Abstract: Disclosed is a support system for an electrical resistance heating element, such element being adapted to be mounted on ceramic fiber insulation covering the inner surfaces of furnace shells or the like. The support comprises a pin for insertion into the ceramic fiber module; and a clip or retaining wire which is held within an opening in the pin and is adapted to surround the resistance element, thereby to retain it in position; means are provided for securely anchoring the pin within the module.

Abstract: An industrial furnace with insulating walls comprising side-by-side pre-formed panels each including a plurality of ceramic insulating modules. The side wall panels include vertical buckstays to which the modules are secured by retainer clips including sharp spikes inserted into side edge surfaces of the insulating modules. Modules with offset stepped side profiles are disclosed, arranged to provide for ready removal of a single module without disturbing adjacent modules. Atmosphere furnace insulation arrangements also are disclosed utilizing ceramic modules secured to the furnace shell by special retainer clips embedded in side edge surfaces of the modules.

Abstract: Resistance heating coils, flattened longitudinally along two sides to have generally oval cross-sections, are embedded in situ in a lightweight ceramic fiber insulating body adjacent to and extending along beneath the surface of the insulating body. Electrical terminal elements extend from the heating coils through the insulating body, and axial movement of the leads is prevented by anchoring members welded thereto. In one embodiment, the coils are embedded in an insulating body having a thickness no greater than about twice the depth of the heating coils. The resulting compact heating unit is sufficiently thin to be mounted as a retrofit item on the interior walls of an existing furnace.

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: An industrial furnace with insulating walls comprising side-by-side pre-formed panels each including a plurality of ceramic insulating modules. The side wall panels include vertical buckstays to which the modules are secured by retainer clips including sharp spikes inserted into side edge surfaces of the insulating modules. Modules with offset stepped side profiles are disclosed, arranged to provide for ready removal of a single module without disturbing adjacent modules. Atmosphere furnace insulation arrangements also are disclosed utilizing ceramic modules secured to the furnace shell by special retainer clips embedded in side edge surfaces of the modules.

Abstract: The roof of the heating chamber in a refractory furnace is made of refractory or brick with vertical holes therein and a number of hooks or holding means are suspended in these holes. The hooks project into the heating chamber and an electrical heating element means is suspended on the hooks. In order to remove the heating elements, a plastic bag is used which has its open edge fastened to the top surface of the furnace to enclose an opening in the furnace through which the heating element and the bricks or holding means to which the heating element is attached can be withdrawn. The bag is of sufficient size to enclose the entire assembly when withdrawn from the furnace. The parts are arranged so that another element can be placed in the furnace by another bag so that gaseous contents of the furnace are kept in the furnace.

Abstract: A walking beam furnace has an elongated hearth with a longitudinal slot, and a walking beam is positioned within the slot. The bottom edge of the walking beam is provided with a rack which is engaged by a plurality of crank lever pins which are pivoted in a manner to raise, move forward, and then lower the beam. The pins are actuated by a mechanism positioned on the top of the furnace and connected to the pins by means of vertical actuating arms on the sides of the furnace with the arms being connected to shafts on the bottom of the furnace. The crank lever pins are mounted on the ends of the shafts.