with respect to a horizontal axis.Preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to receive the pellets in at least one first zone 41 , and to convey the pellets toward at least one second zone 42 (or discharge zone), which is more external, in particular radially more external, with respect to the first zone 41. Said at least one second zone 42, in particular, is defined by an end portion 44 of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4. The motorized conveyor apparatus 4 may comprise one or more conveyor devices, for example, one or more conveyor belts 40 or one or more screw feeders; preferably, one or more conveyor belts 40, in particular one or more motorized conveyor belts. Each conveyor belt 40 may, for example, be a metal chain or metal mesh belt.

[0053] In the apparatus in Fig. 1, a conveyor belt 40 is provided, in particular a single conveyor belt 40. However, as already mentioned, the motorized conveyor apparatus may comprise more than one conveyor belt, for example two conveyor belts, for example aligned with each other along a substantially horizontal axis and adapted to convey the pellets in opposite directions to each other.

[0054] As already mentioned, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of containers (bins) 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f and a plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f; each briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f is adapted to receive the pellets exiting a respective container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f;

[0055] and the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to transfer the pellets to the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, whereby each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f is adapted to receive the pellets from the motorized conveyor apparatus 4. In particular, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to discharge the pellets into the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, i.e. , is adapted to cause the pellets to fall into the containers. More in particular, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to receive the pellets in at least one first zone 41 , and to convey the pellets toward at least one second zone 42, which is more external (in particular radially more external with respect to the first zone 41 ), to discharge the pellets, i.e., let them drop, into at least one container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0056] In particular, in all the embodiments, preferably, for each briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f a respective container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f is provided arranged downstream of (in particular below) the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 andupstream of (in particular above) the respective briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f.

[0057] Preferably, each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f is arranged at and above a respective briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f.

[0058] The containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f are used for dosing the pellets to be transferred to the briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f. For improved dosing, each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e is preferably provided with respective dosing means for dosing the quantity of pellets to be sent to the respective briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f.

[0059] Preferably, said dosing means comprise a rotary feeder and / or a load cell and / or a level sensor.

[0060] Preferably, downstream of each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and upstream of the respective briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, a respective valve 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, in particular a respective shut-off valve, is provided.

[0061] In all embodiments, it is particularly preferable that the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to transfer the pellets to at least one container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f at a time, and to be moved (i.e., displaced), varying its position, to sequentially feed the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f. In particular, the motorized conveyor apparatus may be moved (i.e., displaced) so as to vary the position of the one or more discharge zones of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4. In other words, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is movable.

[0062] Preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to rotate (whereby its position varies), in particular about a vertical axis Y or the motorized conveyor apparatus 104 is adapted to translate (whereby its position varies), in particular along a horizontal axis, to feed the containers sequentially.

[0063] In the case where, for example, the motorized conveyor apparatus comprises two conveyor belts, the motorized conveyor apparatus is adapted to feed two containers at a time and in particular, in this case, each conveyor belt has a respective first zone and second zone. The motorized conveyor apparatus may, further or alternatively, be configured so as to be able to convey the pellets, optionally alternately, in two mutually opposite directions.Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises an electronic control system configured so that the movement of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 occurs as a function of the quantity of pellet detected by said dosing means. In particular, the electronic control system is configured so that the movement of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 to feed a subsequent container occurs each time a predetermined quantity of pellet is transferred into each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0064] In particular, during the movement, for example the rotation or translation, of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4, the advancement of the pellets, in particular the substantially horizontal advancement of the pellets, is blocked. For example, in the case where the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 comprises one or more conveyor belts 40, each belt is stopped.

[0065] Preferably, the containers of said plurality of containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f are arranged about a vertical axis Y, preferably along a circumference C5. In particular, said circumference C5 has the center on said vertical axis Y. Preferably, said circumference C5 passes through the centers of the opening 51a, 51b, 51c, 51 d, 51 e, 51 f of each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f for the inlet of the pellets. Preferably, said circumference C5 passes through the centers of the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0066] Further, preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to rotate about said vertical axis Y. For example, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is capable of performing a rotation of 360° about said vertical axis Y. The motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to convey the pellets away, in particular radially away, from said vertical axis Y. For example, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 may be hinged to a structure, in particular to a fixed structure, with respect to which it is adapted to rotate.

[0067] In particular, said at least one first zone 41 is proximal to said vertical axis Y and said at least one second position 42 is distal from said vertical axis Y.

[0068] Preferably, the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f are arranged around said vertical axis Y, preferably along a circumference C3. In particular, said circumference C3 has the center on said vertical axis Y. Preferably, said circumference C3 passes through the centers of theopenings 31a, 31b, 31c, 31 d, 31 e, 31f of each briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f for the inlet of the pellets.

[0069] Preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to take a plurality of positions, in particular angular positions with respect to said vertical axis Y; and in each position the conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to transfer, in particular discharge, pellets into at least one container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0070] In particular, the conveyor belt 40 (or each conveyor belt 40) is adapted to rotate about said vertical axis Y. In particular, the conveyor belt 40 (or each conveyor belt 40) is adapted to take a plurality of positions, in each of which it is adapted to unload pellets into a container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f; in particular, in each of said positions an end portion 44 of the conveyor belt 40 is above and at a container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0071] Figs. 2 and 3 diagrammatically show a conveyor belt 40 in two different positions. In Fig. 2, the conveyor belt 40 is adapted to substantially horizontally convey the pellets to cause them to drop into a container 5c. In particular, the conveyor belt 40 is adapted to convey the pellets from the first zone 41 to the second zone 42 (radially more external with respect to the first zone 41). The second zone 42 is defined by an end portion 44 of the conveyor belt 40. Fig. 4 diagrammatically shows a side view of only some components of the apparatus 1 , while it is in the operating configuration of Fig. 2.

[0072] In Fig. 3, the conveyor belt 40 is adapted to substantially horizontally convey the pellets to cause them to drop into another container 5d.

[0073] The conveyor belt 40 rotates about the vertical axis Y to sequentially feed (in particular one at a time) the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0074] During the rotation about the vertical axis Y of the conveyor belt 40 to transition from one position to the subsequent position, the advancement of the pellets from the first zone 41 to the second zone 42 is interrupted.

[0075] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a receptacle 6 (or container) adapted to receive pellets exiting the reactor 2 and to transfer them, in particular discharge them, onto the motorized conveyor apparatus 4, in particular, onto the first zone 41 of the motorized conveyor apparatus 4.In particular, said receptacle 6 is arranged below the reactor 2 and above the motorized conveyor apparatus 4, preferably in a more internal position, in particular radially more internal, with respect to the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0076] Preferably, said receptacle 6 is arranged along said vertical axis Y.

[0077] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises heating means (not shown) adapted to heat the pellets conveyed by the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 and / or the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is provided with thermal insulation means 49 adapted to thermally insulate the pellets conveyed by the motorized conveyor apparatus 4. Preferably, said heating means comprise one or more electric heating devices, in particular one or more electric resistors.

[0078] Preferably, said thermal insulation means 49 comprise a hood (or casing) in which said motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is at least partially arranged.

[0079] The heating means, in particular, are arranged in the thermal insulation means 49. For example, electric heating devices may be arranged in the aforesaid hood. Preferably, the zones between the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 and the openings 51a, 51b, 51c, 51 d, 51 e, 51 f of each container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f for the inlet of the pellets are separated from the external atmosphere, in particular by isolation means (for example a hood or a casing), so as to preserve heat and reduce the oxidation of the pellets. Further, or alternatively, a casing may be provided that encloses at least the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 and the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, and preferably also said receptacle 6. It is further possible, optionally, to insufflate inert gases such as, for example, nitrogen or argon into the isolation means to further reduce the oxidative effect of the material during the process. With reference to Fig. 6, in a variant, the containers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f are arranged along a horizontal axis; preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 104 is adapted to translate along said horizontal axis (so as to vary its position) and / or is adapted to move the pellets alternately in two opposite directions to each other, in particular to sequentially feed the containers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f ; preferably, the motorized conveyor apparatus 104 is adapted to convey the pellets substantially parallel to said horizontal axis; preferably, the briquetting machines 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f are arranged parallel to said horizontal axis. In the variant shown in Fig. 6, the motorized conveyorapparatus 104 comprises a conveyor belt 140. In Fig. 6 the conveyor belt 140 (linearly translatable) is shown in two positions, with a continuous line and with a dashed line, respectively.

[0080] The invention also relates to a method of operating an apparatus 1 for producing hot briquetted iron, wherein it is provided that the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 receives the pellets exiting the reactor 2, and wherein said at least one briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f receives the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus 4; in particular wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus conveys the pellets substantially horizontally (thereby meaning that an inclination comprising a tolerance of ±15° (degrees), preferably of ±10° or even more preferably of ±5° with respect to a horizontal axis, is nevertheless included), in particular to feed the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f.

[0081] In particular, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is adapted to be moved in order to be able to take a plurality of positions to sequentially feed the containers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f; in which, in each position, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 transfers the pellets to at least one container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f at a time until reaching a predetermined quantity of pellets.

[0082] In particular, in a first position, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 transfers the pellets to at least one container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f until a predetermined quantity of pellets is reached; and, once said predetermined quantity of pellets has been reached, the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 is moved to take a second position, in which the motorized conveyor apparatus 4 transfers the pellets to at least one other container 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f until the predetermined quantity of pellets is reached.

[0083] Optionally, one or more depressurization containers 8a, 8b, 8c are provided. The one or more depressurization containers 8a, 8b, 8c are arranged downstream of the reactor 2 and upstream of the conveyor apparatus 4; in particular, downstream of the reactor 2 and upstream of the receptacle 6 (if provided). The one or more depressurization containers 8a, 8b, 8c are adapted to receive and then discharge the pellets and are useful for managing the transition from a pressurized environment (i.e., the reactor 2) to an atmospheric-pressure environment.Preferably, downstream of the at least one briquetting machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, a cooling system 9 of the hot briquetted iron is provided. The cooling system 9, for example, may comprise a quenching tank or a cooling conveyor, in particular a slow cooling conveyor.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron comprising- a reactor (2) for direct reduction of iron pellets, in particular iron oxide pellets; - a plurality of briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), each adapted to produce hot briquetted iron, in particular by hot compaction of the pellets;- a plurality of containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f);- a motorized conveyor apparatus (4), arranged downstream of the reactor (2) for receiving the pellets exiting the reactor (2), and arranged upstream of said plurality of briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), so that the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) can receive the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus (4);wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to transfer the pellets to the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f);and wherein each briquetting machine (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) is adapted to receive the pellets exiting a respective container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

2. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to claim 1, wherein said motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to substantially horizontally move the pellets, in particular with a tolerance of ±15° with respect to a horizontal axis.

3. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to transfer the pellets to at least one container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) at a time, and to be moved to sequentially feed the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

4. An apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to rotate, in particular about a vertical axis (Y), or to translate, in particular along a horizontal axis, to sequentially feed the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

5. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers of said plurality of containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) are arranged around a vertical axis (Y), preferably along a circumference (C5);wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to rotate about said vertical axis (Y), in particular to sequentially feed the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f);preferably, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to convey the pellets away from, in particular radially away from, said vertical axis (Y); preferably, wherein the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) are arranged around said vertical axis (Y), preferably along a circumference (C3).

6. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to take a plurality of positions, preferably angular positions with respect to said vertical axis (Y); and wherein in each position the conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to transfer, in particular discharge, pellets into at least one container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

7. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) comprises one or more conveyor belts (40).

8. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to claim 7, wherein each conveyor belt (40) is adapted to rotate about said vertical axis (Y), in particular wherein each conveyor belt (40) is adapted to take a plurality of positions, in each of which it is adapted to discharge pellets into a container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); in particular wherein, in each of said positions, an end portion (44) of the conveyor belt (40) is above and at a container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f).

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the containers of said plurality of containers (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) are arranged along a horizontal axis; preferably wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (104) is adapted to translate along said horizontal axis and / or it is adapted to alternately move the pellets in two directions opposite to each other, in particular to sequentially feed the containers (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f);preferably wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to convey the pellets parallel to said horizontal axis;preferably wherein the briquetting machines of said plurality of briquetting machines (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f) are arranged parallel to said horizontal axis.

10. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a receptacle (6) adapted to receive pellets exiting the reactor (2) and to transfer them, in particular discharge them, onto the motorized conveyor apparatus (4); in particular wherein said receptacle (6) is arranged below the reactor (2) and above the motorized conveyor apparatus (4), preferably, in a more internal position with respect to said at least one container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); preferably wherein said receptacle (6) is arranged along said vertical axis (Y).

11. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) is provided with dosing means for dosing the amount of pellets to be sent to the respective briquetting machine (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f); preferably wherein said dosing means comprise a rotary feeder and / or a load cell.

12. An apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising heating means adapted to heat the pellets conveyed by the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) and / or wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is provided with thermal insulation means (49) adapted to thermally insulate the pellets conveyed by the motorized conveyor apparatus (4); preferably, wherein said heating means comprise one or more electrical heating devices, in particular one or more electrical resistors; preferably, wherein said thermal insulation means (49) comprise a hood in which said motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is at least partially arranged.

13. A method of operating an apparatus (1) for producing hot briquetted iron according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is provided that the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) receives the pellets exiting the reactor (2), and wherein each briquetting machine (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) receives the pellets coming from the motorized conveyor apparatus (4).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is adapted to be moved to be able to take a plurality of positions for sequentially feeding the containers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); wherein, in each position, the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) transfers the pellets to at least one container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) at a time until a predetermined amount of pellets is reached;in particular wherein, in a first position, the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) transfers the pellets to at least one container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) until a predetermined amount of pellets is reached; and once said predetermined amount of pellets is reached, the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) is moved to take a second position in which the motorized conveyor apparatus (4) transfers the pellets to at least another container (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f), until the predetermined amount of pellets is achieved.

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