Importance

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Abstract

A steel manufacturing facility and method are disclosed which utilize ground mobile equipment, as opposed to overhead cranes. At least one material container is loaded with a steel making product and picked up with a transport vehicle that is movable throughout the facility and adapted for various uses within the facility. The material container is placed within an interior chamber of a furnace coupling shell assembly utilizing the vehicle such that the material container is supported by a support mechanism of the apparatus. The shell assembly and the material container are moved together to the furnace utilizing the vehicle. A bottom opening of the shell assembly is positioned over the top opening of the furnace utilizing the vehicle. The furnace is then charged with the steel making product through the top opening. The material container and shell assembly are then removed together from above the furnace using the vehicle and then the furnace can be operated.

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First Claim