Abstract: A heat shield arrangement (12) for a roller table (2) comprising respective upper and lower series of heat shield panels (32,34,36,18) above and below a hot material path (42) along the table. The lower series of panels (18) includes at least one panel that is displaceable to permit a greater radiation loss from a central region of the path (42) than from laterally outer regions to each side of the central region. The upper series of panels includes at least one central panel (34) and at least two laterally outer panels (32,36) on opposite sides of said central panel (34), the outer panels (32,36) being suspended from a primary support structure (26) and said central panel (34) being suspended from an auxiliary support structure (30) displaceable relative to the primary support structure (26) to raise said central panel (34) relative to the outer panels (32,36). By these means a more uniform lateral temperature profile can be obtained even for thick transfer bars.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the lateral temperature control of hot material on a roller table of a hot roller mill employs adjustable heat-insulating panels below the hot material path, between the rollers of the roller table. Between each successive pair of rollers a number of the heat-insulating panels are arranged side by side, as a group spanning the width of the table. At least away from the entry end of the table, the panels of each group can be displaced selectively to allow a greater loss of heat from a central region of the hot material between its side edges than in the side edge regions themselves. The selective displacement of the panels can be preprogrammed to be determined by the characteristics of the hot material entering the roller table.

Abstract: A roller table provides a hot material path and heat insulating panels are disposed below that path, between successive rollers of the table. The panels are displaceable between a raised, operative position close to the hot material path and a lower, inoperative position in which the panel upper faces are turned away from said path. The panels remain within the width of the roller table when they are so retracted. Further heat insulating panels are displacably mounted on a frame above the path. Temperature sensing means with the top panels actuate the displacement of both the upper and lower panels.

Abstract: Heat shield panels arranged below a hot material path are supported in a manner which allow limited movement. Carry-over bars at opposite ends of each panel are also displaceably mounted and have bearer elements which lie below the panels. When a carry-over bar is struck by distorted material, it will be momentarily displaced and, through supporting engagement of the bearer elements with the panel, displacement of the panel also occurs, so disturbing loose deposits on its top faces. Occasional agitation of the panels is thereby provided passively and the build-up of deposits on a panel top face can be countered in a manner which allow the angle of slope of the top faces to be reduced.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage apparatus has a heat-insulating casing containing a length of flexible material extending between a pair of driven mandrels so that the material can be wound on either mandrel selectively. Between the mandrels the unwound material is heated as it passes a window in the casing through which solar energy is focused, and the heated material is collected in closely coiled form on the receiving mandrel, where it has a low exposed surface area for its thermal mass, to store the heat received. The stored energy is extracted from the coiled material by winding it onto the other mandrel while a gas flow is passed over the unwound material.

Abstract: A metal or alloy, present in material containing another metal or alloy having a higher melting point, can be recovered by heating the material in conditions preventing oxidation of the lower melting point metal or alloy, vaporizing this metal or alloy and depositing it on at least one collective surface. The initial heating may be performed in a controlled atmosphere at around atmospheric pressure, e.g. up to the melting point of the lower melting metal or alloy, whereafter the pressure can be reduced and heating continued to effect the vaporization.Apparatus for use in such a process comprises a heating chamber, means for heating the material in said chamber, means for producing higher and lower pressure conditions in said chamber, and condenser means in said chamber or arranged to be put into communication with the chamber in conjunction with the production of said lower pressure condition for the deposition of vaporized lower melting point metal or alloy on said condenser means.