Abstract: A composition which has excellent fire resistance properties, never hardens or slumps, and is reusable is provided. The composition can be extruded into a caulking or sealing compound which has a high fire resistance rating of VO as measured by UL 94 Test Procedure.The fire resistant composition of the present invention comprises:(a) 45-60 wt. % of filler;(b) 12-30 wt. % ceramic fiber;(c) 0.1-0.5 wt. % reinforcing agent;(d) 18-30 wt. % tackifying agent; and(e) 2-5 wt. % oleoresinous oil.

Abstract: An asbestos-free rope packing comprising at least 3 strands of a twisted, ceramic fiber-containing paper wherein:(a) each of said strands contains at least one carrier insert;(b) said twisted ceramic fiber-containing paper contains about 3-9 wt. % of a suitable bonding agent;(c) said paper has a thickness of about 0.0015 to 0.045 inches; and(d) said paper has a width of about 0.50 to 4.0 inches.Also, a process for forming the rope packing from twisted strands of a ceramic fiber-containing paper is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle exhaust system containing a three-way catalytic converter. An insulated flexible duct connects the outlet of the engine exhaust manifold with the inlet of the three-way catalytic converter to retain the exhaust engine gases at a temperature greater than the ignition temperature of the three-way catalyst in the catalytic converter. The insulated flexible duct is preferably made of an inner flexible metal conduit surrounded by fibrous insulation which in turn is surrounded on the outside by a second flexible metal conduit. The system is economical, contains no active elements which would require maintenance or could get out of order, is adaptable to motor vehicles of all types (especially automobiles, light trucks and vans) including those powered by either gasoline and diesel engines and entirely eliminates the need for expensive and complicated light-off catalysts in the system.

Abstract: A thermal insulation device for insulating irregularly shaped objects such as pipe flanges and fittings is described which comprises a flexible thermal insulation member of specified dimensions adhered to a cover sheet and also containing detection means for detecting leakage from the flange or fitting to be insulated. The device is removably attached to the flange or fitting by securing means. The device thus provides efficient thermal insulation of pipe flanges, fittings and the like while permitting easy and prompt detection of any leakage from within the structure.

Abstract: An improved process for the centrifugal spinning of refractory fibers is described. In the improved process rotor circumferential speeds of at least about 21,000 linear feet per minute (6,400 linear meters per minute) are used. In a preferred embodiment the circumferential surfaces of the rotors are also inclined from being perpendicular to the axis of the molten stream, preferably by about 8.degree. to 20.degree..

Abstract: A thermal insulation composition is described which is dry, free-flowing, granular, and has a thermal conductivity approximately that of dry still air. The composition contains two granular siliceous materials and a granular opacifier. The first siliceous material is coarser and denser, and provides the principal bulk density of the final mixture. The second siliceous material is quite fine, and provides the principal free-flowing properties of the mixture. In a preferred embodiment a third siliceous material is also included to increase the overall surface area.