Abstract: A radiant tube heating assembly for a furnace, which assembly combines the features of a heating element utilizing the latest powder metallurgical technology, improved ceramic spacers and staggered weld joints to thereby enable higher efficiency and heating temperatures. Further, the assembly enables a higher temperature element system, ease of manufacture and reduced failures due to shorts or arc over at the weld joints.

Abstract: A modular type heating unit or assembly having particular utility for use in a high temperature electric furnace, preferably in a group arrangement, comprises an insulating fibrous refractory block, a pair of spaced apart support rods, inner and outer support tubes and a heating element. Both the heating element and the support rods are formed of alloys to enable operation at relatively high temperatures. By utilizing this concept of modular element/insulation units, furnaces can be operated at relatively higher temperatures than is currently possible for exposed electrical element type furnaces.