Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic fiber felt or mat having an area comprising a high temperature ceramic fiber and another portion of lower temperature ceramic fiber. The two portions being joined seamlessly by an intermingling and intimate relationship of the two fiber types during the formation process. The invention further provides apparatus for formation of such ceramic fiber composites and further provides for forming such composite ceramic fiber members into modules.

Abstract: An induced draft cooling tower includes a unitary, seamless shell fabricated from a rust-free, plastics material. The cooling tower operates on the counterflow principle whereby a fluid to be cooled is directed downwardly through a block of cellular packing disposed within the tower, while cooling air is drawn upwardly through the cellular packing and is exhausted at the top of the tower. A fan is mounted atop the tower for purposes of drawing air through the tower. The shell includes a polygonal lower portion for easier formation of air inlets and for attachment of plumbing fixtures. The shell is fabricated from an inexpensive, relatively weak plastics material; however, due to the configuration of the shell, the tower possesses favorable strength characteristics and avoids the need for any supplementary structural supports made of very strong material such as steel or fiberglass reinforced polyester.