Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic filter device for molten metal filtration comprising a major ceramic phase and a minor carbon phase bonded by phosphate bond, a method for producing such filter devices, and the use of such filter devices for the filtration of molten steel.

Abstract: A method of making an insulating furnace lining by forming a reticulated ceramic having interconnected webs defining a plurality of interconnected pores and a plurality of fibers distributed within substantially all of the pores in a selected volume of the reticulated ceramic. The reticulated ceramic is arranged to form at least a portion of a furnace lining. The reticulated ceramic and the fibers may be oxides, ceramics, carbides, nitrides, silicides, borides, carbon and mixtures thereof. The fibers form a batt which fills at least a portion of the pores.

Abstract: A surface combustion radiant heat burner having an inlet plenum for receiving fuel and oxidant gas mixtures and a burner body in communication with the inlet plenum. The burner body has an inlet side facing the plenum and an outlet side defining a radiating surface. The burner body consists of a first layer of porous ceramic material adjacent the inlet side of the plenum and a second layer of porous ceramic material defining a radiating surface. At least the outer surfaces of the first porous layer and substantially all surfaces of the second porous layer are provided with a fully dense ceramic coating applied by chemical vapor deposition.