Abstract: A method and device for reducing the heat transfer in a high-temperature environment from a workpiece to an internally cooled skid pipe includes a plurality of alternating and spaced apart skids along an upper surface of the skid pipe. A reinforcement frame is secured to the remainder of the upper surface and an insulating material is placed within and around the reinforcement frame to effectively insulate the exposed part of the upper surface between the skid pipe and the work piece. The skids project from the upper surface more than the reinforced insulator to support the work piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to the insulating of furnace walls with a double layer of insulating modules of the type having refractory fibers disposed end on to the oven wall when disposed in place. The modules are first compressed and held that way with easily combustible material and the compression released during the firing of the furnace to destroy the wrapping material. The first layer is preferably non-aligned with the second layer to limit the loss of insulation due to aligned seams.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for securing a two component lining to the inside shell of a rotary kiln or the like. The apparatus includes a plurality of standoffs each having a bottom portion for connection to the inside shell of the kiln, a middle portion, and a top portion. A grid is connected to each of the top portions by means of a weld. A layer of a lightweight first castable material having high insulative properties is gunned or cast along the inside shell of the kiln to a depth less than the height of the standoffs. A second castable material having abrasion resistive properties is gunned or cast onto the surface of the first castable material at a depth substantially level with the surface of the grid. The standoffs serve as an anchor to secure the two layers of castible material into position . The grid connected to the top portion of the standoffs is preferably a honeycomb grid which aids the second castable material in protecting the first castable material from damage due to abrasion.

Abstract: A crucible furnace includes an ejector for removing the crucible from the furnace. The ejector consists of an ejector apparatus located below the floor of the furnace. A pressure transfer body in the shape of an inverted truncated cone is normally inserted in a truncated cone-shape opening in the furnace floor. The ejector acts upon the pressure transfer body to lift the body, as well as the crucible resting upon the body, out of the furnace. A hydraulic cylinder activates the ejector device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a walking beam furnace, the hearth of which consists, at least partially, of longitudinal beams arranged side by side and alternately formed as fixed beams and walking beams. Each walking beam is lifted and lowered with the aid of lifting rollers, which run on ramps. The ramps are prolonged downwards by a longer distance than is required for the working lift of the walking beams. The walking beams are depressed, step by step, into a repair and maintenance plane which lies appreciably below the plane of the hearth, by moving down the lifting rollers into the region of the lower prolongation of the ramps.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor is provided with heat exchange coils for controlling the temperature of the fluidized bed, with only vertically oriented sections of the coils exposed to the erosive conditions in the fluidized bed. The vapor-liquid circuit, of which the heat exchanger coils are a part, is arranged to operate on the principle of natural circulation. At least some of the tuyere elements discharge fluidizing gas at a level substantially above the constriction plate and the bed solids below the level of the tuyere gas discharge constitute a static layer during fluidization in which the lower angle bends of the heat exchange coils are embedded and so shielded from erosion by the fluidized solids of the bed proper. The static layer of bed solids also accommodates thermal expansion of the lower angle bend due to elevated temperatures and insulates the constriction plate from the high temperatures in the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus having an upper frame with a depending, telescopically elongatable and shortenable suspended structure for supporting at the lower end thereof a working platform in a converter or like metallurgical container, the upper frame being arranged to be supported at the upper end of the converter with the suspended structure extending down through an opening at the upper end of the converter. The apparatus has an endless conveyor which includes a vertical conveyor part extending from the upper frame to a point above the working platform, and a horizontal or inclined conveyor part situated outside the converter and the upper frame, the horizontal or inclined conveyor part permitting, upon elongation or shortening, shortening and elongation, respectively, of the vertical part of the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A wear-resistant, thermal protective, annular liner for a rotary kiln and an attendant method of making the same. The liner includes a series of elongate, axially aligned, annular composite liner sections, each of which comprises a layer of lightweight insulation material formed by side-by-side longitudinal rows of thermal insulating blocks positioned against the interior surface of the metal cylindrical wall of the kiln, with anchor brackets secured to the kiln wall and extending through respective openings in the insulating blocks and embedded in a relatively thicker and heavier layer of refractory material overlying the layer of insulation material, and wherein column portions of the refractory material project inwardly from the layer of refractory material and through the openings in the insulating blocks and in surrounding relation to the inner portions of the anchor brackets for supporting the layer of refractory material and preventing crushing the insulation material.

Abstract: A method for converting existing long rotary kiln wet or dry process cement making plants to a more energy efficient operation including removing a central section of an existing rotary kiln and replacing it with a furnace and associated material separator for calcining material received from a first beginning section of the existing kiln which functions as a preheater and for supplying the calcined material to an end portion of the existing kiln which serves as a clinkering device.

Abstract: A rotary retort has an open discharge end located within a furnace. An axle assembly extends into the discharge end to support it for rotation in the furnace.

Abstract: A precast insulating material member for insulating a furnace skid rail includes a precast insulating material portion containing a crisscross reinforcing structure. The crisscross reinforcing structure is comprised of a pair of arcuate-shaped rods which are welded together intermediate their ends, each rod having end-eye portions which extend outwardly from the corners of the U-shaped precast insulating member. Positioned about the crisscross-shaped rods are coil members which assist in reinforcing the insulating portion of the member when the reinforcing structure is embedded within the insulating portion. The end-eye portions of the rods provide a mechanical lock of the insulating member to a skid rail pipe when the eye portions are moved into engagement with the outer surface of the skid rail pipe.

Abstract: An industrial furnace with insulating walls and roof comprising side-by-side pre-formed panels each including a plurality of ceramic insulating modules. The roof modules are suspended by a structure comprising a support grid embedded in situ in the ceramic module. The grid includes four holding rods each parallel to the corresponding side of the module. Hanger rods are attached to the grid at the corners thereof, and extend out from the module to pass through holes in the furnace roof member where the rods are secured in place by nuts. The module may also carry electric heating coil embedded in situ in the ceramic material adjacent the surface thereof facing the furnace interior.

Abstract: A blast stove having adjoining combustion and checker chambers, for use with a blast furnace. A support structure, mounted within the checker chamber, supports tiers of interlocked checkerbricks. The support structure includes vertically extending columns which loosely engage a series of transversely extending girders. The girders supportively engage a plurality of grid bar assemblies, each assembly including a plurality of grid bars maintained in a spaced relation by transverse rods and spacers welded to the bars and further including interlocking apparatus for engaging the underlying girders and an adjacent grid bar assembly. The grid bar assemblies support a plurality of grid shoes having grid assembly engaging grooves for interlocking the grid shoes to the grid bar assemblies. The top surface of the grid shoes include recesses which receive bosses located on the underside of the checkerbricks so that the first layer of checkerbricks, is engaged by the shoes.

Abstract: A process of erecting interior combustion and checker chambers in a hot blast stove by lining the checker chamber and building the chamber wall from a vertically movable scaffold in the checker chamber shaped to conform with the interior thereof, laying up checkerwork in the checker chamber beneath the movable scaffold, these two operations being supplied from outside the stove through feed openings at progressive heights, and lining the combustion chamber from a vertically movable work scaffold within the combustion chamber. All three principal operations are carried on concurrently.

Abstract: A laundry dryer of the type having a pair of upstream and downstream side-by-side gas burners is modified by the removal of the upstream burner and replacing the burner with a reheat plenum. The reheat plenum is generally tear-shaped in cross section to provide an inlet portion having a relatively large airflow cross sectional area located laterally adjacent the burner so that the recirculated airflow enters the reheat plenum at a relatively low velocity conducive to settlement of lint therein at a point in the plenum away from high temperature heat exchange relation with the burner. The lower wall of the reheat plenum is angularly inclined and preferably curvilinear in contour and extends above the downstream burner in flame deflecting and heat exchange relation therewith to heat the recirculated air within the reheat plenum.

Abstract: A furnace construction capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 3500.degree. F. A uniquely suspended floor structure permits thermal expansion to occur as required within the furnace while permitting the admission of a cooling fluid to metal plate members therewithin. The furnace chamber is provided with an open bottom which is closed with a refractory raw material in a container and sealed by a skirt member attached directly to the superstructure of the furnace which penetrates the refractory material. Track and elevation means permits the refractory filled loaded container to be pushed into position and lifted until it seals the furnace chamber and the refractory material is heated above its melting point to form a fused ingot. Thereafter, the fused ingot is lowered in the container onto the track means and pushed away while another container of raw material is pushed into position.

Abstract: A seal assembly and method for providing a contaminant-free, fluid-tight seal in a rotary kiln or similar rotating apparatus. A seal is provided between the rotating surfaces and the stationary surfaces of the kiln by providing an annular seal chamber defined by a rotating, outwardly-facing, U-shaped annular rim integral with the rotating surfaces of the rotary kiln and a stationary bellows chamber assembly integral with the stationary surfaces of the rotary kiln. An effective seal is maintained between the bellows chamber assembly and the annular rim by injecting a pressurized fluid into the bellows chamber so as to sufficiently bias its surfaces outwardly against the surfaces of the annular rim. The annular seal chamber is separated from the kiln chamber and its fluids and contaminants by an annular isolating chamber. The bellows chamber assembly prevents fluid communication between the seal chamber and the isolating chamber.

Abstract: The lining of conically narrowing or widening walls with brick is facilitated by laying the brick in courses which are closed rings, the bricks subtending an angle of about 5.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: Heat exchange apparatus of the recuperator type is provided with means by which the inner tubular member can be withdrawn from a state of collapse and restrained in a position against further collapse.

Abstract: A method for preventing the dropping of individual bricks from a sprung arch roof employed in a continuous tank-type glass melting furnace, the dropping of the bricks normally occurring during heat-up of the furnace. The slightly tapered bricks employed in constructing the roof are oriented with their long axis in the vertical direction and, as heating occurs and the structure differentially expands and the bricks dry out, some become sufficiently loose to drop from the roof into the tank of the furnace. In visually observing the interior surface of the roof during heat-up, it can be seen which bricks are settling and likely to drop therefrom. These bricks are pulled up through the roof from above by a suction cup and mortar is placed around the bricks. The bricks are then dropped back into place with the mortar holding the bricks until they become wedged firmly in place as the temperature of the roof increases.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber module, suitable for lining furnaces, comprises a weldable (metallic or perforate refractory) backing and a number of ceramic fiber mats cemented to the backing by the edge of the mat, so as to leave a portion of the backing accessible between mats or on their perimeter, for welding. The weldable backing is welded to a metallic substrate, preferably by use of spherical attachments, to provide thermal protection to the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A multiple beam furnace in which the beams can be selectively interconnected for removal as a single unit from the furnace and for replacement into the furnace as a single unit. The movable beams can be raised to a higher position above their normal operating height for engagement of an intermediately disposed fixed beam such that the engaged beams are laterally removable as a single unit from the furnace.

Abstract: A slot furnace has a radiation resistant door which can easily be opened and closed as necessary during operation. The door is mounted on a pivot so that an end thereof covered with heat resistant insulation can be pivoted to open and close the slot when desired, to allow ease of feeding and removing materials from the furnace while preventing substantial radiational heat loss during normal operations.

Abstract: A heat recuperator for recovering thermal energy from exhaust gases emitted by a high temperature combustion furnace. The thermal energy is absorbed by an incoming stream of air. The heated air may be diverted to auxiliary heat-requiring systems and/or mixed with fuel and used in the combustion process thereby providing significant savings in energy consumption. The heat recuperator is constructed as a countercurrent-flow heat exchanger, preferentially, from a plurality of interchangeable modular elements. Each modular element is longitudinally separated into at least two flow channels in heat exchange relationship. One flow channel is used for hot exhaust gases while the incoming air is forced countercurrently through another flow channel to thereby absorb thermal energy from the hot exhaust gases.

Abstract: In a metal reheating furnace, a resilient, vibration resistant and easily installed thermal insulative structure is defined by an inner batt of refractory fibers held in place by an outer wrapping of woven refractory fibers and so arranged as to be self-retaining. This relatively soft, resilient structure supports an outer shell of refractory mortar which adheres to but does not substantially penetrate the woven wrapping, such that vibration and mechanical shock are absorbed in the soft insulation while the exterior layer protects against molten slag and high speed impinging gas flows.

Abstract: A kiln roof which is formed of a plurality of concrete panels slightly spaced to allow for expansion, each panel being suspended by suspension devices having anchors embedded in the panel, the roof being produced by casting in situ a refractory concrete and producing the separate panels by means of partitioning or inducing cracking.

Abstract: A hearth construction having a plurality of sections each of which has a first plurality of parallel, stainless steel I-beams connected in spaced relation by a plurality of transverse stainless steel I-beams. The top surfaces of the longitudinal and transverse I-beams are co-planar to provide a furnace floor for supporting work loads to be heat treated. In each section there are three elongated beams with the outer beams in each section having extensions at one end thereof. The ends of the extensions are situated in the furnace vestibule and have chamfered ends to facilitate loading and unloading of the work loads. Each section has a plurality of pairs of pier plates. The pairs are longitudinally spaced along the elongated beams at a distance corresponding to pier blocks which are situated on and extend from the furnace subfloor. The spacing between the plates in each pair dimensionally conforms to the pier blocks.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: A furnace work supporting roll and a spare work roll are mounted on a frame in diametrically opposed positions with the spare roll normally out of the furnace. The frame is mounted on an axis parallel to the roll axis and equal distance therefrom. A water cooled shield is mounted on the frame between the rolls to protect the spare roll from the heat of the furnace and has an outer surface with a diameter equal to that between the outside of the rolls. To inspect and/or remove the work roll from the furnace, the frame is rotated so that the position of the rolls are reversed. A water cooled heat shield is provided at the ends of the diameter perpendicular to the diameter through the roll axes at a distance equal to that between the outside of the rolls. A roll supporting table beneath the position of the spare roll is movable toward and away from the frame.

Abstract: Baking pit furnaces have flues cast in several inter-related parts in refractory concrete and which are assembled from the cast parts which are compacted during casting in mould means by inducing small vibrations at high frequency to the moulds in which they are cast; flues assembled from the cast parts preferably include baffles extending between side walls thereof midway of their lengths and means tying the side walls together over each length thereof defined between a control baffle and each of the two end walls of the flue. Central baffles may be rooted in the bottom walls of the flues, and all corners and free baggle edges are preferably rounded. Directional vanes are disclosed with the free baffle edges, each of said vanes being of arcuate cross-sectional shape and extending between the side walls of the flue spaced from the associated free baffle edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the conveyance of material and the erection of walls of closed circumference from bricks, such as refractory bricks, and particularly for lining converters, metallurgical furnaces, such as blast-furnaces, holding vessels etc. includes a vertical frame for supporting a working platform. The apparatus further includes a conveyer means comprising a vertical conveyance path for conveying material to the platform and a supply path for conveying material to the vertical conveyance path. The vertical conveyance path and the supply path are constituted by two runs of an endless conveyor. One of the runs is extendable by shortening of the other run and vice versa.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: A method of prolonging the life of a carbon anode ring furnace is disclosed wherein portions of the confronting refractory brick flue walls of the furnace which have partly collapsed can be readily straightened. The refractory bricks of the collapsed portion of a flue wall are urged back into the plane of the wall by interposing a hydraulic jack between the closely spaced flue walls and actuating the jack to apply opposing forces to the wall. The jack is positioned and actuated in a number of locations corresponding to a predetermined circular pattern about a deformation zone to successively reduce the deviation of the bricks of the deformation zone. A tie brick is thereafter inserted between the walls to maintain them in their normal spaced relation.

Abstract: A rotary kiln for producing an expanded clay product from clay or clay slate, the kiln having a lining provided with ribs. These ribs are built of refractory bricks partly reinforced. Each brick is preferably constituted by two portions, one of which is provided with reinforcing bars extending within and protruding from said portion. The protruding bars serve as guide for the second brick portion during the securing of the two brick portions to each other. The advantage of such a rib construction is that it allows an easy and cheap restoration of the rib when part of the rib is worn down without simultaneously necessitating a replacement of the lining.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary tube for heat exchange between solid material and gas, with satellite cooler tubes uniformly distributed around the periphery of the rotary tube in the vicinity of the exit end thereof, the satellite tubes being supported over at least one longitudinal section by a group of support elements uniformly distributed on the outside of the rotary tube casing.

Abstract: A stable, heat-protective aqueous composition formed by admixing boric acid, asbestos and glycerol, with water added to provide the desired consistency, the composition being particularly suitable to absorb and disperse heat at elevated temperatures while not conducting heat through the composition and not forming objectionable deposits on a protected product.

Abstract: The device and method of the invention embodies a shaft furnace containing no constrictions in the cross section of the shaft furnace that would unfavorably affect the movement characteristics in the filling. The arrangement of the pipes of the burning system in rings composed of closed arcuate pipe segments, adapted to the shape of the shaft furnace cross section and the provision of such pipes with a multiplicity of discharge openings for the fuel and the air of combustion which are uniformly distributed in intimate proximity to each other of horizontal rows of air and fuel pipes over the furnace periphery.According to the invention it is also feasible to arrange, in dependency on the furnace height and the material to be heat-treated, several pairs of ring pipe lines for fuel and air of combustion, either directly on top of each other in close proximity or in different combustion planes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically replacing damaged conveyor grates which can be remotely controlled. The apparatus is disposed slightly above the empty, return side of the conveyor at the cool end, and performs its function in this maintenance area. The apparatus employs a plurality of working heads which remove the damaged grate and replace it with a new grate without interrupting conveyor motion. The working heads are suspended above the conveyor in the maintenance area by a plurality of carriages which permit the working heads to access any grate within the maintenance area. The carriages also allow the working heads to move with the conveyor during the grate replacement cycle. Although the manipulation of these heads and carriages is largely automatic, the operator can initiate, direct and observe the apparatus' movements from a remote station thereby isolating him from a hazardous environment.