Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a support system for providing dynamic support to a deposition reactor. The system includes a coupling mechanism configured to provide coupling between the deposition reactor and the support system, an attachment mechanism configured to attach the support system to an external frame, and at least one gas bellows situated between the coupling mechanism and the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner arrangement comprising a fluid cooled copper block. Further, the invention relates to a burner assembly, a duct element, a gas circulating duct, and a metallurgical furnace comprising said burner arrangement. The burner arrangement (B) comprises a fluid cooled copper block (3) including a cooling conduit (4) for circulation of the cooling fluid, a first end (5) to which the burner unit (1) is releasably attached and a second end (6), and that the burner channel (2) extends inside the fluid cooled copper block (3) from the first end (5) to the second end (6).

Abstract: To provide a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a reaction vessel having a processing chamber inside that processes a substrate; a heating device that heats said substrate from an outer peripheral side of the reaction vessel; a lid member that closes the processing chamber; an attachment/detachment jig placed on the lid member for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from an inside of the heating device; and a support section provided in an upper side of a lower end of the reaction vessel on an inside wall of the reaction vessel, and abutted on an upper surface of the attachment/detachment jig for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from the inside of the heating device.

Abstract: Provided are a continuous drying apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a combustion chamber, a heat exchange chamber, a filter, a mixing chamber, and a drying chamber. Biomass to be dried is loaded into an upper end of the drying chamber and falls on a rotating plate at a bottom of the drying chamber. Heated gas from the combustion chamber is mixed with recycled gas output from the drying chamber, and with recycled gas output from the heat exchange chamber, is filtered and is directed to the mixing chamber. Gas circulates within the mixing chamber and is directed into a lower end of the drying chamber at a drying temperature. The biomass loaded into the drying chamber is dried by the gas, and is extracted off the rotating plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a subsurface heater comprising: a combustible gas supply conduit; an oxygen supply conduit and a heat transmissive external housing encompassing a porous refractory medium. The combustible gas supply conduit and the oxygen supply conduit are configured as a concentric pair disposed within the porous refractory medium and coupled to a plurality of gas jets disposed within the porous refractory medium. The porous refractory medium has disposed within it a plurality of combustion product gas return conduits. The combustion product gas return conduits are configured to receive combustion product gases from the porous refractory medium. Also provided in another aspect of the present invention, is a method for heating a subsurface zone.

Abstract: A venturi vent assembly for an outdoor cooker includes a cooker mounting flange attached to, and surrounding, one end of an outer tube. An inner tube extends through the outer tube and has an blower inlet at one end and an outlet. A plurality of ribs attach an exterior surface of an inner tube to an interior surface of the outer tube to define a plurality of venturi passages that surround a center passage of the inner tube. A valve plate is mounted on the inner tube and is movable between a closed position in contact with the outer tube to close the venturi passages, and an open position out of contact with the outer tube to open the venturi passages. The outlet tube of an electric blower may be mated to the inlet of the inner tube, and the venturi of assembly may be attached to a firebox of an outdoor cooker via the mounting flange.

Abstract: A furnace of controlled heating and treatment of material using infrared radiation. The furnace is capable of continuous infrared treating of material with consistent radiation being applied to the material, ease of access to the furnace for maintenance cleaning and repair, excellent control of radiant cooling of the material to be treated, and ease of maintenance of a volatile component condenser.

Abstract: A furnace is heated by a burner that can be selectively operated by either air-fuel or oxy-fuel combustion. The burner comprises a conduit for fuel, a conduit for air, a conduit for oxidant, and control means for regulating flow through the air and oxidant conduits. An air-fuel fired furnace can be modified by addition of the oxidant and fuel conduits and the control means for regulating flow through air and oxidant conduits.

Abstract: A technique for the application extension of dynamic technology includes modifying a prior art static technology into a corresponding dynamic technology, and relates to a method for dynamically improving the material quality, construction and parameter of a technological equipment. The material quality, construction, parameter, and pertinent working and manufacturing process of the weak link in prior art are modified by applying a selective combination of dynamic technology, hereby to improve the quality, function, performance, accuracy, purity, high temperature, high pressure, high energy stream density etc. Typical application of the said selective combination includes dynamic electrode, dynamic spraying gun, dynamic industrial furnace, dynamic material production, dynamic high energy battery, dynamic strong electric light source, dynamic laser and dynamic nuclear reactor.

Abstract: Device for filling the pits of a carbon material anode baking furnace with packing material, substantially carbon powder, includes a tank having a body extended by a lower portion forming at least one funnel, wherein at least two outlet orifices permit the packing material to be poured out of the tank and wherein the outlet orifices are substantially aligned, and a device for handling the tank which permits the tank to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the outlet orifices are aligned. It is therefore possible to pour the packing material simultaneously into two adjacent pits of a furnace, from the same tank. The device is used for the baking of anodes used for the electrolysis of aluminum.

Abstract: A fixture (30) adapted to permit the heated exchange of a liner (14) from an operating vertical furnace (10). The fixture is adapted to secure to the base of the liner (14) to both unlock and lower the heated liner, such as a silicon carbide liner, at an controlled rate. The fixture is also adapted to elevate a new liner into the operating vertical furnace at a controlled rate to control the rate of heating of the liner as it is inserted into the operating vertical furnace. The fixture includes an inner ring (34), a low-friction Teflon® ring (36), and an outer ring (38) permitting the rotation of the inner ring within the outer ring. Advantageously, the low friction ring comprises a flanged portion and a vertical portion allowing rotation of the inner ring within the outer ring even when elevated at extreme temperatures exceeding 500° C.

Abstract: A method and a device for the hot-repairing of the heating flues of a coke-oven battery according to which the completed sections of a heating flue still under construction are heated by means of a heated gas. The heated gas comprises the air usually provided for combustion in the heating flues during coking operations. The air is guided through the flow paths provided for in the coke-oven battery for combustion air and waste gases as well as through the regenerator, heated as it passes through the flow paths and then guided through the heating flues to be repaired. The completed section of the heating flue is separated from the non-completed portion by an air-reversion device that also directs the heated air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing gas ports in CVD/CVI furnaces and processes is disclosed. A fluid direction nozzle (160) is positioned between a top lip (101) of a gas inlet port (100) delivering a reactant gas (G) to a furnace compartment(200) in a CVD/CVI furnace (10) and corresponding holes (151) of a CVD/CVI process apparatus such as a hearth plate (150). The fluid direction nozzle 160 reduces leakage of reactant gases (G) and ensures a smooth transition of gas flow direction between the gas inlet port (100) and the corresponding holes (151). CVD/CVI process times are significantly reduced with the use of the reusable/replaceable flow direction nozzles (160).

Abstract: A kiln has a control box pivotably coupled to an oven portion via a hinge at a lower end of the control box so that the control box can pivot about the hinge from a closed position adjacent the oven portion to an open position where an upper end of the control box is separated from the oven portion. The control box houses electronic controller components. A chimney portion is attached to the oven portion and is separated from the upper end of the control box when the control box is in the open position. The control box pivots about the hinge along a generally horizontal axis. A linkage is coupled between the control box and the oven portion to limit the pivotal movement range of the control box at the open position.

Abstract: A continuous sintering apparatus to be used for sintering nuclear fuel pellets includes a casing integrally constructed to have an upper portion enclosed in a maintenance glove box. The furnace casing includes a casing body and a ceiling cover removably mounted on the casing body, and the ceiling cover can be opened in the glove box while retaining containment. A furnace member to be accommodated in the casing body comprises a combination of a plurality of divided furnace member units, and the furnace member units can be maintained by glove operations when they are delivered from the inside of the casing body into the glove box. A ceiling crane is disposed at an upper portion of the inside of the glove box, and a ceiling cover tentative space and a maintenance working space are provided in the glove box. A turntable for placing the delivered furnace member unit is preferably disposed in the maintenance working space.

Abstract: The vertical heat treatment apparatus for semiconductor wafers (W) includes a heat treatment furnace (19). In the heat treatment furnace (19), the wafers (W) are subjected to a batch treatment in a state mounted on a boat (16). To the lower side of the heat treatment furnace (19), a preparatory vacuum chamber (102) is airtightly connected through a manifold (33). The manifold (33) has first and second parts (33a and 33b) separably coupled to each other, which are connected to the heat treatment furnace (19) and the preparatory vacuum chamber (102), respectively. The second part (33b) defines a valve seat on which a lid (22) is seated to cut off the communication between the heat treatment furnace (19) and the preparatory vacuum chamber (102).

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of a loop-shaped flame in a glass furnace. The furnace includes, in a rear part, a glass melting zone heated by injecting through at least one port a fuel gas and an oxidizer gas having more than 50 vol % of oxygen and, in a front part, a glass refining zone. The process involves defining a stoichiometry coefficient Ks of the flame in the melting zone or the refining zone according to the following formula: ##EQU1## The oxidizer gas and the fuel gas injected through at least the first port are adjusted to obtain a stoichiometry coefficient Ks in the glass melting zone equal to at most 0.8. A fuel-oxidizer mixture is injected into the refining zone to obtain a stoichiometry coefficient Ks in the refining zone which is greater than the stoichiometry coefficient Ks in the melting zone and which is between 0.8 and 1.5. An oxidizer gas is injected into the melting zone in the vicinity of a fume discharge zone to obtain a quantity of oxygen in the fumes of between 0.

Abstract: The refractory section of a sintering furnace for sintering mixed oxide nuclear fuel pellets is disposed between a pair of glove boxes. Extensions from the opposite ends in communication with the sintering channel project through glove ports in the glove boxes, facilitating movement of boats containing the pellets through the sintering channel. Flexible material connects between the opposite ends of the refractory section and the glove boxes to isolate the extensions, glove boxes and sintering channel from the surrounding environment. The refractory section may be replaced by disconnecting the extension from boat pushing apparatus, displacing the furnace away from one glove box, gathering the flexible material and sealing it at three longitudinal locations and severing the seal at the intermediate location whereby both the glove box and the sintering furnace are maintained isolated.

Abstract: A quartz tube with multiple thermocouple ports arranged along its radius allows for the quartz tube to be rotated while the thermocouple is always placed in the bottom position of the quartz tube. This avoids a problem of the sagging of the quartz tube. When quartz tubes are not rotated, the quartz tubes tend to start sagging from their top. By rotating the quartz tube different portions of the quartz tube are at the top at different times. By using multiple thermocouple ports arranged around the radius of the quartz tube, the thermocouple can be positioned at the bottom of the quartz tube for different orientations of the quartz tube.

Abstract: A furnace refractory extraction system and method includes a selectively removable bottom portion which is attached to a refractory extraction device associated with a container for drawing the refractory lining of a coreless induction furnace into the container. A plug portion in the furnace bottom is selectively removable to provide access to a bottom wall of the refractory lining. An opening is made in the bottom wall of the lining through which an extractor shaft is inserted and then attached to the removable bottom portion of the furnace bottom. The other end of the shaft is attached to a piston and cylinder assembly associated with the container at the open end of the furnace. When the piston and cylinder assembly is powered, the lining is drawn into the container.

Abstract: A device repairs worn depressed surfaces around a tap hole opening in a blast furnace plate. The device includes a preformed frusto-conical member made of a refractory material that is flexible and rapidly baked. A ferrule is formed of frangible material and encloses the refractory member therein. The ferrule is fastened to the nose of a tap hole gun which impacts against the depressed surface thereby causing destruction of the ferrule and allowing adhering deformation of the refractory material to fill the worn depressed surface of the plate--around the tap hole.

Abstract: A roller hearth furnace (1) is subdivided into detachably assembled sections (2). In order to clean the rollers, one of the sections (2) of the assembly is removed and replaced by a replacement section (7) previously heated to the furnace operating temperature. The section (2) removed can therefore cool before being cleaned. The sections (2, 7) are transported along a stretch of rails (3) parallel to the roller hearth furnace (1).

Abstract: A casing for a kiln includes at least one casing unit comprising: vertical and horizontal frame members assembled according to the shape of a framework of the kiln; outer plates secured to at least one of the vertical and horziontal frame members for covering the spacings encircled by said vertical and horizontal frame members; guide fittings provided at the spacings between outer plates adjacent in a longitudinal direction of the kiln for slidably supporting the ends of said outer plates; and securing means for securing said outer plates to said vertical frame member or horizontal frame member so that the spacings between the adjacent outer plates are expandable in a longitudinal direction of the kiln.

Abstract: A method of hot repair heating trains of a coke oven battery includes brick laying of a heating train, warming a finished portion of a respective heating train during the brick laying to a temperature of approximately 250.degree. C., directly after ending the brick laying heating a new heating train to a temperature of approximately 500.degree. C., performing the warming and heating by means of gaseous heat carrier, blowing the heat carrier into the heating trains and heating the heat carrier in a heat exchange with use of heat of hot parts of the coke oven battery.

Abstract: An elongated, horizontal tunnel-type furnace for heat treating workpieces carried in succession therethrough. The furnace is of modular construction and comprises a series of contiguous individual modular sections that define a tunnel-type enclosure. Each modular section comprises a stationary lower enclosure section and an assembled vertically retractable upper enclosure section. The upper enclosure sections are supported along opposite sides by a plurality of spaced, free-standing lifting devices. A screw-jack is associated with each lifting device for raising and lowering the upper enclosure sections relative to the lower enclosure sections. The upper enclosure sections may be raised and lowered individually or joined together and moved as a unit.

Abstract: To open a furnace taphole that is closed by a body of plugging material and a tapping rod the tapping rod is driven into the interior of the furnace. Because the tapping rod is driven in and not withdrawn, it is not necessary to provide a second hammer striking blows in the opposite direction, but the hammer used to drive the tapping rod into the body of plugging material is again employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing loose wall brick or refractory lining in process heaters eliminates the need for the assistance of personnel outside the heater. Also, the requirement for scaffolding outside the heater is eliminated. Brick or refractory lining on process heater walls becomes loose and pulls away from the skin because of expansion and contraction over a period of time. The holdback plate assembly may comprise a rod of stainless steel which is threaded at one end (access end) and slotted at the other end (non-access end). A piece of flat bar is pivotally attached off center in the slotted end of the rod thereby allowing it to rotate freely for 90.degree. when unrestrained. The rod is inserted through a hole drilled through the brick and heater wall then positioned such that the flat bar rotates 90.degree. in the slot.

Abstract: A process as disclosed for constructing a furnace for open chambers for baking carbonaceous blocks, comprising arranging a plurality of chambers in a series or in two parallel series, each chamber being defined by lateral partitions and transverse partitions, disposing the plurality of chambers within an independent concrete casing formed by a floor and lateral wall portions having disposed thereof a plurality of vertical buttresses and compressively prestressing the vertical buttresses in the vertical direction. A horizontal force may also be applied to the upper part of the transverse partitions.

Abstract: A method for the renovation of a ring section furnace having several sections connected in series, each section comprising a plurality of parallel pits. A complete renovation/maintenance of the furnace is accomplished according to a continuous program where one or more, preferably three sections at a time and when needed, are torn down and rebuilt while the remaining sections are still in operation. During normal operation, several adjacent sections are undergoing a firing cycle and constitute a firing zone. The furnace is normally operated with a plurality of firing zones separated by inactive adjacent sections having the work material removed from or placed therein. In the present method, the firing cycles of less than all of the firing zones are altered until the minimum number of inactive sections separates at least two of the firing zones. This results in an increase in the inactive sections at another point.

Abstract: In the repair of a refractory lining of a shaft furnace having a steel shell, a worn residual refractory lining inside the shell and cooling plates extending through the shell into the refractory lining, the worn lining is retained and an additional lining structure is added by(a) forming a refractory concrete layer with a flat upper surface at a ring of said cooling plates,(b) building up on the flat upper surface a refractory brickwork of blocks which is self-supporting and which has recesses in which cooling plates are located with clearance, the blocks being selected in accordance with the amount of wear locally,(c) filling space between the brickwork and the residual lining with concrete, and(d) filling the clearance space between the brickwork and the cooling plates in the recesses with a thermally conductive rammed mass.

Abstract: A vertically disposed steam generator includes a pressure vessel containing: a tube plate, chambers, a bundle of U-shaped bent heating tubes with supporting anchors, a steam trap above the heating tubes, and tubes for a secondary medium discharging into the pressure vessel. The heating tubes have ends guided through openings in the tube plate and discharging a primary medium into the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for transforming a rotary kiln equipped with a planetary cooler and intended in particular for the manufacture of cement, a kiln obtained by this method and a burning line equipped with this kiln, the kiln being constituted by an inclined rotary tube through which the material flows and which is heated inwardly, this tube comprising a downstream section constituting a burning zone having a smaller diameter than that of the upstream section constituting a material preparation zone, both sections being connected by a conical part, and the downstream section having a diameter comprised between 4 and 5,1 meters and a length comprised between 20 and 50 meters.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed for use in a furnance which utilizes a thin, cylindrical imperforate shell member which is heated from an external source to heat work placed within the shell. An insulated arrangement within and outside of the shell extends a spaced distance from the shell's opening to sandwich the shell's wall therebetween. The arrangement prevents heat flux by radiation and convection from heating the sandwiched wall thus permitting graded cooling of the sandwiched shell wall by conduction to a temperature whereat a conventional elastomer seal can be employed to seal the shell member.

Abstract: An oven construction in which an elongated oven assembly is provided by manufacturing a plurality of oven modules at a factory location and then shipping the modules to the usage site where they are assembled together in end-to-end fashion to form the final oven assembly. Each oven module includes an outer shell and an inner shell mounted so as to be spaced apart for insulation therebetween. The shells are interconnected at one point along the length thereof, but are allowed to expand differentially along the remainder of their lengths. The outer shell is rigidly tied to a foundation but the inner shell, through any of various approaches, is allowed to slide or move relative to the foundation everywhere except the one point where it is secured to the outer shell. Each module has a bellows-type expansion joint around the periphery of one end to allow for interconnection of the modules, one to another.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maintaining the lining of a furnace shell (1) comprising a bottom and a side wall and supported by a floor (2). The shell (1) is composed of two parts adapted to be separated and constituting respectively a bottom (11) and a cooled side wall (12). The side wall (12) is supported directly on a work floor (2) and the bottom (11) on a support (5) movable vertically between an upper operating position of the bottom (11), in line with the side wall (12), and a lower position. After the bottom (11) has been lowered into the lower position, it is moved out of the axis (10) of the furnace to a maintenance station, from which a new bottom (11') is then brought into the lower position, in the axis (10) of the furnace, in order finally to be raised to the upper operating position. The invention applies particularly to arc melting furnaces for steel production.

Abstract: An oven wall straightener and a method for straightening an oven wall are disclosed. An angled beam (30) is mounted in such a way that rapid heat transfer from the oven wall (10) to the vertex (35) of the angled beam (30) causes the angled beam (30) to bow away from the oven wall (10). Beam straps (50) then pull the oven wall (10) toward the angled beam (30) restoring the oven wall (10) to a relatively straightened position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a means for supporting the material being treated in continuous-action heat treatment furnaces. The support means consists of a cooled roller (5), on the periphery of which at least two cooled rollers (7) with substantially smaller diameter have been placed. The roller (5) is placed outside the furnaces (13, 16) and/or between two consecutive furnaces. Supporting of the material (18) is carried out by the aid of one roller (7) at a time, the roller (7) rotating at the speed of moving of the material. By the aid of the drive (3) provided for the roller (5), the mutual positioning of the rollers (7) can be changed.

Abstract: The synthesis gas cooler is provided with a movable platform in the space between the inner and outer flue. The platform may be constructed in segments with separate cable and winch means provided for raising and lowering of the platform segments via suspension structures. The suspension structures may also be secured in a raised position by bars which pass through fittings at the upper end of the suspension structures and which are supported in a partition above the movable platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hobbyist kiln containing one or more shelves each of which is constructed so as to have a hole located at about its geometric center. Additionally, the outside dimensions of the shelf are such that, on placing the shelf in the kiln, an annular space is provided between the perimeter of the shelf and the refractory wall of the kiln. The shelf hole in conjunction with the annular space provides a patch for thermal convection currents to cycle within the kiln, thereby evening out temperature extremes which would otherwise occur therein. The shelves may be provided in the greenware state with a refractory alumina kilnwash, the resulting composite being fired to yield an improved refractory shelf with a durable tightly-bonded protective surface coating.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for forming a liner in an induction furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing particulate refractory material and a plurality of material delivery tubes communicating with the hopper and extending into the space between a form disposed in the furnace and a furnace wall. A compaction plate is also disposed in the space and includes a plurality of bores therethrough which communicate with the material delivery tubes. Vibrating means vibrate the hopper, material delivery tubes and the compaction plate so that the particulate refractory material is transferred from the hopper to the space between the form and the furnace wall through the material delivery tubes and the compaction plate bores and is compacted by the compaction plate to form the liner.

Abstract: A problem that can occur with a large rotary kiln assembly is that it can move out of position or seals can become defective, making an escape of materials possible. The present invention provides transducers (10, 15) for detecting movement of the rotary kiln itself or part of a seal assembly secured thereto relative to an inlet/outlet arrangement of the kiln assembly or a part of a seal arrangement secured thereto and also means whereby the condition of the seals can be monitored by following changes in the pressure or flow rate of a purge gas. If the rotary kiln (2) should move out of alignment, then corrective action can be taken. If the seals should leak, then they are changed. A record of kiln movement is provided and if movement is excessive, an alarm (20) is sounded.

Abstract: A sand calciner system (10) includes a refractory lined drum (12) mounted for oscillation about its longitudinal axis (14). An arrangement of plows (76) are provided along the bottom inside of the drum (12) for mixing the sand received through an inlet (54) and advancing it toward a discharge outlet (56) responsive to oscillation of the drum over a predetermined arc about the axis (14). The plows (76) are arranged in staggered rows with each plow having a transverse front surface facing the inlet (54), an inclined top surface, and an angled back surface facing the outlet (56). An aerator pipe (78) is provided in conjunction with the plows (76) to fluidize the sand and thereby effect more thorough mixing and exposure to burners (58) positioned along the upper side of the drum (12) for complete calcining.

Abstract: To permit installation of various sizes of deburring chambers, matched to particular sizes, or combination of sizes of workpieces, so that only the minimum size chamber for the particular quantity or size of workpiece need be used, the chambers are provided in sets with adapters so that a single machine frame can be utilized, the adapters and chambers being fitted within the machine frame so that the lower edge (13a, 13'a) of any one of the chambers is within the closing or sealing stroke of a closing plate (14) carrying the workpieces. A coding system, for example coding bolts (16) is secured to each one of the chambers, to be scanned by a reading head (17) and transmitting information relative to the appropriate fill quantity and pressure of gases for the particular chamber then being installed in the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a regenerator furnace which is useful in making glass, the regenerator furnace including burner pipes, each burner pipe having a generally square or rectangular cross section, the upper part or cover of each pipe being built with monolithic elements made of refractory material and of sufficient extent for each upper element to rest at its ends on the refractory elements forming port side walls, these lateral elements themselves resting on refractory elements forming the base of the pipes.

Abstract: An asphalt recycling system and process are incorporated into an existing batch type asphalt plant. The existing asphalt plant has an aggregate dryer and air discharge ducts connected to a filtering system. A recycling dryer has input ducts connected to the existing aggregate dryer discharge ducts and output ducts connected from the recycling dryer back to the existing ducts to the filtering system. A recycle feeder bin for feeding reclaimed asphalt pavement to the recycle dryer is connected to the recycle dryer. A recycle booster burner is operatively connected to the recycle dryer through the input duct to the dryer for providing additional heat to the recycle dryer so that the waste heat from the existing aggregate dryer and the booster burner provide a predetermined heat to the recycle dryer for heating the asphalt material. A recycling storage bin or silo is connected to receive the heated recycled asphalt from the recycle dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a walking beam furnace wherein the walking beams can be lowered beyond their operative stroke to a maintenance position. The actuating device for the walking beams comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric assembly (10) and a wheel (16) rotatably mounted around a stationary axis and a preferably flexible drive-transmitting member (20) which is formed, for example, by a cable, a sprocket chain or the like, and is pivotably connected to said wheel (16). The flexible drive-transmitting member can rest on the peripheral surface of the wheel (16) both during the operative stroke of the walking beams (7) and during their lowering stroke to the maintenance position. The ramps, whereon the lifting rollers (6) for the walking beams (7) run, comprise a less-inclined upper stretch (3) and a successive more-inclined stretch (4).

Abstract: An improved insulation is provided for furnace members, particularly verticals, cross supports and skid pipes in slab reheating furnaces. The insulation includes a metal spring-clip having outward projections on which refractory tiles are formed. An intermediate layer is provided between the outer surface of the clip and the tiles so as to reduce friction and prevent cohesion between the clip and tiles. Thus, when the clip is spread for installation on the pipes, the tiles will not break.

Abstract: A method of operating "wet bottom" practice soaking pits to prolong useful period between bed replacement. Olivine is used to replace coke breeze in the bottom of the soaking pit to protect its refractory lining.Operating periods from 40-60 days are possible when olivine is used in the soaking pit. The olivine has excellent temperature stability, also, so it is well suited for this application, in which temperatures range from about 2400.degree.-2650.degree. F.

Abstract: In a support construction for a hot blast main which is connected by respective branches to the outlets of a plurality of hot blast stoves of a blast furnace, the main is suspended on each stove by means of a rod system secured to a stiffened transitional region between the wall and dome of the stove and having an outer end located above the main. The main is suspended from this outer end, to which at least one strut extends from the stove wall adjacent the hot blast outlet. A travelling crane track is secured to the lower side of the rod systems so as to extend above valves incorporated in the hot blast branches. Thus these valves can easily be removed and replaced.

Abstract: Device and process for operation of open baking furnaces, in particular such ring-type furnaces for manufacturing anodes for the aluminum electrolytic process, are such that for each so called fire the sealing chamber and/or chamber in the cooling zone can be saved in that the flue gas exhaust manifold is not situated on the headwall but instead on the flue and/or the opening of that headwall on which the last fresh air supply manifold is situated is closed off by a sliding baffle. Openings corresponding in cross section to that of the connected part of the flue gas exhaust manifold are provided in the region of the flues.The advantage of the process lies in the greater flexibility in furnace operation, which results either in an increase in production or an increase in product quality.