(19)

(11)

EP 1 147 232 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 09.11.2000 (43) Date of publication: 24.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/43 (21) Application number: 99963630.1 (22) Date of filing: 08.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C21B 7/10 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9904/085 (87) International publication number: WO 0034/530 (15.06.2000 Gazette 2000/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 08.12.1998 GB 9826850 (71) Applicant: British Steel Limited London W1V 2BS (GB)	(72) Inventors: MILLER, Keith MaryportCumbria CA15 6SP (GB) DONOGHUE, BarryOgden & Lawson WorkingtonCumbria CA 14 5DY (GB) (74) Representative: Downing, Michael Philip et al Fry Heath & Spence,The Old College,53 High Street Horley,Surrey RH6 7BN Horley,Surrey RH6 7BN (GB)