Abstract: A protective refractory member for protecting heat-absorptive elements in a high-temperature furnace comprises a refractory shape, an interconnected, reticulated metal mesh embedded within the shape and positioned substantially adjacent an inner surface of the shape and at least one opening extending through a thickness of the shape and through the mesh. A tubular insert is located within the opening and is welded to the spirals which define the mesh. Both the insert and certain of the spirals engage the heat-absorptive element and the insert is welded to the element to retain the member thereto.

Abstract: A ladle preheat station includes a firing wall through which a burner fires into an open end of a ladle juxtapositioned with respect to the wall, an air curtain means positioned about the firing wall so as to direct a curtain of air toward the ladle to eliminate ambient air infiltration between the firing wall and the ladle lip. In a preferred form an insulating refractory is placed along the inner-most edge of the air curtain means to reradiate the radiated heat and minimize slot radiation heat losses.

Abstract: A protective refractory elongated hollow member for protecting pipe and the like in high temperature metallurgical furnaces comprises an arcuately shaped male part and an arcuately shaped female part interconnected at their respective longitudinal edges. The male part includes a clip partially embedded therewithin, which clip includes at least one hook and preferably two extending outward from the longitudinal edge of the part. The female part includes hook-receiving members such as loops partially embedded and extending from its longitudinal edge to receive the hooks. The hooks include locking means or preventive disengaging means for retaining the parts in assembled relationship.