Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of brick or a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.

Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.

Abstract: An insert member including a plurality of strand members having first and second ends and being oriented in a relative spatial relationship representative of a predetermined path, first end portions for mounting the first ends of the strand members and second end portions for mounting the second ends of the strand members, wherein the first and second means are separated by a predetermined distance to provide the predetermined spatial relationship of the strand members. Also, a combination for making a ceramic gas distribution device which includes this insert member and at least one ceramic in an unfired or green state cast partially therearound.

Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of brick or a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.

Abstract: A refractory material containing a synthetic dolomite aggregate having a calcium carbonate coating on the surface thereof and further containing magnesia, a binder, a plasticizer, an organic fiber homogenizer, a bond stabilizer, and a dispersant; and a method of forming a protective refractory surface on the lining of a tundish, steel ladle and the like by spraying, gunning or troweling the surface coated aggregate-containing refractory material thereon are disclosed. This material offers the multiple advantages of improving resistance to slaking, reducing alumina inclusions in the steel, and reducing clogging of the tundish nozzle.

Abstract: Lightweight, low density magnesia-based tundish refractory compositions containing from 0.01 to 2.00 weight percent styrofoam beads and up to 5.0 weight percent paper fiber are disclosed. The compositions have excellent rapid heating, thermal insulative, vertical adhesion and deskullability properties. The compositions are useful as a lining applied over the permanent lining of a tundish, such as is used in continuous molten metal casting processes.

Abstract: A refractory composition is disclosed which consists essentially of sized refractory aggregate including at least 10%, based on the total weight of the composition, MgO containing grain having at least 50% MgO and passing a 5 mesh screen, from about 0.1 to about 1.5%, on the dehydrated basis, of chrome sulfate or sodium sulfate, from about 0.1 to about 1.5% of an organic acid or salt thereof; and up to about 1.1% of a plasticizer.

Abstract: The disclosed process uses a vertical remote controlled refractory gunning apparatus to repair damages to the stack, bosh, or hearth of a blast furnace. In the disclosed method, a reusable opening is created in the side of the blast furnace and a gantry, for example, is inserted through the reusable opening. The vertical remote-controlled refractory gunning apparatus is then introduced into the blast furnace via the gantry. In those cases wherein the blast furnace is loaded through a chute, the chute is moved to one side, the gantry is introduced at an angle and the vertical remote controlled refractory gunning apparatus is introduced through the opening.

Abstract: A refractory composition is disclosed which contains from about 0.5 to about 0.5% of an alkali metal phosphate, for example, monosodium phosphate, from about 1.7 to about 5% of an alkali metal polyphosphate, from about 0.1 to about 0.35% of a lime aggregate; from about 0.1 to about 1.5% of a plasticizer, with the balance being a sized refractory aggregate, preferably an MgO-containing grain such as periclase.

Abstract: A sprayer for repairing a refractory lining comprising a vertical, axially movable and rotatable nozzle pipe; a stationary housing disposed about a portion of the pipe; a pair of parallel, connected turntables rotatably supported within the housing axial with and through which the pipe freely passes; motor-driven wheels mounted on the undersides of the turntables for supporting the pipe and driving it in either axial direction relative to the housing; and the combination of a first gear mounted on the upperside of one turntable coaxial with and through which the pipe freely passes intermeshed with a second, motor-driven gear mounted on the housing for rotating the pipe together with the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is the production of high purity magnesium aluminate spinel by blending alumina as ESP fines with a finely divided source of magnesia in a MgO:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 weight ratio of between about 0.4 to 0.8 and firing the blend at 900.degree.C. or above.