Abstract: A method of forming an insulation module for insulating the walls of a furnace, the method including forming holes at spaced intervals in a cold face of a mat of ceramic insulation material, applying a liquid adhesive to the cold face, vibrating the adhesive to cause the adhesive to penetrate into the holes of the mat, and providing a backing panel on the cold face.

Abstract: A high temperature insulation module having a ceramic fiber mat defining a hot face, another ceramic fiber mat defining a cold face and a support member positioned intermediate the mats and generally at a location where during operation of the furnace, the temperature of the support member exceeds that at which corrosive gases can condense to form liquid corrosives which would otherwise act upon the support member is disclosed. The ceramic fiber mats may be comprised of resilient material, and the support member is relatively rigid with respect to the mats. In addition, a fastener may be carried by the module and actuated by introducing a tool through the hot face of the module, or a fastener may be introduced into the module and actuated through the hot face at the time of installation. Cement is preferably used to affix the support member to the fiber mats.

Abstract: A high temperature industrial furnace comprising a clean interior face of a metal furnace casing, a corrosion inhibitor/adhesive, and a ceramic fiber insulation module attached to the casing with the adhesive to provide an elastic or flexible bond between the casing and the insulation material is disclosed. The corrosion inhibitor/adhesive may be applied over a relatively large surface area of the casing to provide a vapor impervious membrane. A silicone compound is a preferred corrosion inhibitor/adhesive material.

Abstract: An apparatus including an insulation module attachable to a furnace wall, an elongate anchor member completely embedded within the insulation module and generally parallel to a major surface of the module, and a support element having one end cooperable with a heating element and another end attachable to the anchor member is disclosed. A method including embedding an anchor member within an insulation module, affixing the module to a wall, inserting a support member into the module and engaging the anchor member therewith, and bringing a heating element into an engagement with another end of the support member is disclosed.

Abstract: A welding terminal operable to arc weld to a work piece a stud thereafter drive an element prethreaded to the stud. In one embodiment, the welding terminal may be adapted to cooperate with a guide to facilitate engagement with the prethreaded element, and in another embodiment, the welding terminal may have fluting or ribs to grippingly engage a portion of the prethreaded element. The duration of the arc weld and the sequencing of the welding and driving functions both may be automatically controlled. The normal force imposed on the fixed stud portion and the torque imposed on the movable threaded portion may be substantially automatically limited.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber mat attached to the interior wall or surface of a high temperature chamber of furnace or adapted to overlie an intermediate insulating member positioned between the mat and a furnace wall, the fibers in the mat lying in planes generally perpendicular to the wall, the mat constituting an improved insulation for the wall where the interior of the chamber or furnace will be operating at temperatures in excess of 1600.degree. F.

Abstract: A novel insulation module for lining the interior surfaces of high temperature chambers such as furnaces, is described. The module comprises in its basic form a first block of high temperature insulating material and a second block overlying the first block but rotated 90.degree. with respect thereto. Each of these blocks is formed from a mass of ceramic fibers, all of which are oriented generally in planes substantially perpendicular to the surface of the furnace wall.